Plumbing Anchoring Element With Elastic Slot For Adjustable Stem Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve fixing devices with moving parts are costly, difficult to manufacture, and lack robustness, requiring a new type of anchoring element for secure and efficient valve fixation without requiring access below the assembly plane.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring element comprising a base with a first through hole and an elastically deformable element with a second through hole, forming a slot that allows for adjustable rod inclination and secure fixation by friction, with a return element to restore the rod's reference inclination, eliminating the need for articulations and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an anchoring element with moving parts is used to allow insertion through a hole and then extend for secure fixation, then the anchoring element can be installed from above without access below the assembly plane, but the device becomes more complex, less robust, more expensive, and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring element incorporates movable arms that can pivot between a retracted position for insertion and an extended position for secure fixation. This dynamic mechanism allows the element to pass through the hole in a compact form and then expand to provide stable anchoring, resolving the contradiction between installation accessibility and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring element is divided into a base and two lateral arms that can move independently. This segmentation allows the arms to pivot relative to the base, enabling the element to transition from a compact insertion state to an expanded anchoring state, thus achieving easy installation from above while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Ease of operation
If an anchoring element with moving parts is used to enable insertion and extension, then installation from above is possible, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pivoting mechanism of the lateral arms allows the anchoring element to be manufactured as a relatively simple assembly of basic components (base and arms) that can move rather than requiring complex integrated mechanisms, helping to control manufacturing difficulty while achieving the desired installation accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the anchoring element into separate movable arms and base, the manufacturing process can use simpler, more standardized components that are easier to produce and assemble compared to a monolithic complex structure, thus reducing manufacturing difficulty while enabling installation from above
3Ease of operation
If an anchoring element with moving parts is used to allow insertion and extension, then installation from above is possible, but robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arms are designed to pivot smoothly between positions while maintaining structural integrity. The dynamic design allows the element to adapt to installation conditions without compromising the strength of the connection between the base and arms, thus preserving robustness while enabling installation accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented structure with lateral arms pivoting on the base creates multiple load-bearing connections rather than a single rigid structure. This segmentation distributes mechanical stresses across multiple joints and components, enhancing the overall robustness and reliability of the anchoring element while allowing it to be installed from above
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a robust, cost-effective, and easy-to-manufacture anchoring system that allows for quick and comfortable installation of valves without requiring access below the assembly plane, ensuring secure fixation and reduced bulk during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable element provided with a second through hole, the base and the elastically deformable element being assembled so that the first and second holes overlap at least partially so as to form a slot
Implementation Method 2
the elasticity of the elastically deformable element and the characteristics of the first hole make it possible to modify the inclination of the rod with respect to the anchoring element
Implementation Method 3
the size of the slot can be sized to hold a rod relative to the anchoring element, the holding taking place for example by friction of the rod with the elastically deformable element
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
The invention relates to an anchoring element (10) for a plumbing fastener (40) in an orifice (52) in a mounting plane (50). The anchoring element (10) comprises a base (12) provided with a first through-hole (14) allowing the insertion of a stem (30) such that the stem (30) has a reference inclination (H) with respect to the anchoring element (10). The shape of the first hole (14) is configured to make it possible to modify the inclination of the stem (30) with respect to the reference inclination (H). The anchoring element (10) also comprises a return element (20) configured to return the stem (30) to the reference inclination (H). This return element (20) comprises an elastically deformable element and comprises a second through-hole (24), the base (12) and the return element (20) being assembled such that the first and second holes (14, 24) are superposed at least in part so as to form a slot, and a smallest diameter of the slot is shorter than a smallest diameter of the first hole (14).