Modular Plumbing Support Frame for Multi-Side Line Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing connection systems restrict the entry of water supply and drain lines to the top and bottom walls, preventing rotation and vertical stacking, making installation cumbersome and limiting access points.
Innovation Solution
A modular support system with a frame and connector block that allows flexible orientation and connection of plumbing lines from multiple sides, enabling vertical and horizontal interconnection of frame units, and includes a housing assembly that can be rotated for line access from any direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If attachment structures are provided on the sides of the box to enable connection to studs or clips, then the box can be securely mounted, but the attachment structures block the sidewalls from receiving water supply and drain lines, restricting entry to top and bottom walls only
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means is divided into separate components: mounting brackets that attach to studs are separated from the utility box body, allowing the sidewalls to have openings for line entry while the mounting function is fulfilled by the detached brackets. This segmentation resolves the conflict between secure mounting and line access flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the box is designed with fixed orientation attachment structures, then the mounting is simplified, but the boxes cannot be rotated and plumbing installation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are designed with universal attachment capabilities that can accommodate multiple orientations and configurations. The brackets can be mounted on studs in various positions and the utility boxes can be oriented differently while maintaining secure connection, enabling both simplified manufacturing and flexible installation.
3Strength
If deep boxes are used to accommodate connection structures on the sides, then secure mounting is achieved, but the box depth increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structures are extracted from the main body of the utility box and implemented as separate mounting brackets that attach to studs independently. This allows secure mounting without requiring the box itself to be deep, as the mounting function is performed by the external brackets rather than requiring deep integration into the wall cavity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If supply and drain lines are positioned in separate boxes mounted on opposite sides of a single stud, then line organization is improved, but the system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple utility boxes can be connected to each other through the mounting bracket system, allowing supply and drain lines to be organized in separate boxes while maintaining a unified, manageable configuration. The brackets enable easy connection and disconnection of multiple boxes, reducing the perceived complexity despite the increased number of components.
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed technology generally provides a modular support system for plumbing connections. In one example, the system includes a frame, a connector that fits entirely in front of a support stud, and an optional housing. The frame includes symmetrical sides, each including a rail assembly. The connector includes first opposed sidewalls, each having a pair of boxways that receive the rails on any side of a frame unit to form a sliding joint between the frame and connector. Second opposed sidewalls include flexible tabs that engage frame corner flanges to prevent rearward disengagement of the connector from the frame. The housing includes structure for connection with the frame. The housing can be rotated for connection with the frame to receive vertical or horizontal plumbing lines. Connectors can connect the frame units in vertical or horizontal relation, or on either side of a building stud, or to brackets.