Plumbing Target Placement Tool for Underground Pipe Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of underground plumbing pipes is challenging due to high skill requirements and budget constraints, particularly in accurately placing vertical pipes perpendicularly and connecting them to horizontal pipes without existing structural elements for support or reference.

Innovation Solution

A plumbing apparatus comprising a target placement tool with securing rods and a pipe supporting member, allowing vertical pipes to be aligned and supported perpendicularly, and horizontal pipes to be aligned using additional securing rods and an alignment member, facilitating precise placement without reliance on structural elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional above-ground plumbing devices are used, then structural support and reference are provided, but the devices are large, cumbersome, and unsuitable for underground plumbing where no structural elements exist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to underground plumbing environmentVSAvoiddevice size and structural requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate components: a placement tool for establishing reference points and a supporting member for holding pipes. The placement tool can be removed after use, leaving only minimal markers in the ground, while the supporting member is a simple structure that relies on these markers rather than requiring complex structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The function of providing structural reference and support is extracted from a large, complex above-ground device and implemented through simple markers placed in the ground. The placement tool temporarily provides reference during installation, then is removed, leaving only the essential minimal structure needed for underground application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If traditional plumbing devices are used, then alignment and support functions are provided, but the devices are slow to install and disassemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidtime to install and disassemble device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The placement tool and supporting member are separate, allowing the placement tool to be quickly installed, used to position the supporting member, then removed. This segmentation enables rapid installation and disassembly compared to traditional devices that require mounting to structural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The placement tool establishes reference points and alignment markers before the supporting member is installed. This preliminary action allows the supporting member to be quickly positioned without requiring complex adjustment or mounting procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If vertical pipes are placed using traditional methods, then pipe installation can proceed, but accurate perpendicular alignment without structural reference is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperpendicular alignment precisionVSAvoidalignment reference structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The placement tool acts as an intermediary that temporarily provides alignment references and perpendicular guidance during installation. It includes features like alignment markers and guide structures that help position the supporting member and pipes accurately, then is removed after serving its purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Alignment markers and reference points are established in advance using the placement tool before pipe installation begins. This preliminary alignment work ensures perpendicular positioning is achieved through pre-established references rather than requiring complex structures during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11655915B1Plumbing target and placement tool

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 SCHWARTZ CURTIS ALAN

AI summary

A plumbing apparatus for placing and supporting a vertical pipe in relation to an installation surface, comprising a plumbing target placement tool, and a plumbing target guide having a pair of securing rods and a pipe supporting member, the plumbing target placement tool allows the securing rods to be precisely embedded into the installation surface over an installation point. The pipe supporting member is attached to the securing rods in vertical alignment with the installation point, and allows the vertical pipe to be vertically inserted, to be supported perpendicularly to the installation surface an in vertical alignment with the installation point. The plumbing apparatus further comprises a horizontal pipe alignment guide that allows horizontal pipe to be positioned along a guide line that runs through the installation point, the horizontal alignment guide being attached to two additional securing rods placed astride the guide line with the horizontal pipe centered therebetween.