Prefabricated Sanitary Wall Module for Rapid Bathroom Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of bathrooms is often delayed and costly due to the involvement of multiple craftsmen, requiring complex coordination and lengthy on-site construction processes.

Innovation Solution

A sanitary wall module with a prefabricated stud frame and cladding panel, featuring integrated water inlet connections and fittings, is designed for efficient assembly, allowing for off-site prefabrication and reduced on-site labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional on-site bathroom construction with multiple tradespeople is used, then comprehensive construction tasks can be completed, but construction time is extended and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sanitary wall module is prefabricated off-site with all necessary components (framework, cladding panels with openings, water inlet connections, and fittings) assembled before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for sequential on-site work by multiple tradespeople, significantly reducing construction time and enabling rapid installation as a complete unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tradespeople work sequentially on-site, then all construction tasks are covered, but coordination complexity and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction task coverageVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple construction tasks (framework assembly, cladding installation, opening creation, water connection installation, and fitting mounting) into a single integrated prefabricated module. This consolidation eliminates the need for coordinating multiple tradespeople working sequentially, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining all necessary construction functions within one deliverable unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cladding panels are fabricated on-site with openings cut out, then customization is possible, but construction time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel customizationVSAvoidpanel installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Cladding panels are prefabricated off-site with all necessary openings already cut and shaped according to the specific design requirements. This preliminary customization eliminates the need for on-site cutting and fitting operations, making panel installation straightforward and rapid while maintaining the ability to customize openings during the manufacturing phase rather than during construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If water inlet connections and fittings are installed on-site, then flexible positioning is achieved, but installation time and skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting positioning flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Water inlet connections and fittings are pre-installed on the framework during off-site manufacturing, with positions optimized for the specific bathroom layout. This preliminary installation eliminates the need for skilled plumbers to perform complex on-site piping work, while the modular design allows for flexible positioning adjustments during the manufacturing phase to meet different customer requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3527731B1Sanitary wall module and method for setting up a sanitary wall
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 VIEGA TECHNOLOGY GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3527731B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3527731B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3527731B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a sanitary wall module comprising a framework (1) composed of vertical and horizontal profile bars (2, 3) and connectors (4), at least one water inlet connection (7) and at least one cladding panel (11) to be attached to the front of the framework (1), which has at least one opening.To achieve significant time savings while maintaining high quality in both new construction and bathroom renovations, the invention provides that the framework (1) is designed as a prefabricated framework for forming a wall module, wherein the at least one water inlet connection (7) is mounted on a fitting plate (8, 8I, 8II) connected to the framework (1), and wherein the cladding panel (11) is designed as a prefabricated cladding panel, already having the at least one opening (12, 12I) and being dimensioned and/or cut such that, in the assembled state, it extends substantially over the entire height and/or the entire width of the framework (1). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for erecting a sanitary wall in the form of a partition wall or room divider according to customer specifications on a construction site, preferably using a sanitary wall module according to the invention.