Retractable Clamping Tab for Partition Panel Water Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for fixing water supply connections in partition panels require precise hole dimensions, which can be a limitation when the panel thickness, bore dimensions, or position are unusual, and may not accommodate radial movement of expansion rings effectively.

Innovation Solution

A support system with a plate and retractable fixings that include a guide and clamping tab, allowing the tab to pivot and slide along a tightening axis, enabling secure fixation regardless of panel thickness or bore dimensions through rotation rather than radial movement, and allowing independent adjustment of clamping tabs for optimal positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If expansion rings with radial movement are used to fix water supply connections, then the connection can be centered in the bore, but the hole dimensions must be particularly precise and the radial travel is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole dimension precisionVSAvoidadaptability to unusual panel thickness and bore dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping tab is designed to be movable relative to the plate, transitioning between retracted and deployed orientations. This dynamic mechanism allows the fixing device to adapt to varying bore dimensions and panel thicknesses, resolving the contradiction between precise hole requirements and adaptability to unusual dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on radial movement of expansion rings, the invention introduces axial movement of the clamping tab along the tightening axis. This dimensional change from radial to axial movement enables adaptation to unusual panel thickness and bore dimensions while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the clamping tab uses radial displacement to engage the rear face, then the bore must be of precise dimensions, but this limits adaptability to non-standard configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebore dimension precisionVSAvoidadaptability to non-standard panel configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the movement parameter from radial displacement to axial sliding along the tightening axis. This parameter change allows the clamping tab to reach the rear face of the partition panel through axial movement, enabling adaptation to non-standard panel thickness and bore dimensions without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple retractable fixings are provided, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different bore shapes and obstaclesVSAvoidnumber of retractable fixings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is segmented into multiple independent retractable fixings, each capable of independent movement between retracted and deployed orientations. This segmentation allows selective engagement of individual fixings to adapt to different bore shapes and obstacles, providing versatility without requiring all fixings to be simultaneously complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4464849A1Support and method for fixing at least one water supply connection in a corresponding bore of a wall panel
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 HESPERIA DEVEMENT
  • EP4464849A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4464849A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4464849A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Support (2), comprising a plate (20) receiving a power supply connection (8). To accommodate the thickness of a partition panel (1) and unusual bore dimensions (11), the support includes a retractable fastener (30), with a clamping tab (32) sliding between an initial position and a clamping position. In the initial position, the clamping tab (32) can pivot between a retracted orientation, allowing insertion into the bore (11), and a deployed orientation, preventing the clamping tab (32) from being withdrawn from the bore (11). In the clamping position, the clamping tab (32) is held in the deployed orientation and is closer to the plate (20) than in the initial position, bearing against the partition panel (1).