Flush-Mounted Sanitary Fitting Sealing With Bonded Retaining Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concealed sanitary fittings lack a secure and reliable mechanism to prevent unintentional movement of the valve support body within the housing, which compromises the sealing function and tightness.
Innovation Solution
A retaining element is materially bonded to the housing part, surrounding the arms of the valve support body and adapted to its geometry, ensuring a watertight seal by using a two-component injection molding process, where the first component is bonded to the housing part and the second component is a thermoplastic elastomer for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining element made of elastomer is attached to each arm of the valve support body to seal the gap, then the sealing function is improved, but the valve support body can still move unintentionally within the housing because the retaining element can slip
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is divided into two distinct components: a first component made of plastic that is materially bonded to the housing part, and a second component made of elastomer that provides the sealing function. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element combines two different materials - plastic (first component) and elastomer (second component) - into a single integrated structure. The plastic component provides structural stability and bonding capability, while the elastomer component provides flexible sealing, creating a composite solution that addresses both stability and sealing requirements simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the retaining element is made of elastomer to provide sealing, then the sealing capability is improved, but the connection strength between the retaining element and housing part is reduced due to slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is segmented into a first component (plastic) for strong bonding to the housing and a second component (elastomer) for sealing. This segmentation allows the plastic component to provide robust mechanical connection while the elastomer component provides flexible sealing without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the retaining element have different material properties optimized for their specific functions: the first component (plastic) has high structural strength and bonding capability for attachment to the housing, while the second component (elastomer) has high elasticity and conformability for sealing against the arm.
3Manufacturing precision
If a two-component injection molding process is used to create the retaining element, then the manufacturing precision and sealing quality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two-component injection molding process merges the manufacturing of the plastic first component and elastomer second component into a single integrated retaining element produced in one operation. This combining of steps achieves precise alignment and bonding between components while eliminating the need for separate assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-component injection molding process creates self-bonding between the first and second components during manufacturing, where the elastomer component is molded directly onto the plastic component in a single process step. This self-service approach ensures precise integration without requiring additional bonding operations or complex assembly procedures.
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 stable and fluid-tight connection between the valve support body and housing, preventing leaks and ensuring the integrity of the sealing function.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining element is produced using a two-component injection molding process, where the first component is produced and the second component is then molded onto the first component
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a concealed sanitary fitting (1) comprising at least one fitting support body (2), wherein the at least one fitting support body (2) comprises at least one first arm (3.1) with a first connection (4.1) and a second arm (3.2) with a second connection (4.2), at least one housing part (5) made of plastic, wherein the at least one housing part partially surrounds the first arm (3.1) and the second arm (3.2), a retaining element (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4) for each arm (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4), wherein the retaining element (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4) surrounds the arm (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) and bears against both the arm (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) and the at least one housing part (5), and the first connection (4.1) and the second connection (4.2) are accessible from outside the housing part (5), wherein the retaining element (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4) is materially bonded to the housing part (5).