Sanitary Fitting Locking Element for Fast Secure Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitary fittings are difficult to mount and require manual handling of separate connection elements, leading to potential safety issues and increased installation costs due to non-positive connections that can unintentionally loosen.

Innovation Solution

A sanitary fitting with a captively mounted locking element that can be moved linearly between unlocking and locking positions, secured using a spring preload and form-fitting design, allowing for easy assembly and secure attachment to connection devices without separate handling of locking elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate connection elements are used for mounting sanitary fittings, then the connection can be established, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires manual handling of multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidconnection assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is integrated directly into the sanitary fitting body, merging the fitting and locking mechanisms into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate connection elements and manual assembly steps, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If force-lock connection is used for mounting sanitary fittings, then the connection can be established, but the security against accidental loosening is difficult to verify

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidverification of security
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element changes its visual appearance (position or state) when transitioning between locked and unlocked states, providing a clear visual indicator that the connection is secure. This resolves the contradiction by making the verification of connection security straightforward through visual detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If rotary movement is required to actuate locking elements, then the locking mechanism can be engaged, but the operation becomes difficult for the operator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking element actuationVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring rotary movement to engage the locking mechanism, the design uses linear displacement of the locking element. This inverts the traditional actuation method, making it easier for the operator while maintaining the effectiveness of the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If separate locking elements are provided for each connection device, then each connection can be secured independently, but the assembly process becomes laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to interact with multiple connection devices simultaneously through its linear displacement path, allowing a single locking element to secure multiple connections at once. This multi-functionality reduces installation time while maintaining reliable security for each connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for manual handling of locking elements and ensures secure attachment to connection devices, preventing unintentional loosening and reducing installation costs.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one locking element can be spring-loaded into the locking position by means of a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4303371B1Sanitary fitting having a locking element
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 IDEAL STANDARD INT
  • EP4303371B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4303371B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4303371B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sanitary fitting (1) with a cold water connection (3), a hot water connection (4) and at least one water outlet (5), wherein the cold water connection (3) and the hot water connection (4) can each be connected to a building-side pipe by means of a connection device (2), wherein at least one locking element (6) is movably mounted on the sanitary fitting (1) between an unlocking position and a locking position, wherein the sanitary fitting (1) can be placed on the connection devices (2) in the unlocking position and is secured against removal from the connection devices (2) in the locking position.