Concealed Sanitary Fitting Mounting With Adjustable Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealed sanitary fittings have limited alignment ranges for valve function units due to the use of cylindrical through holes and fixing screws, restricting shifts and rotations, which complicates alignment with the joint structure of building walls.
Innovation Solution
A clamp element with a pressing portion that forms a force-locked connection with the valve function unit, allowing for larger shifts and rotations, and additional mounting means for alignment without the clamp element, such as threaded holes and long holes, provide a universal and simplified mounting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cylindrical through holes and fixing screws are used to mount the valve function unit, then the connection is secure and simple to manufacture, but the alignment range for shifts and rotations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into two independent parts: cylindrical through holes for basic positioning and a separate clamp element for expansion. This segmentation allows the cylindrical holes to provide simple, secure mounting while the clamp element adds alignment flexibility without modifying the original holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp element acts as an intermediary component between the valve function unit and the connecting member. It mediates the connection by providing an adjustable clamping mechanism that enables shifts and rotations while maintaining secure fastening, thus expanding alignment range without complicating the base mounting system.
2Ease of operation
If the valve function unit is firmly fixed using cylindrical through holes and fixing screws, then the connection is stable, but the ability to shift and rotate for alignment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The clamp element can be positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical through holes, enabling the valve function unit to be shifted and rotated for alignment while maintaining a stable fixed connection when clamped.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical through holes are pre-positioned to provide preliminary alignment and positioning. The clamp element is then applied to lock the position, allowing preliminary alignment adjustments before final securing, thus ensuring both ease of operation and connection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting options are provided for alignment, then alignment flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp element serves multiple functions: it provides clamping force for secure attachment, enables positional adjustment along the cylindrical through holes, and allows rotational alignment. This multi-functionality achieves alignment flexibility without requiring multiple separate mounting systems, thus maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly for a concealed sanitary fitting (10) comprises a connecting member (12) configured to be installed in an installation recess and comprising at least two first mounting means (28, 32, 34), a valve function unit (20) comprising at least one abutment portion (36, 39), and a clamp element (50; 150). The clamp element (50; 150) comprises at least two second mounting means (54; 154) cooperating with the first mounting means (28, 32, 34) and a pressing portion (52; 152), wherein the pressing portion (52; 152) is pressed against the abutment portion (36, 39) of the valve function unit (20) when the clamp element (50; 150) is fixed to the connecting member (12) with the help of the first and second mounting means (28, 32, 34, 54; 154), thereby clamping the valve function unit (20) against the connecting member (12).