Sanitary Mounting Frame Integrating Dehumidifier and Cistern

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dehumidifiers for sanitary rooms are space-consuming, require power outlets, and need regular manual emptying, while ventilation systems are costly and may require landlord consent, making them impractical for moisture management in bathrooms.

Innovation Solution

A mounting frame integrating a dehumidifier within a cistern that collects condensed moisture, allowing for space-saving and low-maintenance operation, with the dehumidifier's output integrated into the flushing system, eliminating the need for manual emptying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a mobile dehumidifier is used in a sanitary room, then moisture can be removed from the air, but the device occupies additional space and requires regular manual emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture in airVSAvoidspace occupied by dehumidifier
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dehumidifier is merged with the mounting frame structure, integrating the dehumidification function into the existing sanitary fixture framework. This eliminates the need for a separate mobile dehumidifier unit, removing the harmful moisture while avoiding additional space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting frame is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support for the sanitary body, housing for the dehumidifier, and collection system for condensate. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to remove moisture and store the byproduct without requiring additional dedicated space.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a mobile dehumidifier is used in a sanitary room, then moisture can be removed from the air, but the device requires regular manual emptying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture in airVSAvoidmaintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages condensate removal by directing it to the cistern, which is already part of the flushing system. The dehumidifier operates autonomously without requiring user intervention for emptying, as the condensate is automatically utilized for its intended purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The condensate, which would normally be waste requiring disposal, is converted into a useful resource for flushing the sanitary body. This transforms the harmful moisture extracted from air into a beneficial flushing liquid, eliminating the need for manual emptying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If a cistern is integrated into the mounting frame to receive condensate, then manual emptying is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance effortVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cistern is combined with the mounting frame structure, merging the condensate collection function with the existing support framework. This integration adds the necessary complexity only once during installation, after which the system operates autonomously without requiring additional maintenance actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effective moisture control without occupying additional space and maintaining aesthetic appeal, preventing mold growth while integrating dehumidification into the sanitary fixture's operation.

Implementation Method 1

moisture extracted from the room air by the dehumidifier can be fed to the cistern as a liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP4613942A1Mounting frame for mounting a sanitary body
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 GROHE AG
  • EP4613942A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4613942A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4613942A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Mounting frame (1) for mounting a sanitary unit (2), comprising at least: - a cistern for receiving a rinsing liquid for the sanitary unit (2); and - a dehumidifier (4), wherein moisture extracted from the room air by the dehumidifier (4) can be supplied to the cistern (3) as a liquid.