Quick Fastening Device for Sanitary Frame Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for equipped walls in sanitary appliances are complex, not very versatile, require lengthy assembly times, and often necessitate the use of tools and multiple operators, lacking ergonomic design and precise adjustment capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A quick fastening device featuring a coupling plate with a rotating locking element and cam mechanism that allows for easy attachment and adjustment of components to a support frame, enabling single-operator, tool-free assembly with enhanced stability and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known quick fastening devices with cam portions are used, then fastening function is achieved, but the device structure becomes complicated and requires many components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening functionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hooking tooth and cam portion into a single integrated bushing component. The bushing simultaneously provides hooking engagement with the rail and cam-based locking action, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable fastening function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting element for the locking member, provides hooking engagement with the rail through its shaped opening, and generates the cam action against the rail edge. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the fastening device.

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

2Reliability

If known fastening systems are used, then fastening is achieved, but assembly time becomes lengthy and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefasteningVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is designed to be self-assembling without tools. The locking member can be manually manipulated to engage the cam portion with the rail, and the control rod allows for easy manual actuation. The device performs its own locking action through the cam mechanism without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing is pre-formed with the hooking tooth shape and cam portion integrated into its structure. This preliminary preparation of the bushing geometry enables quick assembly by simply positioning and locking, without requiring on-site machining, shaping, or complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If known fastening devices are used, then fastening is achieved, but assembly operations become difficult and require two people

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefasteningVSAvoidassembly operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is mounted on a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the rail direction, allowing the locking action to occur in a different dimensional plane. This perpendicular pivot arrangement enables easy manual manipulation of the control rod and locking member, making the assembly operation ergonomic and suitable for single-operator installation even in confined spaces.

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

4Reliability

If known fastening systems are used, then components are fastened, but precise adjustment of distances between bars is not allowed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefasteningVSAvoidadjustment of distances
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device incorporates adjustable positioning features that allow the distance between bars to be modified. The locking mechanism permits controlled adjustment during installation, enabling precise positioning of components relative to each other while maintaining secure fastening. The system transitions from a fixed-position design to one that allows dynamic adjustment before final locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device simplifies the assembly process, reduces assembly time, and allows for precise adjustments without the need for tools, enabling efficient and ergonomic attachment of components to support frames, even in confined spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a locking member which is mounted pivotably on the bushing and has a control rod and a cam which, in the clamping position, is pushed by the bushing against the rail for engaging the bar, clamping the bar between the cam and the hooking tooth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP2921720B1Quick fastening device for fastening components and accessories on a support frame of sanitary appliances, and installation structure comprising a fastening device
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 VALSIR
  • EP2921720B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2921720B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2921720B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A quick fastening device (1) for fastening components and accessories on a support frame of sanitary appliances, comprising a coupling plate (15), attached or attachable to a component (40) and provided with a hooking tooth (22) projecting from the coupling plate (15) and shaped so as to hook a first longitudinal edge (11) of a bar (2) of a frame (43); and a locking element (16) hinged to the coupling plate (15) and rotating with respect to the coupling plate (15) and provided with at least one cam (34), protruding radially from the locking element (16) and facing the hooking tooth (22); the cam (34) being shaped so as to assume, by rotation of the locking element (16), a locking position in which the cam (34) engages the bar (2) arranged between the cam (34) and the hooking tooth (22), clamping the bar (2) between the cam (34) and the hooking tooth (22).