Sanitary Pipe Mounting Device with Locking Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting devices for sanitary installations are complex and cumbersome, requiring intricate fixing systems that complicate the connection of pipes and valve members through partitions, lacking simplicity and ease of installation.

Innovation Solution

A mounting device comprising a connection element with a first end piece for the valve member, a second end piece for the pipe, a mounting plate fixed to the partition, an intermediate ring, and a locking ring, allowing axial and radial adjustments, with sealing and angular indexing features for secure and simplified installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex fixing system with multiple bearing means and sliding mechanisms is used to secure the connector through the partition, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is divided into distinct functional segments: the mounting plate for partition attachment, the connector for pipe connection, and the locking mechanism with bearing elements for securing. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing independent optimization and simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the connector actively engage with complex sliding mechanisms as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by having passive bearing elements on the mounting plate that simply bear against the connector. The connector remains simple while the mounting plate contains the fixing functionality, reversing the complexity distribution.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If a sandwiching fixing system with radial sliders and axial movement is used to secure the connector, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation and installation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing elements are pre-positioned on the mounting plate in their final functional positions, eliminating the need for complex axial movements or radial sliding during installation. The connector is simply placed against these pre-positioned bearing surfaces and secured, greatly simplifying the installation process while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the complex axial and radial adjustment mechanisms from the fixing system, retaining only the essential bearing function. The bearing elements are simplified to fixed or minimally movable components that provide stable support without requiring complex activation sequences, making installation straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to the mounting device for precise positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Adjustment capabilities are provided only where locally required for precise positioning, rather than comprehensive adjustment mechanisms throughout the entire device. The bearing elements and mounting plate geometry provide localized adjustment freedom in specific directions while maintaining structural rigidity elsewhere, achieving precision without overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple adjustment functions are merged into the geometry of the mounting plate and bearing elements themselves, rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms. The shapes and configurations of these components inherently provide positioning freedom in required directions while maintaining simplicity in overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3404149B1Device for mounting a connecting element, for connecting a pipe through a partition
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 WATTS INDS FRANCE
  • EP3404149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3404149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3404149B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Mounting device for at least one connecting element (2), for the purpose of connecting, through a partition (4), a pipe (5) of a sanitary installation to, in particular, a tapping device (6), comprising: - a mounting plate (9) suitable for being fixed against a front face of the partition (4) and having a through passage (10), - an intermediate ring (12) suitable for being coupled to a first end (7) of the connecting element (2), and - a locking ring (13) suitable for being coupled to the mounting plate (9); a part of the intermediate ring (12) coupled to the connecting element (2) being able to be taken between a part of the locking ring (13) coupled to the mounting plate (9) and a part (16) of the mounting plate (9), located at the periphery of said through passage (10) of the latter.