Sanitary Packaging Front Panels with 50mm Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing packaging units for sanitary articles, such as toilets and bidets, are cumbersome and time-consuming to transport and install due to the need for large, heavy cladding panels that require cutting, which complicates handling and mounting.

Innovation Solution

A packaging unit comprising an outer packaging that includes a mounting frame for sanitary articles and front panels, where the front panels are designed to deviate by no more than 50 mm from the frame width, allowing for easier handling and transport, and can be attached using connecting elements like tongue and groove systems, reducing the need for significant adjustments in packaging size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If large cladding panels are used to cover the mounting frame, then the mounting frame is fully covered and aesthetically pleasing, but the panels become heavy and difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage area of mounting frameVSAvoidweight of cladding panels
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the mounting frame system into modular components: the mounting frame itself and separate cladding panels that can be attached afterwards. This segmentation allows the frame to be transported separately from the panels, reducing the weight of each individual component during transport while still achieving full coverage when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cladding panels from the mounting frame assembly, allowing them to be handled and installed separately. This extraction enables the mounting frame to be transported without the heavy panels attached, reducing transport weight while maintaining the option to achieve full aesthetic coverage through separate panel installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Area of stationary object

If large cladding panels are used to cover the mounting frame, then the mounting frame is fully covered, but cutting the panels to size is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage area of mounting frameVSAvoidtime required for cutting panels
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing cladding panels that are pre-sized to match standard mounting frame dimensions. The panels are designed with predetermined sizes that correspond to common mounting frame widths, eliminating or reducing the need for on-site cutting and fitting operations, thereby saving installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by standardizing the dimensions of cladding panels to match standard mounting frame sizes. By establishing fixed panel dimensions that correspond to common frame widths, the system eliminates the need for custom cutting operations, reducing installation time while maintaining adequate coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the packaging unit includes both mounting frame and large cladding panels, then all components are available for complete installation, but the packaging size and handling complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of installation kitVSAvoidcomplexity of packaging and handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the packaging unit into the mounting frame and separate cladding panels, allowing for more flexible packaging arrangements. This segmentation enables the components to be packaged in a space-efficient manner while maintaining completeness of the installation kit, reducing handling complexity compared to a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes another dimension by arranging the cladding panels vertically or at angles within the packaging, rather than flat horizontal stacking. This dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization in the packaging, allowing all components to be included without excessively increasing packaging size or handling complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4357269A1Packaging unit with an installation element for a sanitary article
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 GROHEDAL SANITARSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP4357269A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4357269A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4357269A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Packaging unit (1) comprising at least: - an outer packaging (2); - an installation element (3) comprising a mounting frame (4) to which a sanitary article can be attached; and - at least one front panel (5, 6) for at least partially covering a front (7) of the mounting frame (4), wherein the at least one front panel (5, 6) has a front panel width (8) which differs by a maximum of 50 mm from a frame width (9) of the mounting frame (4).