Sanitary Installation Structure With Removable Service Void Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitary installation systems, such as one-piece and modular shower systems, face challenges including heavy and cumbersome installation, access issues to water inlets and drains, sealing problems, and aesthetic and level issues, which complicate maintenance and increase the risk of damage during repairs.

Innovation Solution

A compact sanitary device with a vertical strip forming a U-shape, allowing easy access to service space by dismantling only the covering element, featuring a one-piece vertical band with a perimeter matching the cavity, and a covering element that overlaps the strip for secure sealing without specific fastening means, using silicone for tightness and easy dismantling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a one-piece shower system is used, then sealing is perfect, but the system is heavy and requires wide access routes for installation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoidaccess route width
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shower system is divided into separate modular components (tray, walls, panels) that can be transported through narrow access routes and assembled in place, eliminating the need to maneuver a large one-piece unit through wide openings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a modular shower system with box modules is used, then access to service space is possible, but sealing problems and aesthetic issues occur between modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to service spaceVSAvoidsealing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses modular panels and walls that can be disassembled for access to service spaces, while maintaining sealed connections through gaskets and overlapping joints between modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

One module is placed inside another (e.g., panels nested within wall structures), creating integrated sealed joints that eliminate gaps and aesthetic issues while allowing access to service spaces between nested layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If box modules are used in modular systems, then service space is accessible, but dismantling is required which risks damaging the modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to service spaceVSAvoidrisk of damage during dismantling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The covering element is separated as a distinct removable module, allowing access to service spaces without dismantling structural components, thereby eliminating the risk of damage to integrated modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a one-piece system is installed, then sealing is achieved, but access to water inlets and drains requires dismantling the entire installation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoiddismantling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into removable panels and walls that can be independently accessed to reach water inlets and drains, eliminating the need to dismantle the entire installation while maintaining sealed connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2835081B1Sanitary device and installation method thereof
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 ROCTON REGIS
  • EP2835081B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a sanitary device (1) intended to be installed in a cavity defined by one or more walls, comprising a base (2) which can be fitted horizontally in said cavity and at least one wall element, characterized in that the wall present in the form of a vertical band (3), of substantially complementary shape to the periphery of said cavity, capable of creating a so-called service void volume (13) between said wall and the wall(s) of said cavity, and an element of covering (4) horizontal plane, capable of overseeing the service space (13) at the level of the upper edge of the strip, between said strip and the walls. This device provides easy access to the service space after installation.