Flush-Mounted Sanitary Valve Trim With Adjustable Pushbutton Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flush-mounted sanitary fitting installation bodies with varying installation depths result in inconsistent external appearances and potential gaps between pushbuttons, rotary handles, and covers due to applied impact forces or bending moments, affecting both aesthetics and usability.

Innovation Solution

A concealed installation body with a rotatable volume control valve, a pushbutton mechanism that adjusts via a threaded shaft, and a rotary handle connected to the valve, allowing for precise positioning and secure locking of components to maintain a uniform appearance across different installation depths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flush-mounted installation body is installed at different depths in the wall, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the uniform external appearance of pushbuttons and rotary handles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoiduniform external appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The pushbutton assembly is made adjustable along the threaded shaft, allowing dynamic repositioning to compensate for different installation depths. The intermediate part can be screwed to different positions on the threaded shaft, and the cover cap with toothing provides torque-proof locking at the desired position, enabling the pushbutton to maintain uniform appearance regardless of installation depth variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the flush-mounted installation body is not installed exactly, then installation tolerance is improved, but the appearance deteriorates due to gaps between pushbuttons, rotary handles, and covers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation toleranceVSAvoidappearance quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable pushbutton assembly allows for fine-tuning the position of the pushbutton relative to the rotary handle and cover. By screwing the intermediate part to different positions on the threaded shaft and locking it with the cover cap, installers can eliminate gaps and ensure flush alignment even when installation depth varies within tolerance ranges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position parameter of the pushbutton can be changed by adjusting the intermediate part on the threaded shaft. This allows the pushbutton to be positioned at different axial locations to compensate for installation depth variations, maintaining uniform appearance and eliminating gaps between components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures a consistent external appearance and improved usability by allowing adjustable pushbutton and rotary handle positions, preventing gaps and ensuring proper alignment, regardless of installation depth, thus enhancing the aesthetic and functional integrity of flush-mounted sanitary fittings.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded shaft (4), which can be actuated in an axial direction (5) of the at least one valve (2) to open and close the at least one valve (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical linear motion: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

an intermediate part (8) that can be screwed to the threaded shank (4) to set a desired position of the at least one push button (6) in the axial direction (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded connection: Screw

Implementation Method 3

a cover cap (7) that can be connected to the threaded shank (4) in a torque-proof manner to secure the intermediate part (8) in the desired position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque-proof connection: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

at least one rotary handle (9) for adjusting a flow rate of the liquid, wherein the at least one rotary handle (9) is non-rotatably connected to the volume control part (3) of the at least one valve (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational control: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3568532B1Flush mounted built-in body for a sanitary fitting with at least one push button which can be variably positioned
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 GROHE AG
  • EP3568532B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3568532B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3568532B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a flush mounted built-in body (1) for a sanitary fitting, at least comprising: a) at least one valve (2) for a liquid, having a rotatable flow control part (3) and a threaded shaft (4), wherein the threaded shaft (4) can be actuated for opening and closing the at least one valve (2) in an axial direction (5) of the at least one valve (2), b) at least one push button (6) for actuating the threaded shaft (4) of the at least one valve (2) in the axial direction (5), wherein the at least one push button (6) comprises an intermediate part (8) screwable with the threaded shaft (4) for setting the at least one push button (6) in the desired position in the axial direction (5) and a non-rotatable cover cap (7) that can be connected to the threaded shaft (4) for securing the intermediate part (8) in the desired position, and c) at least one rotating knob (9) for adjusting the flow of the liquid, wherein the at least one rotating knob (9) is non-rotationally connected to the flow regulator (3) of the at least one valve (2).