Shower Column Quick-Connect and Magnetic Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower column assemblies face challenges with bracket slippage due to friction fit, difficulty in installation and removal, and accumulation of dirt and contaminants, as well as weight support issues during installation, leading to potential leaks and detachment from the shower arm.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect system with an arm attachment, intermediate fitting, and collar for simplified installation and removal, a magnetic docking system for secure handshower positioning, and a microsuction pad support system for secure wall attachment, reducing the need for additional tools and support during installation and eliminating the need for bulky slide bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction fit bracket system is used for handshower positioning, then the handshower can be positioned on the shower column, but the bracket slips over time due to friction wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction fit bracket system with a magnetic docking system. Magnets embedded in the shower column assembly provide magnetic attraction forces that securely hold the handshower in position without physical contact or friction wear, eliminating the slippage problem while maintaining ease of positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the docking mechanism from mechanical friction-based contact to magnetic field-based attraction. This parameter change allows the handshower to be securely held without the wear and slippage associated with friction fit brackets, while still allowing easy positioning and adjustment.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional shower column assembly installation methods are used, then the shower column can be installed, but additional tools and support during installation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shower column assembly into modular components including a detachable shower head assembly, handshower assembly, and column sections. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and positioned, eliminating the need for additional tools and support personnel while simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic, adjustable components such as the magnetic docking system that allows the handshower to be easily positioned and repositioned during installation and use. This dynamic design eliminates the need for complex fixed mounting mechanisms and reduces installation complexity.
3Ease of operation
If bulky slide bars are used for handshower mounting, then the handshower can be mounted on the shower column, but the system becomes bulky and less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mounting function from the bulky slide bar mechanism and integrates it directly into the shower column assembly through embedded magnets. This eliminates the need for external slide bars while maintaining the handshower mounting capability, resulting in a more compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mounting function with the shower column structure itself by embedding magnets within the column assembly. This integration eliminates separate mounting components like slide bars, creating a compact unified design that maintains full functionality while improving aesthetics.
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 quick-connect system allows single-user installation and removal, the magnetic docking system provides adjustable and secure handshower positioning, and the microsuction pad support system ensures secure attachment without damaging the wall, enhancing user convenience and reducing installation complexity and potential leaks.
Implementation Method 1
The collar is configured to slidably engage with the intermediate fitting and press against the intermediate fitting to deform the intermediate fitting over the second end of the arm attachment
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic docking system for secure handshower positioning
Implementation Method 3
a microsuction pad support system for secure wall attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-connect system for a plumbing fixture includes an arm attachment, an intermediate fitting, and a collar. A first end of the arm attachment is mountable to a fluid conduit. At least a portion of the arm attachment at a second end of the arm attachment is sized to be received within the intermediate fitting and the collar. The collar is configured to slidably engage with the intermediate fitting and press against the intermediate fitting to deform the intermediate fitting over the second end of the arm attachment.