Shower door system, and assembly therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower door systems are not space-efficient, as they require obstacle-free walls and cannot be arranged on non-perpendicular walls, limiting their installation flexibility and efficiency in bathrooms.

Innovation Solution

A door stop structure with a pivotable hinge and adjustable locking mechanism that allows for stepless angular adjustment and magnetic contact for easy door operation, enabling secure attachment to solid walls with obstacles and non-perpendicular configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed door stop structure is used, then the door position is stable, but the installation flexibility and adaptability to different wall configurations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoiddoor position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The door stop structure employs a pivotable hinge mechanism that allows the stop member to be adjusted to different angular positions relative to the wall support. The hinge enables dynamic repositioning during installation to accommodate non-perpendicular walls and obstacles, while the locking means (locking screw and through hole) secures the structure in the desired position, thus achieving both adaptability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If obstacle-free walls are required for installation, then the door can be securely attached, but the space efficiency and bathroom layout flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidbathroom space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The door stop structure is divided into separate functional components: a wall support element that attaches to the wall, a hinge mechanism that provides angular adjustment, and a stop member that positions the door. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables installation on walls with obstacles by adjusting the hinge angle to navigate around furniture or windows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If perpendicular walls are required for proper door alignment, then the door operation is smooth, but the adaptability to non-perpendicular wall configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor operation smoothnessVSAvoidwall angle adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism allows the stop member to be dynamically adjusted to compensate for non-perpendicular wall configurations. By pivoting the stop member to the appropriate angle, the door can operate smoothly even when the walls are not at right angles, maintaining ease of operation while adapting to various wall geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables flexible and space-efficient shower compartment arrangements on multiple solid walls, including those with windows or furniture, by allowing for adjustable and secure door positioning, enhancing installation flexibility and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The stop surface may be provided with a magnetic contact for magnetically locking the stop member to a corresponding magnetic stop member of an associated shower door.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic contact: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3067503B1Shower door system, and assembly therefor
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP3067503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3067503B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3067503B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b

AI summary

An assembly (10) for receiving a shower door in a shower compartment is provided. The assembly (10) comprises a door stop structure (11), wherein the door stop structure (11) comprises a stop member (110) being pivotable relative a wall support (13), and wherein the assembly (10) further comprises locking means (112) for locking the angular position of the stop member (110).