Partition wall, in particular shower partition wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower partition walls face issues with foreign bodies lodging in lifting mechanisms, compromising hygiene and functionality due to exposed and accessible design, and require complex bearing arrangements that are prone to damage and dirt ingress.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a lifting mechanism within a cover cap that surrounds the hinge, with a recessed design and inclined surfaces for pivoting, and two spaced hinges to distribute forces, ensuring the mechanism is protected and reducing construction volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the lifting mechanism is exposed and accessible for simplicity of construction, then the device complexity is reduced, but foreign bodies can lodge in the mechanism compromising hygiene and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is nested inside a cover cap that is integrated into the hinge structure. The cover cap contains the lifting mechanism within its interior space, protecting it from foreign bodies while maintaining a compact overall structure. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by hiding the mechanism without adding external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover cap is merged with the hinge structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate protective enclosure. This integration eliminates the need for additional fastening elements and simplifies the overall construction while still providing protection for the lifting mechanism.
2Reliability
If the lifting mechanism is protected by a separate covering cap, then hygiene and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover cap is designed as an integral part of the hinge structure, combining the protective function with the existing hinge components. This merging approach provides protection without adding separate assemblies, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
3Strength
If the bearing arrangement is made massive and large-volume to handle torque, then strength is improved, but the construction volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism incorporates a counterweight element that balances the door element's weight, reducing the torque demand on the bearing arrangement. This allows the bearing structure to be more compact while still handling the required loads effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing arrangement utilizes a spherical bearing design that distributes loads in multiple directions, enabling compact dimensions while maintaining high strength capacity. The spherical geometry allows the bearing to handle torque and radial loads without requiring a massive structure.
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 solution provides a hygienic, reliable, and compact partition wall design that prevents foreign body ingress, maintains functionality, and reduces construction complexity and material usage while allowing smooth pivoting and sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting mechanism with a bearing element and a pressure element is integrated
Implementation Method 2
a considerable torque acts on the bearing arrangement
Implementation Method 3
a bearing element arranged on a tub rim or floor with a recess in which a pin connected to the joint profile can engage by means of cams
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The separation wall has a door element (2) and a hinge (8), where hinge parts (10,12) are mounted on the door element and on a wall element (4). The door element is vertically pivoted around a predetermined pivoting axis by the hinge. An opening of the separation wall is locked by the door element in a position, where the opening is partly released in another position. A lifting device is integrated with the support element and a pressure-exerting element in the hinge. The door element is lifted upwards in a vertical direction during the deviation from the former position.