Shower Partition Wall Strip Fixing for Tool-Free Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional room dividing devices, such as shower partitions, require high assembly effort due to the need for precise alignment and tolerance compensation, often necessitating tools and complex fastening mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A deformable fixing element, such as flexible piping, is inserted between the separating element and the wall strip to securely fasten the parts without tools, allowing for easy adjustment and compensation of structural tolerances, with optional elastic lamellae and sealing features for enhanced sealing and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If self-tapping screws are used to fix the wall strip and adjustment bar, then the connection is secure, but the assembly effort and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the fixing element from rigid (screw) to elastic/deformable (ping-pong ball shape), allowing it to deform during insertion and then lock into place, providing secure fixation without requiring threading or tightening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw-threading system with an elastic deformation and locking system, where the deformable fixing element uses its elasticity to expand and lock into the wall strip and adjustment bar, eliminating the need for rotational mechanical fastening
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for conventional fastening, then the connection is accurate, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable nature of the fixing element allows it to adapt to slight misalignments and tolerances in the wall strip and adjustment bar, compensating for construction variations without requiring precise pre-alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element performs self-alignment through its deformable structure, automatically adjusting to fit between the wall strip and adjustment bar without requiring external alignment tools or complex positioning mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fastening elements are used to compensate for tolerances, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable fixing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fixation, compensates for tolerance variations, and adapts to different installation positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fastening components
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element transitions from a deformable state during insertion to a locked state during fixation, dynamically adapting its shape to accommodate tolerance variations and secure the connection without requiring multiple static components
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
This solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces installation time, and provides a secure, adjustable, and aesthetically pleasing connection that compensates for various structural tolerances and angles, while ensuring effective sealing.
Implementation Method 1
The at least partially elastic and/or possibly additionally plastically deformable design can result in a jamming between the parts
Implementation Method 2
the fixing element is simply inserted into the gap and fixes the parts relative to one another. The at least partially elastic and/or possibly additionally plastically deformable design
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The space divider (1), especially for a shower, has at least one dividing panel (2,4,6) and bars (10,12) fastened to the wall. The dividers have movement in relation to the wall bars and can be fixed in a relative position. At least one fixing unit is in the space between the adjustment bars (18,20) at the edges of the dividers and wall bars, with elastic and/or plastic distortion.