Single Fastener Water Connection Assembly for Rapid Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing water connection arrangements for domestic water networks are laborious and time-consuming, especially when connecting water treatment devices, due to the need for multiple screws and difficult access in tight spaces.

Innovation Solution

A water connection arrangement that uses a single fastening element, such as a screw or threaded bolt, to establish a non-positive connection between the connection piece and the water treatment device, with the bore arranged centrally and at right angles to the flange, allowing for quick and easy assembly from the front side, even in tight spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If four screws are used to fasten the water treatment device to the connector, then the connection is secure, but the installation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into a multi-threaded bolt with four independent threading sections, each engaging with a corresponding threaded hole in the connector. This allows the single bolt to provide secure fastening equivalent to four separate screws while enabling installation from only one side, thus resolving the contradiction between connection security and installation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single multi-threaded bolt performs multiple functions: it provides secure fastening through four threading sections, enables installation from one side only, and eliminates the need for four separate fastening components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating the fastening function into a single element that maintains security while improving installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If four screws are used for fastening, then the connection is stable, but the screws are difficult to access in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded holes in the connector are segmented into four separate threading sections along the longitudinal axis, each capable of engaging with the multi-threaded bolt independently. This segmentation allows the fastening function to be distributed across multiple engagement points while maintaining accessibility from a single location, thus resolving the contradiction between connection stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement requiring access to four separate screw locations to a one-dimensional linear arrangement where a single multi-threaded bolt engages four threading sections along its length. This dimensional change enables stable fastening while improving accessibility, as the installer only needs to approach from one side to insert and tighten the bolt.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple fastening elements are used, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Four separate fastening elements (screws or bolts) are merged into a single multi-threaded bolt with four threading sections. This merging maintains the security benefits of multiple engagement points while eliminating the complexity of installing and coordinating four separate fastening components, thus resolving the contradiction between connection security and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single multi-threaded bolt is designed to perform the fastening function that would otherwise require four separate elements. Its multi-functional design includes four threading sections that engage with corresponding holes in the connector, providing secure fastening while simplifying the overall fastening system and reducing the number of parts that need to be managed during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2251495B1Water connection assembly with a connection piece for simplified fitting of a connection device, in particular a water treatment device
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 JUDO WASSERAUFBEREITUNG
  • EP2251495B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2251495B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2251495B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A water connection arrangement (22), comprising: - a connection piece (1) for installation in the pipeline (19) of a water network, in particular a domestic water network, - and a connection device (8), in particular a water treatment device or a fitting, wherein the connection piece (1) has a flange (2) for connecting the connection device (8) and the connection device (8) has a corresponding counter flange (14), wherein in the flange plane (E1) of the flange (2) both a connection for a water inlet (4) to the connection device (8) and a connection for a water return (5) from the connection device (8) are formed, and wherein the connection piece (1) has a bore (6) for a fastening element (9), is characterized in that the connection piece (1) and the connection device (8) are fastened to each other with exactly one fastening element (9).so that a force-fit connection is established between the flange (2) and the mating flange (14), wherein exactly one fastening element (9) is inserted into the bore (6) of the connecting piece (1). The invention speeds up and simplifies the connection of a connection device, in particular a water treatment device, to a pipeline of a domestic water network.