Sink Fixing Device with Adjustable Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sink fixing devices are inefficient due to insufficient clamping force, limited versatility, and complexity in installation, often requiring additional thickness or adhesives to secure sinks of varying dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a guide body with an anchoring and retaining mechanism that allows adjustable positioning and tilting, using expansion plugs and a retaining element with a threaded member to apply clamping force, ensuring stable fixation without adhesives, and accommodating a wide range of sink and plane thicknesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If clamping force is applied parallel to anchoring means extraction direction, then clamping action is achieved, but anchoring means may come out from seats reducing fixing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidfixing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional clamping force direction by applying it perpendicular to the anchoring means extraction direction. The retaining element pushes against the plane surface while the anchoring means anchors to the sink, creating a clamping action that prevents sink movement without risking anchoring means dislodgement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the fixing device to adapt dynamically to different sink and plane thickness combinations. The retaining element can be positioned at multiple locations along the guide body, enabling the operator to optimize the clamping force application point based on specific installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If adhesives are used to improve anchoring means constraint, then fixing reliability is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring means constraintVSAvoidinstallation operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the fixing device self-sufficient by generating its own clamping force through the retaining element pushing against the plane surface. This mechanical self-service eliminates the need for external adhesives or chemical bonding agents, simplifying the installation process while maintaining high fixing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If fixing device is configured for determined dimensional range, then manufacturing precision is achieved, but versatility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configurationVSAvoiduse range
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal fixing device that can accommodate various sink and plane thickness combinations through adjustable positioning mechanisms. The guide body with multiple positioning locations and the slidable retaining element allow the same device to function effectively across a wide range of dimensional configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability allowing the device to adapt to different dimensional requirements. The retaining element can be repositioned along the guide body, and the anchoring body can be adjusted relative to the guide body, enabling the fixing device to optimize its configuration for each specific installation scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional thickness is interposed for insufficient plane or sink thickness, then adaptability is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness accommodationVSAvoidlaying and installation operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static thickness compensation (additional interposed layers) with dynamic adjustment mechanisms. The adjustable positioning systems allow the retaining element and anchoring body to be repositioned to accommodate varying thicknesses directly, eliminating the need for additional compensating materials or layers.

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

The device provides a stable, versatile, and efficient sink fixation solution that simplifies installation by allowing adjustable positioning and tilting, ensuring secure attachment without adhesives and accommodating various dimensions, thus enhancing operational ease and robustness.

Implementation Method 1

an anchoring body 20 constrained or constrainable to a first side 11 of the guide body 10, equipped with an anchoring means 21 for a stable fixing to a lower surface of a sink L. Advantageously, the anchoring means 21 comprises at least one expansion plug 21a

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExpansion:

Implementation Method 2

a retaining body 30 slidingly applied to the guide body 10 along a direction of extension X thereof... a retaining element 31 configured, in use, to abut against a lower surface of the plane P

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4033042A1Device for fixing a sink
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 S&C SISTEMI E COMPOSITO SRL
  • EP4033042A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4033042A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4033042A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Device (1) for fixing a sink (L) in an opening of a plane (P), comprising a guide body (10), an anchoring body (20), constrained or constrainable to a first side of the guide body (10) and equipped with an anchoring means (21) for the stable fixing to a lower surface of a sink (L), and a retaining body (30), slidingly applied on the guide body (10) and operationally arranged on a second side of the guide body (10). In particular, the retaining body (30) comprises a retaining element (31) configured, in use, to abut against a lower surface of a plane (P) and adjusting and clamping means (32) adapted to cause a controlled movement and stable positioning of the retaining body (30). The anchoring body (20) has a sliding portion (22) engaged or engageable on the guide body (10) such that the position of the anchoring body (20) along the guide body (10) can be regulated.