Spring-Loaded Spacer Fastening for Wall-Hung Sanitary Fixtures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening arrangements for wall-hanging sanitary objects are complex and costly to produce, with difficult assembly processes that do not securely prevent unintentional lifting of the objects from the wall.

Innovation Solution

A fastening arrangement featuring a holder with an engagement element and a spring-loaded spacer system, where the engagement element is connected to the holder and can move relative to it, providing an oblique abutment surface that engages behind an undercut in the sanitary object, and a spring element that presses the spacer element against the object's counter surface, making it difficult to lift unintentionally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fastening arrangements with multiple block-shaped holders and spring latches are used, then the sanitary object can be securely fastened to the wall, but the construction becomes complex and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into two main functional parts: an engagement element with an abutment surface for engaging the undercut, and a spacer element with a spacer surface for pressing against the counter surface. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall construction compared to traditional multi-component systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element and spacer element are combined into a single integrated holder component that performs both engagement and spacing functions simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying both the device construction and assembly process while maintaining secure fastening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional fastening arrangements with multiple components are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but assembly time and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is pre-assembled as a complete unit with the engagement element and spacer element already in their correct positions and orientations. This preliminary assembly allows the installer to simply attach the pre-assembled holder to the wall and sanitary object without needing to assemble multiple separate components during installation, significantly reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element automatically engages the spacer element with the counter surface of the sanitary object when the holder is mounted, requiring no additional adjustment or assembly steps by the installer. The system self-adjusts to ensure proper engagement and spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional fastening arrangements are used, then the sanitary object is held in place, but unintentional lifting cannot be effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding capabilityVSAvoidunintentional lifting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element continuously exerts a downward force on the spacer element, which presses against the counter surface of the sanitary object with a predetermined pressing force. This preliminary counter-force acts in opposition to any upward lifting force before the lifting even occurs, making unintentional lifting difficult and effective at preventing harmful displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Ease of manufacture

If simple fastening devices are used, then production costs decrease, but the ability to prevent unintentional lifting is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidunintentional lifting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing force function is extracted from a complex multi-component system and implemented through a simple spring element that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the holder. This extracted function provides reliable prevention of unintentional lifting through a cost-effective, simple mechanical solution rather than requiring complex active control systems or multiple expensive components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enables simple, cost-effective production and assembly of wall-hanging sanitary objects with secure fastening that prevents unintentional lifting, ensuring the objects are securely attached to the wall while allowing for easy installation and removal.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element which acts on the spacer element in such a way that the spacer element can be moved towards the abutment surface against the force of the weight against the force of the spring element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the abutment surface faces the wall and, in particular, is directed upwards against the weight force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

The abutment surface engages behind an undercut in the opening of the sanitary object and thereby holds the sanitary object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3388589B1Fastening arrangement with a fastening device
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 FISCHERWERKE ARTUR FISCHER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3388589B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3388589B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3388589B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening device (1) and a fastening arrangement for a wall-hung sanitary fixture (5). The fastening device (1) has a hook-like holder (2) that is attached to a wall (13) and on which the sanitary fixture (5) is hung. A spring-loaded spacer element (8) holds the sanitary fixture (5) down so that it cannot be unintentionally unhooked.