Shower Door Adjustment Device With Spring-Locked Frame Fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower door installation methods require drilling and involve two people, leading to damage and a lengthy process due to the need for precise adjustment of the door's angle against non-perpendicular walls.

Innovation Solution

A shower door adjusting device with a locking sheet and spring mechanism that allows for vertical adjustment without drilling, using a screw and connecting bar system to secure the adjustable side frame to the fixed side frame, enabling easy installation and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If drilling is used to fasten the adjustable side frame to the fixed side frame, then the connection strength is improved, but the side frame surface is damaged and the appearance is destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsurface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the adjustable side frame and the fixed side frame. The connector features a clamping structure that grips the adjustable side frame without drilling, while being fastened to the fixed side frame through drilling. This mediator transfers the connection function away from the aluminum alloy side frames, protecting their surfaces while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the connector body, the clamping mechanism, and the fastening elements. This segmentation allows the drilling operation to be isolated to the connector itself rather than the side frames, while the clamping mechanism provides a non-invasive attachment method for the adjustable side frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If drilling is performed during installation, then the adjustable side frame can be securely fastened, but the installation time increases and requires at least two people

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is pre-assembled with the adjustable side frame using the clamping mechanism before installation. This preliminary action allows the adjustable side frame to be attached to the connector without drilling, and only the connector itself needs to be fastened to the fixed side frame during installation, reducing the complexity and time of the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If the adjustable side frame is made of aluminum alloy for good appearance, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the surface is easily damaged by drilling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance qualityVSAvoiddrilling damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector serves as a mediator that interfaces with the aluminum alloy adjustable side frame through a clamping mechanism rather than drilling. This protects the aesthetic surface of the aluminum alloy frame while still providing a secure mechanical connection. The connector itself bears the drilling operation, isolating the damage to a non-cosmetic component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates convenient and damage-free installation of shower doors by eliminating the need for drilling and reducing installation time, allowing for quick adjustment and re-adjustment of the door's position without damaging the side frames.

Implementation Method 1

a spring abutting against the boss is provided to the first fixing base assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3216965B1Shower door adjustment device and shower door
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 IDEAL SANITARY WARE CO LTD
  • EP3216965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3216965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3216965B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a shower door adjusting device and a shower door. The shower door adjusting device comprises: a first side frame and a second side frame, one of which is a fixed side frame (10) and the other of which is an adjustable side frame (11); a first fixing base assembly including a first fixing base (12) and a second fixing base (14), wherein the first fixing base (12) is fixed on the first side frame, the second fixing base (14) is detachably fixed on the first fixing base (12), an installation groove (158) is formed in the first and second fixing bases, and the first fixing base assembly is provided with a first through groove (126) therein; a locking sheet (16) whose end is provided with a boss (161, 162), wherein the end of the locking sheet is installed in the installation groove (158), the locking sheet (16) is provided with a first locking hole (164, 168) which faces the first through groove (126), a spring abutting (185) against the boss (161, 162) is provided to the first fixing base assembly, the boss (161, 162) is provided with a threaded hole (163, 169), a screw (18) passing through the threaded hole (163, 169) is provided to the first fixing base assembly, and one end of the screw (18) close to the first fixing base (12) is provided with an abutting portion (182); and a first connecting bar (19) fixed to the second side frame and provided with a first rack (195) passing through the first locking hole (164, 168) and the first through groove (126), wherein after the abutting portion of the screw (18) abuts against the first fixing base (12), the first rack (195) is locked within the first locking hole (164, 168). The shower door comprises the shower door adjusting device and a glass panel (3) provided within the adjustable side frame (11).