Threaded Plumbing Access Cover for Pipe Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plumbing access solutions, such as screw-attached covers, are inflexible, prone to corrosion, and can compromise pipe integrity, while aesthetic integration methods can be costly and damaging during maintenance or repairs.

Innovation Solution

A plumbing access cover system comprising a circular base with a threaded opening and a faceplate that interlocks with the base using threads, featuring an adhesive seal and optional anchoring mechanisms, allowing for secure, flexible, and aesthetically integrated access to pipes while maintaining pipe integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw-attached covers are used for plumbing access, then the cover can be securely fastened to the wall, but the screw is exposed to pipe contents and vulnerable to corrosion, and the screw may compromise pipe integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover attachment securityVSAvoidcorrosion and pipe integrity compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The screw attachment mechanism is extracted from the cover assembly and relocated to the wall mounting structure. The cover itself becomes screw-free, eliminating direct exposure of fasteners to corrosive pipe contents while maintaining secure attachment through the wall-integrated mounting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mounting system embedded in the wall that provides attachment points for the cover. This intermediary structure acts as a mediator between the cover and the wall, allowing secure fastening without requiring screws on the cover surface that would contact pipe contents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If the access point is covered with wall material for aesthetic integration, then the aesthetic impact is minimized, but locating the access point during maintenance becomes damaging and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic integrationVSAvoidaccess point location and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed with aesthetic finishes that can be painted or colored to match surrounding wall materials, providing visual integration. Meanwhile, the cover maintains physical separability through the mounting system, allowing easy removal for maintenance without damaging wall structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The access point system is segmented into separate components: the decorative cover portion and the functional mounting portion embedded in the wall. This segmentation allows the cover to be aesthetically integrated while maintaining independent removability for maintenance access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a centered screw attachment is used on the cover, then the cover can be securely mounted, but the design becomes inflexible when the hole in the wall is not centered over the pipe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover mounting securityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system incorporates adjustable and adaptable attachment points within the wall structure that can accommodate various hole positions. The cover can be mounted at different locations relative to the pipe centerline, providing installation flexibility while maintaining secure attachment through the dynamic mounting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wall-integrated mounting system is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can accommodate covers at various positions and orientations. This multi-functional mounting structure provides both secure attachment and adaptability to different installation scenarios, including non-centered hole configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a secure, flexible, and aesthetically integrated access point that minimizes leakage and corrosion risks, facilitating maintenance while maintaining pipe integrity and reducing the cost and damage associated with emergency repairs.

Implementation Method 1

featuring an adhesive seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a circular base with a circular access opening and a first set of threads around the perimeter of the base; a faceplate comprising a second set of threads to interlock with the threads on the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10274122B2Plumbing access cover

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 DANIELSON ADAM

AI summary

A plumbing access cover, including: a circular base with a circular access opening and a first set of threads around the perimeter of the base; a faceplate comprising a second set of threads to interlock with the threads on the base, wherein the circular access opening is 3 to 7 inches in diameter.