Variable Cross-Section Frame Profiles for Toilet Bowl Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installation elements for fastening toilet bowls to walls are heavy, require high assembly effort, and often lack stability, especially in terms of flexural rigidity, due to their complex and heavy welded tubular steel frames or multi-part plastic frames.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight installation element with a frame comprising a lower metal part and an upper plastic part, featuring variable cross-section frame profiles that are molded together with the cistern, eliminating the need for additional fastening means and tools, and incorporating rib structures or stiffening profiles for enhanced rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded tubular steel profiles are used for the frame, then high stability and strength are achieved, but the weight becomes high and assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame profiles transition from constant cross-section to variable cross-section, with the width varying along the longitudinal axis. This parameter change allows the frame to achieve required strength and stability while reducing material usage and overall weight compared to uniform tubular steel profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame combines plastic material for the variable cross-section profiles with metal fastening elements. This composite approach allows the plastic profiles to provide the required strength and stability while being lighter than solid metal construction, and the variable cross-section optimizes material distribution.
2Weight of moving object
If multi-part frames are used, then weight can be reduced, but assembly effort increases and stability requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple profile elements that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The variable cross-section profiles are segmented into discrete elements that connect through designed interface features, enabling modular assembly while maintaining structural integrity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame profiles are designed with integrated fastening features and connection elements that combine multiple functions into single components. The variable cross-section profiles include built-in attachment points and joining mechanisms, reducing the need for separate fastening hardware and simplifying assembly procedures.
3Weight of moving object
If variable cross-section profiles are used, then weight is optimized and stability is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional dimensions of the frame profiles are varied along their length, with the width changing according to the specific structural requirements at different locations. This parameter optimization reduces material usage and weight while maintaining necessary strength, and the profiles are designed with standardized varying patterns that facilitate manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Installation element (1) for fixing a toilet bowl to a wall, comprising a cistern (2) for receiving a flushing liquid for the toilet bowl and a frame (3) with which the toilet bowl and the cistern (2) can be fixed to the wall, wherein the frame (3) comprises a frame lower part (4) and a frame upper part (5), wherein the frame upper part (5) comprises a first frame profile (6) positively connected to the cistern (2) and a second frame profile (7) positively connected to the cistern (2), and wherein the first frame profile (6) in the direction of a first longitudinal axis (8) of the first frame profile (6) and the second frame profile (7) in the direction of a second longitudinal axis (9) of the second frame profile (7) have at least partially a changing cross-section (39, 42).