Wall Connection Box Fixing for Flush-Mount Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall-mounted connection box units lack flexibility in axial height adjustment and accessibility for fixing the functional surface body after installation, which complicates the attachment and sealing processes, especially when trying to achieve flush mounting in various applications.

Innovation Solution

The connecting device features an actuation interface located on the side of the functional surface body facing away from the base section, allowing for easy axial adjustment and rotation of the connecting body between release and fixed positions, enabling flexible fixing of the functional surface body at different axial heights relative to the base section, even after the box unit is installed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the actuation interface is located on the base section side, then the connecting device can be operated during installation, but the base section becomes obstructed and accessibility is reduced after installation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of actuation interfaceVSAvoidObstruction of base section
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation interface is moved from the base section to the functional surface body, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This allows the interface to be accessible from the front side of the device while the base section remains unobstructed for wall mounting and installation purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the functional surface body is fixed at a specific axial height, then the structure is simplified, but flexibility in adjustment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAxial height adjustabilityVSAvoidConnection device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device incorporates a rotatable connecting body that can be positioned at different axial heights along the base section and secured in place. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the functional surface body to be fixed at multiple axial positions, providing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity through the rotation-locking system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the connecting body is made accessible from the front side, then post-installation adjustment is enabled, but the connection structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePost-installation accessibilityVSAvoidConnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is segmented into distinct functional components: the base section with connection structures, the functional surface body with the actuation interface, and the connecting body that rotates to lock them together. This segmentation allows the actuation interface to be accessible from the front while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3885499B1Connection box unit built in to a wall with functional area body
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 HANS GROHE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3885499B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3885499B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3885499B1 patent drawingFigure 5~10

AI summary

A wall-mounted connection box unit comprises a box housing body (1) with a rear base section (2) and a sleeve section (3) projecting forward from the base section, which circumferentially surrounds a sanitary component receiving space (4) which is accessible via an open front end (5) of the sleeve section.The connection box unit further comprises a functional surface body (7) having a functional surface (6) and a connection device (8) configured for releasably fixing the functional surface body to the base section at different axial heights of the functional surface and comprising at least one connection structure (9) radially outside the sleeve section on the base section and a connecting body (10) cooperating with the connecting structure, which is movably arranged relative to the connection structure and the functional surface body between a release position (12) and a fixing position (13) via an actuating interface (11) so as to be user-actuated. According to the invention, the actuating interface (11) of the connecting body (10) is located on a side (7a) of the functional surface body (7) facing away from the base section (2) of the box housing body (1).The connecting body (10) is rotatable between the release position (12) and the fixing position (13), or the connecting device (8) is configured for selectively releasably fixing the functional surface body (7) in front of a front (2a) or behind a rear (2b) of the base section (2) of the box housing body (1). Use in plumbing and electrical installation technology.