Wall Panel Adapter for Stable Lead-Through Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting lead-through devices in walls often require a double wall construction and compromise the integrity of the moisture barrier, as they necessitate multiple holes and protrusions, which is undesirable in certain applications.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with a lead-through device carrying section and a clamp fitting area that allows for clamping the device to a single gypsum-type wall panel, reducing the need for holes and maintaining the integrity of the moisture barrier by distributing clamping forces over a larger surface area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a double wall construction with plywood board or OSB is used behind the wallboard, then the lead-through device can be stably mounted, but the wall construction becomes more complex and the moisture barrier integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidwall construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into distinct functional sections: a lead-through device carrying section with a passage portion, a wall panel support surface section, and a clamp fitting area section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall mounting stability without requiring complex wall constructions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the lead-through device and the wall panel. It provides a stable mounting solution by distributing clamping forces across its wall panel support surface, eliminating the need for additional plywood boards or OSB while maintaining mounting stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple holes and protrusions are made in the wall panel for mounting, then the lead-through device can be securely fixed, but the moisture barrier integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidmoisture barrier integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter distributes clamping forces over its entire wall panel support surface area rather than concentrating forces at discrete mounting points. This partial action approach allows secure mounting while requiring fewer penetrations of the wall panel, thereby preserving moisture barrier integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter's wall panel support surface is designed to distribute loads across a broad area of the wall panel, similar to how a flexible shell distributes forces. This approach maintains the integrity of the wall panel and its moisture barrier while providing stable mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If clamping force is concentrated at a small area, then the mounting is more compact, but the wall panel may be damaged or require stronger panels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidwall panel strength requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting solution transitions from point-based or line-based clamping to area-based clamping by utilizing the wall panel support surface. This dimensional change from 0D/1D to 2D distribution of clamping forces reduces stress concentration and allows the use of weaker wall panels while maintaining mounting stability

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

Data Source

PatentEP3889364A1An adapter for mounting of a lead-through device and a coupling arrangement to a wall panel
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 VILLEROY & BOCH GUSTAVSBERG
  • EP3889364A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3889364A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3889364A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an adapter (1) for mounting of a lead-through device (3) and a coupling arrangement (19) to a wall panel (5), preferably to a gypsum-type wall panel, such as a one-layered gypsum-type wall panel. Said adapter is provided with a lead-through device carrying section (27, 29), which is arranged to carry a lead-through device (3) comprising a passage portion (11), which is adapted to provide a fluid communication through the wall panel by extending from a first side (7) to a second side (9) of the wall panel. The adapter (1) has a wall panel support surface (16) and a clamp fitting area (16a,..., 16e), wherein the wall panel support surface is arranged to abut the first side of the wall panel when the passage portion is arranged through the wall panel, and the clamp fitting area is arranged to provide fitting, preferably screw fitting, for carrying a coupling arrangement (19) which is arranged to be located on the second side of the wall panel adjacent to the passage portion, such that when fitting of the coupling arrangement to the adapter, a clamping force between the wall panel support surface and the coupling arrangement is created, thereby mounting the lead-through device and the coupling arrangement to the wall panel.