Adjustable Height Compression Drain for Shower Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable drains for shower, bath, and sink installations fail to combine low cost with simple construction while ensuring the drain top is flush with the surrounding surface and accurately positioning the waste pipe.
Innovation Solution
A compression drain system with a cylindrical, externally threaded lower section and an upper annular flange, allowing adjustable height of the drain top relative to the preformed floor, which positively locates the drain housing with respect to the subfloor and waste water pipe, using minimal materials and few moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If height-adjustable drains are used to make the drain top level with the adjacent surface, then the drain top can be flush with the surrounding surface, but the construction becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain assembly is divided into separate components: a drain body, an adjustable drain top, and a positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the drain top can be adjusted for levelness while the drain body maintains simple construction, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The drain top is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically positioned at different heights. This dynamic capability enables the drain top to be flush with the surrounding surface while keeping the overall construction simple through standardized adjustment mechanisms
2Productivity
If prefabricated shower modules are used to improve installation efficiency, then installation time and skill requirements decrease, but the drain location becomes fixed and less adaptable
Solution Approach 1:
The drain assembly is designed as a universal component that can be installed at various locations within the prefabricated shower module. The standardized design with adjustable features allows it to function effectively regardless of specific installation location, maintaining both installation efficiency and adaptability
3Ease of manufacture
If simple construction methods are used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the ability to positively locate the waste pipe and adjust drain top height is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drain assembly incorporates pre-integrated positioning features and adjustment mechanisms that are built in during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures accurate waste pipe positioning and drain top height adjustment are achieved through simple installation procedures, maintaining both ease of manufacture and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A compression drain for use with a preformed floor in which the height of the drain grate can be adjusted relative to said floor, and which positively locates the drain housing relative to the subfloor/waste water drain pipe. The arrangement provides a unitary, water tight, assembly that uses very little material to be manufactured, has very few moving parts, and is very easy to install.