Adjustable Shower Drain Support With Slotted Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower drains integrated into bathroom floors with adjustable supports face challenges in accommodating varying tile thicknesses, leading to aesthetic issues and difficulty in maintenance due to partial hiding by tiles, requiring complex installation and potential damage to tiles for access.
Innovation Solution
A drain support system with slotted holes and studs allows horizontal adjustment of the drain body using fastening clips, ensuring the drain's visibility and easy maintenance without damaging tiles, by providing independent displacement and secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the drain is fixed to the wall at a fixed height, then the installation is simple, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised when tile thicknesses vary
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a movable drain body that can be adjusted vertically within the support cavity. The drain body is held in position by a retention element (such as a spring or elastic mechanism) that allows the drain to move between different height positions, enabling adaptation to various tile thicknesses while maintaining a fixed mounting point on the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the vertical position parameter of the drain body within the support structure. By adjusting the drain's height relative to the wall surface, the system adapts to different tile thicknesses, ensuring the drain grating remains visible and properly positioned regardless of the tiling configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the drain is fixed at a fixed position, then the structure is stable, but maintenance access becomes difficult when tiles cover the drain
Solution Approach 1:
The drain body is designed to be movable within the fixed support structure. The retention element allows the drain to be easily displaced vertically for maintenance access, then returned to its operational position. This dynamic capability enables maintenance personnel to access the drain without removing tiles, as the drain can be moved to an exposed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the fixed wall mounting and the movable drain body. It provides a stable mounting point while allowing the drain to move independently, facilitating maintenance access without compromising the overall structural stability of the installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temporary brackets are used for horizontal regulation, then the drain position can be adjusted, but the brackets must be removed before tiling
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal and vertical adjustment functions are merged into a single integrated support structure. The support incorporates both horizontal positioning mechanisms (such as adjustable lateral arms or sliding mechanisms) and vertical retention, eliminating the need for separate temporary brackets. This allows both horizontal and vertical regulation to be performed with one permanent fixture that remains in place during and after tiling.
4Strength
If the drain pan is fixed with a screw from below, then the connection is secure, but the adjustment process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the drain body from below with screws, the retention element is positioned to engage with the drain body from above or from the sides. This inverted approach allows for easier adjustment, as the retention mechanism can be engaged or disengaged from accessible positions without requiring access to the bottom of the drain pan. The connection remains secure through the retention element's design, which provides strong holding force while allowing controlled movement for adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The support (4) for the drain body (5) is fixed to the wall of a shower by means of some vertical slotted holes (9) permitting the height of the drain to be adjustable. Further openings (10) in the horizontal elements of the support (4) allow fixing of the drain body (5) by means of studs (11) on the drain body (5) engaging these openings (10). The openings (10) in the horizontal elements of the support (4) are also slotted holes such that the position of the drain with respect to the support (4) may be adjusted. The immobilization of the drain body (5) on the support (4) is achieved by clips (12) and nails (13).