Adjustable Bathtub Drain Stopper with Modular Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathtub drain systems lack a versatile and adjustable mechanism for securely anchoring a drain stopper that can accommodate varying distances between the tub shoe and the drain flange, while also providing a means to hide unsightly drain flanges and offer adjustable sealing options.
Innovation Solution
A drain stopper with a lift-and-lock mechanism featuring a cap with female threads, a push mechanism with male threads, and an adjustable anchor system that includes a base with prongs or a wheel-shaped disc with an O-ring for secure engagement with different tub shoe configurations, allowing for adjustable length and effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length drain stopper is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying distances between the tub shoe and drain flange
Solution Approach 1:
The drain stopper incorporates an adjustable length mechanism with threaded components that allow the stopper length to be dynamically changed to accommodate varying distances between the tub shoe and drain flange. The threaded rod or adjuster mechanism enables the installation to be adapted to different spatial configurations without requiring a complete redesign of the stopper structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain stopper is divided into separate modular components including a cap, body, threaded rod or adjuster mechanism, and anchoring means. This segmentation allows the length-adjustment feature to be incorporated as a distinct module that can be configured for different distances while maintaining overall structural simplicity through standardized connection interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal anchoring system is used, then it can fit various tub shoe configurations, but the anchoring reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is designed with multiple anchoring options including threaded rod engagement with crossbars, friction-fit mechanisms for smooth surfaces, and adjustable clamp-style anchors. This multi-functional anchoring approach allows the same drain stopper to be reliably installed on various tub shoe configurations (crossbar types, smooth pipes, different materials) while maintaining secure attachment through the appropriate anchoring method for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters such as anchor position, engagement depth, and clamping force that can be modified to optimize the anchoring reliability for different tub shoe configurations. The threaded adjustment mechanism allows the anchoring force and engagement characteristics to be tuned for each installation scenario, ensuring reliable attachment regardless of the underlying tub shoe type.
3Shape
If the cap diameter is increased to hide the drain flange, then aesthetics improve, but the seal effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with differentiated zones: a larger outer diameter portion that extends beyond the drain flange to provide aesthetic coverage and hide unsightly components, and a smaller inner sealing surface that maintains optimal contact with the drain pipe or flange sealing surface. The seal element (gasket or O-ring) is positioned at the interface between the cap's inner surface and the drain structure, ensuring that the sealing function is concentrated at the appropriate location while the outer cap provides cosmetic coverage without compromising seal effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A bathtub drain stopper includes an open-close mechanism having threaded upper and lower ends, a cap, a seal, and means for anchoring the open-close mechanism in a drain pipe, where the length can be adjusted and fixed with a lock nut. A threaded anchor is provided for a tub shoe having a crossbar with a threaded opening. An anchor having prongs is provided for a tub shoe having a crossbar with no opening. A wheel-shaped anchor having an O-ring about its perimeter is provided for a drain that does not have a crossbar.