Adjustable Pop-Up Drain Stopper Assembly With Gear Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pop-up drain stopper assemblies are cumbersome to adjust for varying sink dimensions and may require frequent adjustments due to mechanical complexity and slippage issues, leading to inconsistent sealing.

Innovation Solution

A pop-up drain stopper assembly featuring spatula-shaped gear teeth with central axles and lever arms, housed in an hourglass-shaped enclosure, with an adjustable extension arm and awning rings for secure attachment to the drain pipe, providing a mechanical advantage and reducing slippage through engaging gear teeth and secure fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional pop-up drain stopper assemblies are used, then the basic sealing function is provided, but the device is cumbersome to adjust for varying sink dimensions and requires frequent adjustments due to mechanical complexity and slippage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to sink dimensionsVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate adjustable segments including an extension arm with multiple positioning holes and a modular clip assembly. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to fit varying sink dimensions while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension arm incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms with multiple holes that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the push rod position. This dynamic adjustability enables the device to adapt to different sink dimensions without requiring complete redesign or complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional pop-up drain stopper assemblies are used, then the sealing function is provided, but the clip connecting the push rod to the pivot rod may slip over time requiring periodic adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing consistencyVSAvoidadjustment frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clip assembly is designed with pre-engineered anti-slip features including enlarged engagement surfaces and positioning holes that prevent slippage before it occurs. This beforehand cushioning eliminates the need for periodic adjustments and ensures consistent sealing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The enlarged clip features and positioning hole design create a self-locking mechanism that automatically prevents slippage without requiring user intervention or periodic adjustment. The structure serves itself by maintaining proper alignment and engagement through its geometric design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional pop-up drain stopper assemblies are used, then the basic operation is provided, but mechanical energy is lost in actuating the drain stopper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation easeVSAvoidmechanical energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot rod features a curved or arc-shaped engagement surface that optimizes the mechanical advantage during actuation. This curvature allows for more efficient force transmission and reduces mechanical energy loss by maintaining optimal contact angles throughout the movement cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the actuation mechanism through the extension arm and adjusted push rod positioning. This dimensional change creates a more favorable mechanical leverage ratio, reducing the force required for actuation and minimizing energy loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The assembly is easily adjustable, provides a consistent seal across various sink dimensions, and is mechanically simple, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and ensuring secure sealing with a multiplied force mechanism and reduced slippage.

Implementation Method 1

providing a mechanical advantage and reducing slippage through engaging gear teeth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

push rod gear and pivot rod gear, both of which are generally spatula shaped and have a plurality of gear teeth at their arcuate ends

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS10161121B1Adjustable assembly for increasing mechanical advantage in actuating a drain stopper

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 KALMANSON BARRY

AI summary

An adjustable pop-up drain stopper assembly is provided comprising a push rod gear and pivot rod gear, both of which are housed in an enclosure. The push rod and pivot rod gears rotate about respective axles in the enclosure. The push rod gear and the pivot rod gear both have a lever arm extending through respective windows in the enclosure and are connected to a push rod and a pivot rod, respectively, of a sink. Teeth at arcuate ends of the push rod and pivot rod gears engage each other such that, when the push rod gear is rotated about its axle, the pivot rod gear rotates a corresponding amount about its axle. In use, when the push rod is raised or lowered, the motion is transferred by way of the gears to the pivot rod which, in turn, lowers or raises a pop-up stopper at the sink drain opening.