Adjustable Floor Drain Assembly with Independent Angular and Rotational Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor drains lack robust solutions for independent angular, rotational, and height adjustments, and they often get contaminated with cement during installation, making it difficult to align with uneven floor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable floor drain assembly comprising a shroud, shank, frame, shim, and clamp, which allows for independent angular and rotational adjustments, along with a cover featuring bendable tabs for secure locking and easy removal, ensuring the drain remains clean during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid housing is used for the floor drain, then the structure is simple and strong, but the drain cannot be adjusted for alignment with uneven floor surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the floor drain housing adjustable rather than fixed. The housing includes adjustment mechanisms that allow it to change position and orientation to accommodate uneven floor surfaces, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the floor drain housing into multiple adjustable components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each part to be adjusted separately to achieve proper alignment with the floor surface while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the floor drain is installed directly without a cover, then the installation process is simple, but the drain gets contaminated with cement during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removable cover as an intermediary protective element during installation. This cover shields the drain interior from cement contamination while allowing the drain body to remain exposed for proper positioning and alignment. The cover is removed after installation is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing the protective cover before the drain is exposed to potential contamination during the installation process. This preliminary protective measure prevents cement from contacting the drain interior before the drain is ready for final installation.
3Ease of operation
If the floor drain housing is fixed in position, then the installation process is straightforward, but independent adjustment of angle, rotation, and height is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed housing into a dynamic structure with multiple adjustment capabilities. The housing can be independently adjusted in angle, rotation, and height while maintaining ease of installation through a systematic adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the housing multi-functional by enabling it to perform multiple adjustment functions (angular adjustment, rotational adjustment, and height adjustment) within a single integrated structure, allowing it to adapt to various installation scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A drain assembly comprises a shroud, a shank, and a frame. The drain assembly may further comprise a shim with an angled top surface. The frame may have an angled bottom surface. A rotational orientation of the angled top surface of the shim relative to the shank and a rotational orientation of the angled bottom surface of the frame relative to the shank may be independently adjustable, thereby allowing for the top surface of the frame to be both angularly and rotationally adjusted relative to a central axis of the drain assembly independent of the positional height of the shank. The drain assembly may further comprise a cover having bendable tabs. The bendable tabs may be disposed around a periphery of the cover and may be configured to contact an angled inner surface of an upper bowl of the shroud, such that the bendable tabs bend around the frame, thereby locking the cover onto the frame.