Adjustable Floor Drain Leveling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable floor drains require complex procedures and multiple steps to adjust height and angle, often necessitating the removal of the grate, which complicates the process and increases installation time.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable floor drain apparatus featuring a cylindrical collar and housing with a leveling frame and screws, allowing for the adjustment of the grate's height and angle without removing it, using a system of leveling members that can be actuated through the grate to adjust the position relative to the housing while remaining stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then height and angle adjustment is possible, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism and the grate into a single integrated assembly. The grate is directly attached to the adjustment mechanism, allowing both components to be manipulated together as one unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate adjustment procedures and reduces the number of discrete parts, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining full adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls both the height and the angle of the grate through a unified system. The same mechanism that adjusts height also enables angle adjustment, making the device multi-functional without requiring additional complex components. This universal approach resolves the contradiction by achieving versatility through a streamlined rather than expanded mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If traditional adjustment procedures are used, then the drain can be adjusted, but the grate must be removed which increases installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The grate is pre-attached to the adjustment mechanism during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate attachment steps during installation. The user receives a ready-to-install assembly where the grate is already positioned and secured to the adjustment mechanism, allowing direct installation without time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the grate and adjustment mechanism into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the sequential operations of removing the grate, adjusting the mechanism, and reattaching the grate. The combined structure allows the user to adjust the entire assembly as one unit, significantly reducing the number of steps and time required for installation while maintaining full accessibility to adjustment functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used for adjustment, then precise control is possible, but the number of manipulation steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple adjustment functions into a single manipulative interface. The adjustment mechanism incorporates both height and angle control capabilities within one unified structure that can be operated through a reduced number of steps. This merging maintains manufacturing precision by preserving the detailed adjustment mechanisms while eliminating redundant manipulation steps through intelligent integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism employs dynamic design elements that allow continuous adjustment across multiple parameters (height and angle) through a single operational sequence. The mechanism transitions smoothly between different adjustment modes, enabling the user to control both vertical and angular positioning without discrete interruption or separate manipulation steps, thereby maintaining precision while simplifying operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable floor drain apparatus includes a housing configured for positioning adjacent a drain pipe, manhole riser, or other feature, a leveling frame configured to be positioned at least partially above the housing, a grate configured to be positioned at least partially above the leveling frame and secured to the leveling frame, and a leveling member. The leveling member can be configured such that actuating the leveling member adjusts the position of the grate relative to the housing while the leveling member remains fixed relative to the housing. The leveling member can be configured such that actuating the leveling member moves the leveling member relative to the grate and adjusts the position of the grate relative to the housing.