Shower Drain With Adjustable Peripheral Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower drains face issues with concealing the side part of the finishing layer, which is often visible, and protruding walls that are not adaptable to different tile thicknesses, leading to moisture accumulation and acid treatment complications.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral strip that can be adjusted in height to match the finishing layer thickness, made from spring steel for resilience, allowing it to be placed after the layer is applied, and featuring a stepped cross-section for proper sealing and drainage, with optional sealing means and inward sloping walls for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the standing wall protrudes above the horizontal flange to conceal the finishing layer, then the side part of the finishing layer is hidden from view, but the height cannot be adapted to different finishing layer thicknesses and moisture cannot flow into the drain tray
Solution Approach 1:
The standing wall is segmented into two functional parts: a fixed base portion integrated with the horizontal flange and a separate adjustable peripheral strip that can be positioned at different heights. This segmentation allows the peripheral strip to be independently adjusted to match different finishing layer thicknesses while the base portion remains fixed for structural support and moisture drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral strip is made adjustable in height rather than being fixed, allowing dynamic adaptation to different finishing layer thicknesses. The strip can be repositioned vertically to match various tile thicknesses, providing versatility while maintaining the concealment function.
2Shape
If the folded part with U-shaped cross-section is used for the protruding part, then the structure is compact, but acid treatment causes discolourations due to capillary action trapping acid
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic folded U-shaped cavity structure is removed and replaced with an open, non-cavitating peripheral strip design. This extraction eliminates the capillary action traps that caused acid discolouration while maintaining the structural integrity and compact appearance of the drain assembly.
3Strength
If the peripheral strip is made resilient with spring steel, then the strip lies firmly against the side wall and resists load, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the peripheral strip are changed by using spring steel, which provides inherent elasticity and resilience. This parameter change allows the strip to exert continuous contact force against the side wall, ensuring firm seating and load resistance without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems.
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 adjustable peripheral strip effectively conceals the finishing layer, ensures proper drainage, and prevents moisture accumulation, while the resilient design and sealing features enhance the drain's stability and adaptability to various tile types.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the peripheral strip is arranged resiliently and under bias in the formed tray such that the peripheral strip is pressed against the standing wall. In preference the peripheral strip at least partially comprises spring steel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drain, comprising: - a bottom surface; - a standing wall along the periphery of the bottom surface such that a tray is formed by the standing wall and the bottom surface; and - a horizontal flange extending from the upper edge of the standing wall; wherein a strip is arranged running peripherally along the standing wall in the formed tray, wherein the upper edge of the peripheral strip protrudes above the horizontal flange.