Adjustable Spillover Drain Assembly With Debris-Straining Cage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain systems for live wells on fishing boats lack flexibility in setting different spillover levels without removing the drain assembly, and often suffer from clogging due to debris entry.
Innovation Solution
A drain assembly with a hollow first member and a movable second member that can be slid along a longitudinal axis to seal and unseal openings, allowing for adjustable spillover levels, and a strainer cage with T-shaped extensions and a cap to prevent debris entry while allowing water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional drain plug system is used, then the drain hole can be sealed to prevent water leakage, but the spillover level cannot be adjusted without removing the entire drain assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The drain plug is segmented into two functional parts: a body portion that threads into the drain hole and a separate spillover tube that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the spillover level to be modified by simply moving the tube vertically along the body, without removing the entire drain assembly from the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The spillover tube is designed with dynamic positioning capability through external threading that engages with corresponding threads on the body portion. This allows the tube to be moved to different heights and locked in position, enabling adjustable spillover levels while maintaining a secure connection to the drain assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drain assembly is designed with adjustment mechanisms, then spillover levels can be changed, but the risk of debris entering and causing clogs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spillover tube is nested within the body portion of the drain assembly, with the tube's outer surface fitting inside the body's inner cavity. This nested configuration allows the tube to move vertically for adjustment while remaining protected within the larger structure, and the body acts as a protective barrier against debris entering the drainage pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection between the spillover tube and body portion serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables adjustment while maintaining structural integrity. The threads provide both the adjustment function and a secure mechanical connection that prevents debris from compromising the sealing between components.
3Volume of moving object
If the hollow second member is made telescopic, then compact storage is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow second member is designed to telescope within the hollow first member, with precision threads cut on the outer surface of the second member that engage with internal threads in the first member. This nested telescopic design allows the assembly to compact to a small volume for storage while the threaded connection provides sufficient guidance and alignment to achieve the necessary fit tolerance during manufacturing.
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
Enables quick adjustment of spillover levels within the tank without removing the assembly and reduces clogging by effectively filtering out debris, enhancing operational efficiency and bait retention.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow second member may be configured to seal the at least one opening in the hollow first member when in the first position to define an upper spillover level for fluid within the tank
Implementation Method 2
a strainer cage coupled to the distal end of the hollow second member
Data Source
AI summary
A drain assembly for a fluid tank having a drain hole therein may include a hollow first member to be coupled with the drain hole, where the hollow first member has at least one opening therein. The drain assembly may further include a hollow second member slidably coupled with the hollow first member and movable along a longitudinal axis of the hollow outer member between first and second positions. The hollow second member may be configured to seal the at least one opening in the hollow first member when in the first position to define an upper spillover level for fluid within the tank, and to unseal the at least one opening in the hollow first member when in the second position to define a lower spillover level for fluid within the tank below the upper spillover level.