Adjustable Waste Outlet Assembly for One-Sided Sealed Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing waste outlets in plumbing systems, especially when replacing existing ones, often requires two people and significant effort due to the need for access from both sides of the aperture and the complexity of threaded connections.
Innovation Solution
A waste outlet device with a top and bottom section mounted on an elongate member, allowing adjustable axial movement to compress or expand a tubular seal, which can be locked into place using a threaded mechanism or biasing means, facilitating single-person installation and ensuring a watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If waste outlet sections are connected using traditional threaded connections requiring access from both sides of the aperture, then reliable mechanical connection and sealing are achieved, but installation complexity increases and requires two people
Solution Approach 1:
The waste outlet is divided into multiple sections (first section with inlet, second section with outlet) that can be assembled separately and then connected through the aperture. This segmentation allows each section to be installed independently from one side, eliminating the need for two-person installation while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring access from both sides of the aperture for traditional threaded connections, the invention inverts the installation approach by designing sections that can be connected through the aperture itself. The sections are arranged and connected in reverse sequence compared to traditional methods, allowing complete installation from a single side.
2Stability of the object's composition
If waste outlets are fitted after product installation, then product integrity is maintained, but installation effort and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The waste outlet sections are designed to be pre-assembled into a compact configuration that can be inserted through the aperture after product installation. The sections are prepared in advance with sealing elements positioned, allowing quick installation without requiring product disassembly or extensive on-site assembly work.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste outlet sections are designed to nest within each other or collapse into a compact form that can be inserted through the aperture after the product is already installed. This nesting capability allows the multi-section outlet to pass through limited space and then expand to its functional configuration.
3Reliability
If tubular seal is compressed to expand radially for sealing, then watertight seal is achieved, but internal channel may become obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular seal is designed with different properties in different regions: the outer surface is made compressible and elastic to expand radially and form a watertight seal against the aperture, while the internal channel is maintained with sufficient structural integrity and open space to prevent obstruction. This local differentiation of properties allows the seal to perform both sealing and flow functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular seal is designed to be dynamic in its configuration - it can compress axially during installation and then expand radially to seal, while maintaining an open internal channel. The seal transitions between different states (compressed vs. expanded) to achieve sealing without obstructing the internal flow path.
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 single-person installation and secure, watertight fitting of waste outlets in various plumbing fixtures, reducing installation complexity and preventing leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular seal element encloses the outlet of the top section and the inlet of the bottom section... the top section and the bottom section are arranged on the elongate member such that the distance between the top section and the bottom section can be adjusted, which can compress or expand the tubular seal between the top section and the bottom section
Data Source
AI summary
A waste outlet having a top section, with an inlet and an outlet, and a bottom section, with an inlet and an outlet. The top section and the bottom section are both mounted upon a substantially elongate member. A tubular seal element encloses the outlet of the top section and the inlet of the bottom section and one of the top section and the bottom section is connected to the elongate member and the other of the top section and the bottom section is slidably mounted on the rigid elongate member so that it can slide therealong to adjust the distance between the respective sections.