Adjustable Waste Outlet Sealing for Single-Person Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste outlets in plumbing systems require complex installation processes, often needing two people and significant effort, especially when replacing parts in situ, due to the need for access and application of silicone sealant on both sides of the aperture.
Innovation Solution
A waste outlet design featuring a top and bottom section mounted on an elongate member, with a tubular seal between them, allowing adjustable compression and expansion to facilitate installation by adjusting the distance between the sections, and a threaded mechanism for controlled positioning, enabling single-person installation and secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the waste outlet is installed by applying silicone sealant to both sides of the aperture and connecting sections from both sides, then the seal and connection are secure, but the installation process becomes complex and requires two people
Solution Approach 1:
The waste outlet is divided into a top section and a bottom section that can be installed separately through the aperture from opposite sides. The seal element is segmented to allow independent positioning and compression from both sides, enabling secure sealing without requiring complex multi-person coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal element acts as an intermediary between the top and bottom sections, allowing them to be connected and sealed through the aperture without direct contact or complex alignment procedures. The seal element facilitates the connection while providing the necessary sealing function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the waste outlet is replaced in situ on an installed product, then the replacement is necessary, but the installation process becomes more complex and requires considerable effort
Solution Approach 1:
The waste outlet is segmented into separable top and bottom sections that can be independently removed and reinstalled. This segmentation allows the existing outlet to be dismantled and replaced without requiring complete disassembly of the plumbing system, facilitating in-situ replacement while reducing installation effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between the top and bottom sections is adjustable, allowing dynamic positioning during installation and removal. This adjustability enables easy in-situ replacement by simply moving the sections apart for removal and bringing them together for reinstallation, without requiring complex tools or procedures.
3Device complexity
If the top section and bottom section are fixed at a fixed distance, then the structure is simple, but the seal cannot be adjusted to fit different aperture sizes or conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between the top and bottom sections is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the seal element to be compressed or extended to accommodate different aperture sizes and conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a threaded mechanism that maintains structural simplicity while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of distance between sections is made variable, allowing the seal element to change its compression state. By adjusting the distance parameter, the seal can adapt to different installation conditions while maintaining a simple overall structure without requiring complex mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the tubular seal is compressed to expand radially for sealing, then the seal effectiveness increases, but the internal channel may become obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular seal element has different properties in different directions: it is designed to expand radially for sealing while maintaining longitudinal flexibility to prevent obstruction. The seal element's structure provides local quality differentiation, allowing radial expansion for sealing effectiveness while preventing inward collapse that would obstruct the channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular seal element utilizes its curved, cylindrical structure to distribute compression forces evenly around the aperture, ensuring effective sealing without creating localized obstructions. The curved geometry allows the seal to conform to the aperture while maintaining an open internal channel for fluid flow.
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 easy, single-person installation of waste outlets with a secure seal, reducing the risk of leakage and inadvertent removal, while maintaining fluid communication and preventing water egress.
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
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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.