Axial Drain Plug with Integrated Overflow Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bath drains protrude above the bath surface, interfering with shower usage and aesthetics, and require an overflow mechanism that compromises the bath's appearance with a side hole and connecting pipe.
Innovation Solution
A drain design with a plug that moves axially to seal or open the intake, supported by elastic or magnetic overflow means, eliminating the need for a protruding plug and side overflow hole, and allowing for adjustable water levels without compromising aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plug projects upwards from the drain body, then the drain can be manually controlled to seal the intake, but the plug interferes with shower usage and compromises aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is repositioned from a vertical projection above the drain body to a horizontal arrangement within the drain body, aligned with the bottom surface. This dimensional change allows the plug to maintain its sealing function while eliminating its protruding appearance and interference with shower usage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is extracted from the traditional vertical projection position and integrated into the horizontal plane of the drain body. By removing the protruding element and repositioning it within the drain structure, the aesthetic appearance is improved while the sealing function is preserved through the sealing element's cooperation with the flange's inner rim.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional overflow mechanism is installed with a side hole and connecting pipe, then water can be drained at high levels, but the overflow compromises the bath's aesthetic appearance and requires additional structural modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow function is merged with the existing drain body structure. The elastic overflow means are integrated into the drain body, eliminating the need for separate side holes and connecting pipes. This consolidation maintains the aesthetic appearance by removing external overflow components while preserving the overflow drainage functionality through the elastic mechanism that activates at predefined water levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain body is designed to perform multiple functions: normal drainage through the plug mechanism and overflow drainage through the integrated elastic overflow means. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate overflow structures, as the same drain body handles both drainage scenarios, thereby improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If the plug is positioned to seal the intake effectively, then water can be contained, but the protruding plug creates safety hazards and interference with bath usage
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is repositioned from a vertical projection that creates safety hazards to a horizontal arrangement within the drain body. This dimensional change maintains the sealing effectiveness through the sealing element's contact with the flange's inner rim, while eliminating the protruding portion that causes safety issues and usage interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful protruding portion of the plug is extracted and removed from the visible area. The plug is integrated into the drain body's horizontal plane, eliminating the safety hazards and interference while preserving the essential sealing function through the sealing element's cooperation with the flange structure.
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 solution provides a seamless, self-regulating overflow mechanism that maintains the bath's appearance by integrating overflow functionality within the drain body, preventing water accumulation and ensuring continuous surface alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The plug (18) is supported by the drain body (10) by elastic overflow means (30) calibrated so as to yield axially above a predefined level of pressure acting on the head (22) of the plug, so as to cause a lowering of the plug (18) in relation to the drain body (10)
Implementation Method 2
the plug (18) is supported on the bottom grid (12) by magnetic overflow means (50, 52), operatively connected to the plug (18) and to the drain body (10) and calibrated so as to yield over a predefined pressure value acting on the head (22) of the plug as to cause a lowering of the plug (18) in relation to the drain body (10)
Implementation Method 3
The plug (18) comprises a plug body (20) and a head (22) bearing a sealing element (24) suitable for cooperating with the inner rim (14') of the annular flange (14) to hermetically seal the intake (16) when the head (22) of the plug is level with said flange (14)
Implementation Method 4
The pressure acting on the head (22) contrasting the force opposed by the elastic element (30) is the hydrostatic pressure of water contained in the bath, sink or the like
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
A drain (1) for baths, sinks, washbasins and the like comprises a plug (18) having a head (22) with a seal (24) to close the intake (16). The head (22) is axially movable in relation to the drain (1) between a lowered position, in which it is below the intake (16), and a raised position, in which it on a level with the intake (16). The plug (18) is positioned on a spring (30) which permits use of the drain as an overflow outlet.