Wash Basin Drain Alignment for Single-Person Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of modern wash basin drains often requires two people due to the challenge of applying force to the basket lock nut without causing the drain to rotate, making it difficult for a single person to securely attach the drain to the basin.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of at least two substantially inflexible protrusions on the drain and basin that align with corresponding apertures, allowing for secure insertion and rotation of the basket lock nut without inducing drain rotation, enabling single-person installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If force is applied to the basket lock nut to secure the drain to the basin, then the drain is firmly attached, but the drain rotates instead of the nut tightening independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment protrusions on the drain and corresponding alignment apertures in the basin before the tightening operation. These pre-positioned features guide the drain into correct alignment and prevent rotation during the tightening process, allowing the installer to apply force to the lock nut without the drain spinning.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment protrusions and apertures act as intermediary elements between the drain and basin. These features mediate the connection process by providing a mechanical interface that prevents rotational movement while the basket lock nut is being tightened, enabling secure attachment without the harmful rotation effect.
2Strength
If two people are used for installation (one to steady the drain, one to tighten the nut), then the drain can be securely attached, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The drain assembly is designed with self-aligning features (protrusions and apertures) that automatically prevent rotation during tightening. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for a second person to manually steady the drain, allowing a single installer to complete the secure attachment without additional assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features are pre-configured on the drain and basin before installation begins. This preliminary design ensures that when the drain is inserted, it is automatically positioned correctly and cannot rotate during tightening, simplifying the installation process to a single-person operation while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If the drain is securely fastened to prevent leakage, then sealing is improved, but the installation and disassembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional elements: alignment protrusions for positioning, gaskets for sealing, and basket lock nuts for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, ensuring reliable sealing while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly through simple, dedicated features.
Data Source
AI summary
A drain system includes a basin and a drain, where a first one of the basin and the drain comprises at least two substantially inflexible protrusions and a second one of the basin and the drain forms at least two apertures. The protrusions and apertures form male-female connections that facilitate positioning and anchoring of the drain in the basin. Further, stoppers/strainer and ball valves for limiting or ceasing water flow through a drain are disclosed. The stoppers/strainers and quarter turn valves may be switch-activated and moved into position by electricity, water pressure, air pressure and the like.