Bathtub drain flange assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bathtub drain systems face a mismatch issue between the size of threads on plumbing devices and the size of the threaded opening in the drain flange, particularly when retrofitting or using devices from different manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A drain flange with an oversized threaded opening and a reducing bushing system that accommodates various standard sizes for plumbing devices, allowing for a friction-based or threaded engagement to adapt the size of the opening to fit different plumbing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drain flange with a fixed-size threaded opening is used, then the manufacturing and design are simple, but it cannot accommodate plumbing devices from different manufacturers with varying thread sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The drain flange is segmented into multiple functional components: a support structure with an oversized opening, and separate reducing bushings that can be installed as needed. This allows the system to adapt to different thread sizes without redesigning the entire drain flange.
Solution Approach 2:
Reducing bushings serve as intermediary components between the oversized opening in the support structure and the various standard-sized threaded openings required by different plumbing devices. These bushings translate the single oversized opening into multiple compatible interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an oversized threaded opening is used in the support structure, then various standard sizes can be accommodated, but the precision of the threaded opening for specific devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The precision requirement is segmented from the support structure to the reducing bushings. The support structure only needs to accommodate the oversized opening, while the reducing bushings provide the precise threaded interfaces for each specific device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The reducing bushings act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between the imprecise oversized opening and the precise threaded requirements of different plumbing devices, ensuring accurate fitment without requiring the support structure itself to be precisely threaded for each device.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple drain flanges with different threaded opening sizes are manufactured, then each fits specific devices precisely, but the inventory complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single support structure design with an oversized opening serves multiple functions by accommodating various standard-sized plumbing devices through the use of different reducing bushings, eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple specialized drain flange variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The reducing bushings serve as interchangeable intermediary components that allow one universal support structure to interface with multiple different device types, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining precise fitment for each device size.
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 flexible and adaptable system that ensures proper fitment of drain stoppers, strainers, and covers by offering multiple standard sizes through the use of reducing bushings, addressing the mismatch problem and enhancing compatibility across different manufacturers' products.
Implementation Method 1
The reducing bushing can be threaded into opening in the support structure or can be engaged with the support structure by a friction fit or an interference fit for a friction-based engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A bathtub drain flange assembly includes a tubular drain flange fitting that has a radially-extending flange on an upper end and male threads on a lower end. A support structure in the lower end of the drain flange has an oversized or larger-than-normal opening, which is usually threaded. A reducing bushing is received in the opening and has a threaded bore that is one of a number of different sizes for receiving a plumbing device such as a drain stopper, a strainer or a drain cover. A bathtub drain flange kit includes a drain flange with a larger-than-maximum-standard size for an opening in the drain flange and two or more reducing bushings that fit properly in the opening and become fastened to the drain flange, where each of the reducing bushings provides a threaded bore that is a standard size for receiving a plumbing device.