Bathtub Overflow Pipe Assembly for Replaceable Screwless Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathtub overflow pipe structures are complex and costly due to intricate designs and metal materials, affecting market competitiveness.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable structure featuring an inverted L-shaped overflow pipe with a sleeve and tab adapter, a cover with a rib and recessed rail, and a sealing ring, allowing for quick and secure assembly without screws, using non-metallic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an intricate adapter structure with transverse connecting pieces, claw-like protrusions, and compression rings is used, then the overflow pipe can accommodate various cover types (single-hole, double-hole, or no-hole), but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into a sleeve portion and a tab portion that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together through ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces tooling costs, and allows for easier quality control while maintaining the ability to accommodate various cover types through the universal opening at the end face.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve and tab are combined into a single adapter component that integrates the functions of both parts. The sleeve provides the connection interface with the overflow pipe while the tab provides the connection interface with the cover, merging multiple functions into one simplified component that reduces overall assembly complexity.
2Strength
If metal materials are used for the adapter, then the structural strength and durability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to high raw material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter is changed from metal to plastic, specifically using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or polypropylene (PP) plastic. This material substitution significantly reduces raw material costs while maintaining sufficient structural strength through proper design of the adapter geometry and connection features. The plastic material also allows for cost-effective manufacturing through injection molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is made from composite plastic materials such as ABS or PP that combine multiple properties (strength, flexibility, corrosion resistance) into a single material system. These composite materials provide adequate structural strength for the application while being much more cost-effective than metal alternatives, and they can be easily formed into the required geometric shapes through injection molding.
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 design ensures efficient water drainage, reduces production costs, enhances stability, and maintains aesthetic appeal while facilitating easy cover replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The rib is slidably engaged with the recessed rail
Implementation Method 2
A sealing ring is mounted to the pillar
Implementation Method 3
When the water in the bathtub reaches the maximum water level, the excess water flows from the outlet to the overflow pipe, and directly drains to the drainage pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A bathtub overflow pipe includes an overflow pipe, an adapter and a over. The overflow pipe includes an extending section with an outlet. The adapter is connected to the end face of the extending section of the overflow pipe by bolts. The adapter includes a sleeve and a tab extending radially from one end of the sleeve. The sleeve includes a passage and is inserted into the outlet of the overflow pipe. The tab has a recess formed to its lower edge and communicating with the outlet for drainage. The cover includes a pillar and a rim which has a recessed area. The pillar extends axially from one of two sides of the cover and has a rib. The pillar extends through the passage of the adapter, the rib is slidably engaged with the recessed rail. The cover, the adapter and the overflow pipe can be precisely and easily assembled.