Boat Drain Plug with Elastomeric Body and Flared Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat drain plugs are prone to slippage and inadvertent removal, posing risks of water accumulation and potential sinking, especially when docked or in use.
Innovation Solution
A through-hole plug with a rubber body and a metal bolt system, featuring a flared nut with an annular flange and tapered neck, which secures the plug within the drain hole by compressing the rubber body and creating a mushroom shape for an impenetrable seal, preventing accidental dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional boat drain plug with ball valve assembly and retaining ring is used, then the plug can be removed and installed, but the plug is prone to slippage and inadvertent removal
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body is made of elastomeric material that dynamically changes shape during installation and operation. When installed, the plug body expands to engage with the drain hole walls, creating a self-locking mechanism that prevents slippage and inadvertent removal while maintaining ease of installation through its flexible, compressible nature
Solution Approach 2:
The plug body utilizes elastomeric properties that allow it to change physical parameters (shape, volume, rigidity) in response to installation forces. The material transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state during operation, automatically adjusting to seal the drain hole securely without requiring additional fastening components
2Strength
If a rubber stopper with plug bolt and nut is used, then the plug can be secured, but slippage between the stopper and fastener compromises the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sealing function and the securing function into a single integrated elastomeric plug body. The plug body simultaneously provides the seal against water infiltration and the mechanical engagement with the drain hole through its expanded elastomeric structure, eliminating the interface between separate components that causes slippage in traditional designs
Solution Approach 2:
The plug utilizes elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility for easy installation with the properties of rigidity and friction for secure engagement. This composite material behavior allows the plug to both seal the drain hole and resist slippage without requiring separate fastening components that create weak points
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 secure, reliable, and easy-to-use seal that prevents accidental removal, ensuring the boat remains watertight and safe, addressing the issues of slippage and dislodgment in existing plug designs.
Implementation Method 1
The friction between the plug body and the drain hole secures the plug in place and prevents slippage
Implementation Method 2
The plug body is made of an elastomeric material that is resilient and flexible, allowing it to conform to the shape of the drain hole and create an effective seal
Data Source
AI summary
A through hole plug having a body configured to fit snugly within a drain hole for sealing engagement therewith. The body includes a corrugated surface formed of a plurality of annular ribs, wherein the plurality of annular ribs form concentric rings of substantially equal radii that extend around a circumference of the body and along the length of the body. The body further comprises a bore positioned in a center of the body, the bore extending continuously within the center of the body along the length of the body. The through hole plug includes a threaded bolt positioned within the bore. The bolt includes a top end having a handle for maneuvering the bolt in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction while inserted within the bore. The threaded bottom portion of the bolt extends beyond the length of the body and fastens to an annular flange, the annular flange having a threaded aperture sized to receive and mate with the threaded bottom portion of the bolt.