Cam-Actuated Drain Stopper for Springless Sealing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain closure devices lack an efficient mechanism for smoothly transitioning between open and closed configurations, often relying on springs or complex mechanisms to maintain sealing and fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
A cam and cam follower arrangement is used in conjunction with a guide member and a stopper, featuring a profiled cam surface and detent mechanism to facilitate rotational and axial movement of a sealing member between open and closed configurations, utilizing gravity and water pressure for sealing, and a threaded retainer for secure attachment to the strainer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring or complex mechanism is used to maintain sealing and control fluid flow, then the reliability of sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the system entirely, replacing it with a cam and cam follower mechanism that uses the rotational motion of the stopper to directly control the axial position of the sealing member. This extraction of the spring eliminates the need for elastic elements while maintaining reliable sealing through the geometric constraints of the cam profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary between the rotational motion of the stopper and the axial motion of the sealing member. By designing the cam surface with specific geometric profiles, the mechanism translates rotational input into controlled axial displacement, achieving reliable sealing without requiring springs or complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a cam and cam follower arrangement is used to guide movement between open and closed configurations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses dynamic geometric relationships between the cam surface and cam follower to control the sealing action. The cam surface is profiled to provide different degrees of axial movement at different rotational positions, enabling smooth transition between open and closed configurations through simple rotational input while maintaining precise control through the inherent geometry of the cam-follower interaction.
3Productivity
If the cam surface is profiled to cause axial movement of the sealing member, then the fluid flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the axial movement of the sealing member, provides the sealing force against the flange, and maintains the sealed position through its geometric profile. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating these control actions into a single cam surface geometry rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
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 simple, efficient, and robust mechanism for controlling fluid flow by ensuring reliable sealing in the closed configuration and easy opening with minimal user input, leveraging gravity and water pressure for operation without the need for springs.
Implementation Method 1
a cam and cam follower arrangement for guiding movement of a stopper relative to a guide member mounted to the strainer
Implementation Method 2
leveraging gravity and water pressure for operation without the need for springs
Implementation Method 3
leveraging gravity and water pressure for operation without the need for springs
Data Source
AI summary
A drain closure device for a vessel such as a bathtub or sink is provided. The drain closure device comprises a stopper fitted with a sealing gasket and threaded onto a stem slidably mounted in a guide member which is in turn threaded into a strainer mounted in a hole in the bottom of the vessel. The device is concentrically disposed within the strainer. Twirling of the stopper causes the stem to rise and fall against an undulating cam surface of the guide. Resistance to closure is provided by rest stops for projections on the upper part of the stem. No spring, pins, or resistance seals are used. Once in place, the drain closure nests in the strainer.