Collapsible Drain Adaptor for Membrane Bonding and Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drains are not compatible with modern topical, bonded waterproofing membranes and require laborious mortar bed manipulation for height adjustments, limiting their adaptability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A universal and height adjustable drain adaptor featuring a collapsible base and a bonding flange, allowing for flexible height adjustments and compatibility with various waterproofing membranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional drain is used with modern topical bonded waterproofing membranes, then the drain can be installed, but the membrane bonding is improper and the system is incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transition annular member as an intermediary component between the traditional drain base and the topical bonded waterproofing membrane. This transition member provides a bonding flange with a bonding surface that is specifically designed to properly bond with modern topical membranes, while the bottom portion interfaces with the traditional drain base. This intermediary structure resolves the incompatibility between traditional drains and modern membrane systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition annular member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a bottom portion for interfacing with the traditional drain base, a bonding flange for membrane attachment, and a vertical side portion connecting these functions. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, enabling proper membrane bonding while maintaining compatibility with traditional drain hardware.
2Ease of operation
If the bonding surface is fixed at the bottom of the traditional drain, then the drain structure is simple, but height adjustment is difficult and requires laborious mortar bed manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The transition annular member incorporates a vertical side portion that provides dynamic height adjustment capability. The bonding flange can be positioned at different heights relative to the drain base by adjusting the vertical position of the transition member, eliminating the need for fixed mortar bed manipulation. This dynamic adjustment is achieved while maintaining a simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical side portion of the transition annular member acts as an intermediary structure that absorbs and accommodates height variations. By providing this intermediate element, the system can adjust to different heights without requiring laborious manipulation of the mortar bed, significantly reducing installation time and effort.
3Reliability
If a flange drain is used to provide a topical bonding surface, then membrane bonding is improved, but different grate and hardware are required increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The transition annular member is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to work with both traditional drain hardware and modern topical bonded membranes. The bonding flange provides the necessary topical bonding surface while the bottom portion interfaces with standard traditional drain bases, grates, and hardware. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized flange drain components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition annular member serves as a universal intermediary that bridges traditional drain hardware with modern membrane systems. It provides the topical bonding surface needed for reliable membrane attachment while maintaining compatibility with existing traditional drain components, thus avoiding the need for different grate and hardware specifications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed height collar is used to connect the drain base and membrane, then the connection is simple, but height variations cannot be accommodated and different membranes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The transition annular member incorporates a vertical side portion that enables dynamic height adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. This vertical portion can be positioned at different heights to accommodate various membrane types and installation requirements, providing adaptability without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition annular member allows for parameter changes in height positioning through its vertical side portion. By changing the vertical position of the bonding flange relative to the drain base, the system can accommodate different height requirements for various membrane types, providing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal and height adjustable drain adaptor and methods of manufacture can include: a bonding flange; and a collapsible base coupled to the bonding flange, the collapsible base including folds and a bottom portion, the collapsible base configured to collapse about the folds to provide an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, the extended configuration includes the bonding flange being further from the bottom portion than the collapsed configuration, and the bonding flange and the collapsible base create a universal drain adaptor with the bottom portion configured to be clamped between a drain base and a clamping ring.