Concealed Drain Strainer with Flexible Seal for Hair Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing straining devices for shower and bathtub drains are unsightly due to visible hair accumulation and have limited effectiveness and difficulty in cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A straining device with a central element and bottom seal element is inserted into the drain pipe, featuring openings that prevent hair from flowing through, keeping hair out of sight and allowing water to pass, with a design that encourages hair to accumulate and wrap around the device for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a straining device is provided above the drain pipe opening to catch hair, then hair clogging is prevented, but the accumulated hair becomes visible and unsightly to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The straining device is extracted from its conventional position above the drain opening and relocated inside the drain pipe. The bottom seal element is inserted into the drain pipe and positioned below the top edge, with openings facing upward to catch hair while remaining concealed within the pipe structure, thus preventing hair accumulation from being visible to users.
2Reliability
If a straining device is provided above the drain pipe opening to catch hair, then hair is trapped, but the device becomes difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The straining device is segmented into distinct components: a bottom seal element with openings inserted into the drain pipe, and a removable collection element that accumulates hair. The collection element can be easily removed from the bottom seal element for cleaning, allowing users to empty accumulated hair without disassembling the entire device or reaching into difficult-to-access areas.
3Reliability
If the bottom seal element extends radially outward to seal the drain pipe, then effective sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom seal element is constructed from flexible silicone material that can be molded into a simple radially extending structure with openings. This flexible material naturally conforms to the drain pipe interior and creates an effective seal through its elasticity and adaptability, achieving reliable sealing without complex mechanical components, joints, or adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A straining device includes a top seal element, a central cylinder element and a bottom seal element and is positioned in a drain pipe of a shower, sink or bathtub to prevent hair from clogging the drain pipe while providing an aesthetically appealing appearance and allowing for easy cleaning.