Deformable Shower Drain Partition for Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain fittings for showers and bathtubs are difficult to clean effectively, particularly due to the presence of a partition wall that obstructs access to the drain nozzle and connected drain line.
Innovation Solution
A flexibly deformable partition wall that can be deformed laterally into a trough shape by mechanical pressure, allowing easier access to the drain nozzle and connected drain line for cleaning, and is made of a soft component such as elastomer or polyolefin, enabling easy cleaning with flexible cleaning tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rigid partition wall is used to separate the interior space from the drain nozzle, then the structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity are improved, but the accessibility for cleaning the drain nozzle and connected drain line deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is designed to be flexibly deformable rather than rigid, allowing it to change shape dynamically. When mechanical pressure is applied, the partition can be deformed laterally into a trough shape, creating access paths to the drain nozzle and connected drain line for cleaning purposes, while returning to its original position when the pressure is released.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall is made from a soft component material such as elastomer or polyolefin, enabling it to be flexibly deformed. This flexible membrane approach allows the partition to be mechanically pressed into a trough shape, providing access to previously obscured areas for cleaning without requiring additional openings or disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If additional cleaning openings are added to access the drain nozzle, then the accessibility for cleaning is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding static cleaning openings that would require plugs, seals, and additional components, the invention uses a dynamically deformable partition wall that can be pressed into a trough shape to create temporary access paths. This eliminates the need for permanent openings and their associated sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible partition wall itself serves as the cleaning access mechanism when deformed, eliminating the need for separate cleaning openings, plugs, and sealing components. This reduces device complexity while maintaining cleaning accessibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If the partition wall is made from rigid material, then the manufacturing precision and structural strength are improved, but the adaptability to different drainage systems and cleaning accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is constructed from soft component materials such as elastomer or polyolefin that allow flexible deformation. This enables the partition to adapt to different drainage system configurations and be deformed for cleaning access, while still maintaining sufficient structural integrity through material selection and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the partition wall are selected to provide the right balance between flexibility and structural integrity. The soft component materials allow the partition to be deformed under mechanical pressure for cleaning access while maintaining dimensional accuracy and structural strength during normal operation.
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
Facilitates efficient cleaning of the drain nozzle and connected drain line without the need for additional cleaning openings, reduces material usage, and adapts to different drainage systems, enhancing accessibility and drainage capacity while maintaining compact dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
the partition defining an overflow edge is flexibly deformable, such that a section of the overflow edge can be deformed laterally into a trough-shaped shape by mechanical pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drain fitting, in particular for shower trays, with a drain housing having an interior accessible from an upper inlet opening, with a drain spout projecting from the drain housing, with a partition wall defining an overflow edge between the interior and the drain spout, wherein the partition wall is integrally connected to the drain housing, and with a dip tube inserted into the drain housing and removable from it, forming part of a trap, characterized in that the partition wall is flexibly deformable such that a section of the overflow edge can be deformed into a trough shape by mechanical pressure.