Rough-in Adapter Clip Lock for Drain Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor drain installation systems face challenges such as damage during concrete pouring, inability to adjust the drain height post-construction, and vulnerability to tampering or theft, particularly when the drain head is made easily adjustable for alignment with the finished floor surface.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lock-type feature with a flexible yet rigid clip that engages grooves in the adapter, allowing downward adjustment of the drain head while preventing upward adjustment and unauthorized removal, using a tamper-proof mechanism to secure the drain head in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the drain head is made easily adjustable with respect to the poured slab and finished floor, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the drain head becomes easily removable by vandals or thieves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of drain headVSAvoidsecurity against tampering or theft

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clip mechanism transitions from a flexible state during installation (allowing the drain head to be adjusted) to a locked state after installation (preventing removal). The clip can be bent to engage with the drain head and adapter, creating a secure connection that maintains the drain head in position while preventing unauthorized removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clip acts as an intermediary component between the drain head and the adapter. It provides the locking function by engaging with both parts, creating a secure connection without requiring permanent modification to the drain head or adapter. The clip mediates between the need for adjustability and the need for security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the drain head is securely locked to prevent removal, then the security against tampering is improved, but the ability to adjust the drain head height is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against tampering or theftVSAvoidadjustability of drain head

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clip mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. During installation, the clip can be flexed to allow the drain head to be positioned at the desired height. Once positioned, the clip locks into place to prevent removal. The same mechanism that provides security also enables adjustability during the installation phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustability is provided during the preliminary installation phase before the locking action occurs. The drain head can be adjusted to the correct height and position before the clip is engaged to lock it in place. This preliminary adjustment phase allows for proper positioning while the subsequent locking phase provides security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the drain is installed prior to pouring concrete, then the ease of installation is improved, but the drain is subject to damage or infiltration by concrete during pouring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoiddamage from concrete

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clip mechanism provides preliminary protection against concrete damage by securely locking the drain head to the adapter before concrete is poured. The locked connection prevents the drain head from shifting or becoming embedded in the concrete during pouring, thereby preventing damage while maintaining the benefit of early installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Ease of operation

If the drain head is threaded into the adapter for adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the drain head can be completely removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of drain headVSAvoidsecurity against removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism transitions from a fully reversible threaded connection to a semi-permanent locked connection. The clip allows the drain head to be threaded into position and adjusted, then locks to prevent complete removal. This dynamic connection provides both adjustability during installation and security against unauthorized removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into two functional parts: the threaded interface for adjustment and the clip mechanism for locking. The threaded portion allows the drain head to be positioned and adjusted, while the separate clip component provides the locking function to prevent removal. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8875727B2Rough-in adapter clip lock for a drain assembly

Publication Date: 2014.11.04 ZURN WATER LLC

AI summary

A drain assembly includes a drain head, which includes a flange and a cylindrical stem, with the flange extending outwardly from the cylindrical stem. The assembly also includes an adapter. The adapter is configured to engage the cylindrical stem of the drain head to adjustably support the drain head on the adapter and has a support flange, the support flange having a top surface. The assembly further includes a clip having a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the clip is connected to an underside of the flange of the drain head and the bottom end is configured to engage the top surface of the support flange of the adapter to permit downward adjustment of the drain head with respect to the adapter and prohibit upward adjustment of the drain head with respect to the adapter.