Drain Adjusting Frame Using Strip Material for Tiling Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain systems with adjusting frames made from bent sheet steel face challenges such as a wide edge, difficulty in achieving precise tolerances, limited shape options, and a larger frame size that obstructs tiling, making it hard to create non-rectangular shapes like circles or hearts, and allowing water to flow under tiles.
Innovation Solution
The use of a strip material for the adjusting frame, which fits within the upright edge of the container, allowing for any desired form and precise tolerances, with a smaller upper surface to minimize water flow and enabling the container to be seamlessly integrated into the floor, along with a mastic sealant and flexible flange for improved sealing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the adjusting frame is manufactured from bent sheet steel, then the frame provides structural strength, but the edge becomes wide and manufacturing precision is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting frame is segmented into multiple profile sections (first, second, third, and fourth profile sections) that are connected together. Each section can be manufactured separately with precise tolerances using strip material, and then assembled to form the complete frame. This segmentation allows for better manufacturing precision compared to bending a large sheet steel piece, while maintaining structural strength through the interconnected profiles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adjusting frame is made larger to provide structural support, then the frame is stable, but the frame obstructs tiling and prevents non-rectangular shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting frame is designed to nest within the container's upright edge. The frame's outer dimensions are smaller than the container's internal dimensions, allowing the frame to be positioned inside the container rather than extending outward. This nesting arrangement provides structural support while not obstructing the tiling process, and allows the frame to take various shapes including non-rectangular forms like circles or hearts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the adjusting frame has a wide edge for structural integrity, then the frame is strong, but water can flow over the frame and leak under tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting frame employs a composite construction combining multiple profile sections with different functions. The vertical profile sections provide structural strength and support, while the horizontal profile sections create a lower upper surface. This composite arrangement maintains structural integrity through the vertical profiles while the reduced upper surface area of the horizontal sections minimizes water flow and prevents leakage under tiles.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a drain, comprising: a container with a bottom surface and an upright edge along the periphery of the bottom surface; a discharge opening arranged in the bottom surface of the container; an adjusting frame placed on the container and having adjusting means for adjusting the height of the top side of the adjusting frame; wherein the adjusting frame fits within the upright edge and the adjusting frame is manufactured from strip material.