Hinged Drain Auger Cleaner for Contained Sludge Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain augers often leave sludge and debris on the auger during extraction from drain pipes, leading to unwanted spread within the structure and tool area.
Innovation Solution
A drain auger cleaning device with a hingedly coupled body comprising a cylindrical lower portion and an annular upper portion, equipped with a water inlet, designed to be inserted into a plumbing cleanout for cleaning the auger during removal, featuring a semicircular design and keepers for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a drain auger is used to clear debris from drain pipes, then the drain line is cleared of debris, but sludge and debris remain on the drain auger and are spread into the structure and tool area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drain auger cleaning function with the auger extraction process by integrating a collection container and cleaning mechanism into the auger handle assembly. The container collects sludge and debris directly from the auger as it is withdrawn from the pipe, eliminating the need for separate cleaning steps and preventing spread of contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a collection container as an intermediary between the drain auger and the surrounding environment. This container captures sludge and debris that would otherwise be spread during auger extraction, acting as a barrier that isolates the harmful materials and directs them into a contained space for proper disposal.
2Ease of operation
If the drain auger is removed from the drain pipe, then the drain line is accessed for tool removal, but sludge and debris are unintentionally spread into the structure and tool area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the collection container in advance and positions it ready to receive sludge and debris before the auger is fully extracted from the pipe. The cleaning mechanism is pre-configured to engage with the auger during withdrawal, capturing contaminants before they can spread to the tool area or structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful spread of sludge and debris into a beneficial contained collection process. The collection container, which would otherwise be empty space, is transformed into a controlled receptacle that captures and contains contaminants, turning a potential hazard into a manageable waste collection system.
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
Effectively cleans the drain auger by containing sludge and debris within the device during extraction, preventing spillage and maintaining cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
The upper portion of the body includes a water inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A drain auger cleaning device that is configured to be inserted into a plumbing pipe or plumbing cleanout wherein the present invention provides cleaning of the drain auger during removal from the drain auger cleaning device. The invention includes a body having a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion is secured to the upper end of the lower portion and is perpendicular to the lower portion. The lower portion is cylindrical in shape having a first section and a second section that are hingedly coupled. The upper portion further includes a first section and second section separated by a center seam wherein the lower portion and upper portion of the body are hingedly movable between an open and closed position. Secured to the upper portion is a water inlet configure to be coupled to a hose to introduce water into the hollow passage of the body.