Drain Chain System with Segmented Cap for Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drain cleaning systems face challenges such as the need to remove drain caps for operation, potential hazards from protruding filters, high costs, and health risks associated with chemical de-clogging solutions, which make them impractical for frequent use or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical drain chain system that can be positioned through a hole in the drain cover to entangle and remove debris without removing the cap, featuring a flexible chain and decorative cap with apertures to allow water flow, allowing for easy cleaning and replacement, and optionally including a suction cup for secure placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical drain cleaning device is used to grab and pull debris from the drain, then the drain can be de-clogged, but the drain cap must first be removed which complicates the operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate components: a reusable cap that remains on the drain and a removable chain assembly that can be inserted and extracted independently. This segmentation allows the chain to be removed and cleaned without removing the cap, simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap serves as an intermediary component that stays fixed on the drain while the chain is inserted through it. This intermediary structure eliminates the need to remove the entire drain assembly, allowing easy access to the drain interior for debris removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a surface filter is positioned over the drain to catch debris, then debris can be caught before entering the drain, but it protrudes up and away from the drain cap creating potential hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidhazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the filtering element horizontally over the drain (surface level), the chain is positioned vertically by extending it down into the drain through the cap aperture. This dimensional change moves the filtering action from the surface level to the interior drain level, eliminating protrusion hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a surface filter is positioned over the drain to catch debris, then debris can be caught before entering the drain, but it requires frequent manual cleaning and is unappealing to look at

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering function is segmented into a separate removable chain assembly that can be independently extracted from the drain cap. This allows the chain to be removed for cleaning or replacement without affecting the cap, making maintenance simple and unobtrusive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chain assembly is extracted as a separate component that can be removed from the cap. This extraction allows the filtering element to be easily taken out for cleaning or replacement, eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning of a fixed surface filter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If chemical de-clogging solutions are used to break down clogged debris, then the drain can be de-clogged, but they are expensive and provide only temporary results

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical de-clogging method is replaced with a mechanical system using a chain to physically remove debris. This substitution provides permanent results by extracting the actual clog rather than temporarily breaking it down, eliminating the need for repeated chemical purchases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Reliability

If chemical de-clogging solutions are used to break down clogged debris, then the drain can be de-clogged, but there are health risks associated with the use and storage of chemicals

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidhealth risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Chemical de-clogging methods are replaced with a purely mechanical chain-based system that physically removes debris. This substitution eliminates all health risks associated with chemical handling, storage, and exposure while providing effective and permanent drain cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10119257B2Drain chain systems and methods for cleaning drains

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 BRIGGS GIFFORD L

AI summary

Drain chain systems can include a cap connected to a chain with an intermediate segment that is configured to pass between a plug and a surface of a tub or sink. The cap can be connected to a suction cup for attaching the system to the surface of the tub or sink. The intermediate segment is sized and shaped to prevent it from causing any substantial interference with the plug or plug sealing functionality. A ring can also be used, rather than the cap and suction cup, to position a chain within a drain. The ring can be positioned below the plug, so as to not interfere with the plug or plug sealing functionality at all. Small diameter caps and hooks can also be used to secure the chain within a drain, extending down from a drain cover.