Drain Clean-Out Assembly with Integrated Valve for Sewage Spill Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When attempting to clear obstructions in sewage drain lines, existing methods often result in sewage spilling out as the clean-out plug is removed, making it difficult to insert rods or cables without causing a mess.
Innovation Solution
The development of drain clean-out assemblies equipped with devices such as plunger assemblies, three-way ball valves, or spigots that allow for selective control of fluid flow, enabling the drainage of sewage upstream of the obstruction before removing the clean-out plug, thus preventing spills during the removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clean-out plug is removed to access the drain line for obstruction removal, then access to the drain line is achieved, but sewage spills out from the drain line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by draining the sewage from the drain line before removing the clean-out plug. The drainage system includes a drain valve and hose that are positioned to drain sewage into a container or alternative location before the plug is removed, preventing the harmful spill that would otherwise occur during plug removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary drainage system consisting of a drain valve, hose, and container. This intermediary system captures and redirects the sewage flow that would normally spill when the plug is removed, allowing the plug to be removed safely without creating a mess
2Productivity
If a traditional clean-out plug is used to access the drain line, then obstruction removal is possible, but sewage must be drained manually or spills occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clean-out plug function with an integrated drainage system. The drain valve is incorporated into the clean-out assembly, and the hose is positioned to work in conjunction with the plug removal process. This combination allows both obstruction access and automated drainage to occur through a single integrated system, improving productivity while reducing manual drainage operations
3Speed
If the clean-out plug is removed rapidly to clear the obstruction, then obstruction removal speed is improved, but sewage spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the drainage system ready and positioned before the plug is removed. The drain valve can be opened in advance or simultaneously with plug removal, ensuring that sewage flows into the container rather than spilling, allowing rapid plug removal without increasing spill volume
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
Enables safe and efficient drainage of sewage before attempting to remove obstructions, allowing for the insertion of rods or cables without spillage, facilitating the removal process while maintaining access for continued drainage during obstruction clearance.
Implementation Method 1
A plunger assembly, three-way ball valve, or spigot within the housing enables the draining of a plugged drain line upstream of (above) an obstruction
Implementation Method 2
The preventing and permitting device may be, for example, a spigot, a three-way ball valve, or plunger assembly within the housing
Implementation Method 3
enables the draining of a plugged drain line upstream of (above) the obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
Drain clean-out assemblies that can be used to drain the contents of a drain line prior to removing a clean-out plug mounted to the assembly or to which the assembly is mounted. The drain clean-out assembly includes clean-out plug and a device for selectively preventing and permitting drainage of a fluid through the assembly. The assembly may include a housing having oppositely-disposed first and second ends and a drain between the first and second ends and in fluidic communication with an interior of the housing, wherein the first end of the housing is configured to attach to a drain line, the preventing and permitting device is within the housing, and the clean-out plug is removably attached to the housing. Alternatively, the preventing and permitting device may be permanently mounted to the clean-out plug.