Integrated Drain Clog Remover Combining Mechanical Agitation and Chemical Disintegration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain clog removal methods are inefficient and often require users to choose between mechanical or chemical solutions, which may not effectively address all types of clogs, particularly those caused by accumulated grease or fibrous materials, and can be unsafe to use simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A combined mechanical and chemical drain clog remover apparatus that includes a container for a drain cleaning composition, a pressurization assembly, and a shaft with projections for mechanical engagement, allowing for simultaneous mechanical agitation and chemical disintegration of clogs, packaged with clear indicators for consumer use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate drain clog removal products are used (mechanical and chemical), then comprehensive clog removal capability is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical and chemical drain clog removal means into a single integrated apparatus. The device includes a container for chemical composition, a pressurization assembly, and a shaft with projections for mechanical engagement, all unified in one structure that can be used simultaneously or sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions: mechanical engagement and agitation through shaft projections, chemical disintegration through contained composition, and pressurized delivery to the clog site. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanical and chemical products.
2Productivity
If mechanical and chemical means are used simultaneously, then clog removal efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the mechanical and chemical components into distinct but integrated parts. The chemical composition is contained in a separate container with its own dispensing mechanism, while the shaft with projections provides mechanical action. This segmentation allows controlled simultaneous use while maintaining safety through proper containment and sequencing.
3Productivity
If chemical composition is dispensed directly to the clog site, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft with projections acts as an intermediary delivery mechanism for the chemical composition. The pressurization assembly forces the chemical through the shaft, which directs it to the clog site while the projections provide mechanical engagement. This intermediary structure enables targeted delivery without requiring complex separate systems.
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
The apparatus efficiently removes clogs by providing both mechanical and chemical means in a single, safe, and effective package, reducing the need for multiple products and minimizing waste by directing the cleaning composition directly to the clog site.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization assembly in fluid communication with the inlet, the pressurization sub-assembly comprising a canister of pressurized fluid and an adapter coupled to the container and including a socket defining a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the canister
Implementation Method 2
various chemical compositions are known which are adapted to disintegrate or dissolve clogs formed in drain pipes
Implementation Method 3
The strip may include barbs or other projections extending from an exterior surface to improve the ability to snag or otherwise engage fibrous material that may be stuck in the drain pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removing a clog from a drain pipe includes a container comprising a product chamber, a pressurization assembly in fluid communication with the inlet, and a shaft coupled to the container, the shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end. Projections extend outwardly from the shaft. The product chamber is adapted to receive a drain cleaning composition and the product chamber has an inlet and an outlet. The pressurization assembly has a canister of pressurized fluid and an adapter coupled to the container and including a socket defining a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the canister. The shaft has an exterior surface sized for insertion into the drain pipe. The shaft also has a channel that provides fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.