Pop-up Drain Connector with Compression Fitting for Sink Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of pop-up drain assemblies in sinks is difficult and time-consuming due to the complexity of connecting a vertical control rod to a horizontal pivot rod, often requiring disassembly for unclogging, which is cumbersome due to hair and debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a two-prong fork and compression fitting is used to securely engage the control rod and pivot rod, providing a simpler and more efficient connection method that reduces the need for disassembly and minimizes clogging by offsetting the dual-prong fork on the drain stopper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clevis rod and spring clip connection is used to connect the control rod to the pivot rod, then the connection can be made securely, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion, a control rod connector with compression fitting, and a pivot rod connector with two-prong fork. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process compared to traditional integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the control rod and pivot rod. By introducing this intermediate element with pre-formed connection mechanisms, the difficult direct connection between control rod and pivot rod is replaced with two simpler connection steps.
2Reliability
If the pivot rod connection requires multiple components like spring clips and clevis rods, then the connection can be made firmly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The body, control rod connector, and pivot rod connector are combined into one piece that performs all connection functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate spring clips, clevis rods, and other auxiliary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device is designed as a universal component that handles both control rod attachment and pivot rod connection in a single unit. The multi-functional design allows it to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
3Device complexity
If the drain stopper is positioned centrally, then the structure is simple, but hair and debris accumulate around the pivot rod causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The drain stopper is designed with asymmetric features, specifically the offset two-prong fork configuration. This asymmetry creates an offset pivot rod position that disrupts the natural flow path of hair and debris, preventing accumulation around the pivot rod area and reducing clogging while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 connector device facilitates easier installation and maintenance by providing a secure friction fit between the control rod and pivot rod, reducing the likelihood of clogging and simplifying the process of connecting and disconnecting the drain stopper.
Implementation Method 1
a compression fitting for engaging the control rod
Implementation Method 2
a two-prong fork for engaging the pivot rod in a friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
A pop-up drain assembly for a sink has a drain stopper, a generally vertical control rod and a generally horizontal pivot rod. A connector device links the control rod to the pivot rod. The connector device has compressive-friction connectors that receive and hold the control rod and the pivot rod. The connector device preferably has a pair of opposing C-channels that define a hole therebetween, where the control rod is received through the hole and within an open C-shaped space in the C-channels, and preferably a two-prong fork, where the pivot rod is held in a compressive-friction fit between the prongs on the connector device. The drain stopper preferably has a dual-prong fork, and the pivot rod is received between the prongs on the drain stopper in a compressive-friction fit.