Drain Cover With Fillable Cup For Surface Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain covers constructed from dissimilar materials to landscaped surfaces pose safety hazards due to differences in coefficient of friction and aesthetic concerns, as they do not match the visual appearance of the surrounding surface.
Innovation Solution
A drain cover system comprising a frame member, collar, and cup member with a filling material that matches the landscaped surface material, allowing for construction or retrofitting to ensure a flush and safe, visually appealing surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a metal drain cover is used, then the drain can be constructed with standard materials, but the coefficient of friction differs from the landscaped surface creating a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the drain cover surface substantially homogeneous with the surrounding landscaped surface. The cover is formed from the same material (concrete, asphalt, exposed aggregate, stone, brick, or epoxy) and has substantially the same coefficient of friction, creating a uniform walking surface that eliminates slip hazards at the transition point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the base material (concrete, asphalt, stone, brick, or epoxy) with aggregate or other materials to create a drain cover that matches both the visual appearance and friction characteristics of the surrounding landscaped surface, achieving both structural integrity and slip resistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a metal drain cover is used, then the drain functions properly, but the visual appearance does not match the landscaped surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the drain cover surface substantially homogeneous with the surrounding landscaped surface. The cover is formed from the same material (concrete, asphalt, exposed aggregate, stone, brick, or epoxy) and has substantially the same coefficient of friction, creating a uniform walking surface that eliminates slip hazards at the transition point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing the drain cover to have the same material composition and visual characteristics as the surrounding landscaped surface in the specific location where it is installed, while maintaining the functional drainage capability underneath. This creates a seamless integration where the cover is visually indistinguishable from the surrounding surface.
3Shape
If the drain cover material matches the landscaped surface material, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the coefficient of friction may be insufficient for slip resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the drain cover surface substantially homogeneous with the surrounding landscaped surface. The cover is formed from the same material (concrete, asphalt, exposed aggregate, stone, brick, or epoxy) and has substantially the same coefficient of friction, creating a uniform walking surface that eliminates slip hazards at the transition point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the base material (concrete, asphalt, stone, brick, or epoxy) with aggregate or other materials to create a drain cover that matches both the visual appearance and friction characteristics of the surrounding landscaped surface, achieving both structural integrity and slip resistance.
4Ease of manufacture
If a smooth metal cover is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the surface texture creates a safety hazard when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the drain cover surface substantially homogeneous with the surrounding landscaped surface. The cover is formed from the same material (concrete, asphalt, exposed aggregate, stone, brick, or epoxy) and has substantially the same coefficient of friction, creating a uniform walking surface that eliminates slip hazards at the transition point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by fundamentally changing the material composition and surface texture parameters of the drain cover to match the surrounding landscaped surface, rather than using traditional smooth metal. This changes the coefficient of friction parameter to be substantially equal to the surrounding surface, eliminating the slip hazard while maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a drain cover for a drain disposed within a fabricated layer having an exposed surface. The drain includes a frame member having a top surface. The frame member extends through the fabricated layer. The drain cover includes a collar having a lower surface that is placed adjacent to the top surface of the frame member. The drain cover also includes a cup member having a cavity operative to receive a filling material. The collar defines an area within the exposed surface that is larger than the area of the cup member. There is at least one fin connected to the collar and the cup member.