Floor Drain Cover Plate with Integrated Levelling Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain installation methods face challenges in ensuring correct leveling and alignment without separate level tools, and protecting the drain from damage and debris during installation.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a cover plate with integrated level means and locking mechanisms that allows secure attachment to the drain for leveling and protection, with the locking means designed to be damaged upon removal to prevent incorrect reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate level tool is used to adjust drain inclination, then the drain can be leveled during installation, but the level tool may have insufficient extension for specific drains and the drain may become misaligned after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The level means is integrated into the cover plate structure, combining the protective cover function with the leveling measurement function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate level tools and ensures the leveling reference is always available with the cover plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate acts as an intermediary carrier for the level means, providing a stable base for leveling measurements during drain installation. The cover plate transfers the leveling function from external tools to an integrated component that remains with the drain system.
2Ease of operation
If the drain is left uncovered during installation, then access is provided for installation work, but debris may fall into the drain and the drain may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is installed on the drain before the final flooring or surface covering is completed. This preliminary protective action prevents debris from falling into the drain during subsequent installation work, while still allowing access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate with damaged locking means serves as a temporary protective cover for the duration of installation work. After serving its protective purpose, it is removed and discarded, replaced by the permanent drain grating.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover plate with intact locking means is used temporarily, then protection is provided during installation, but the cover plate may be incorrectly reattached after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is intentionally damaged upon removal of the temporary cover plate, ensuring the cover plate cannot be reattached. This prevents incorrect repositioning while allowing the cover plate to serve its temporary protective function during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damage to the locking means, which initially appears harmful, is actually beneficial as it prevents incorrect reattachment of the cover plate. The destruction of the locking mechanism ensures the cover plate serves only its intended temporary purpose.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent grating is used to cover the drain, then protection is provided, but the grating cannot be used for ensuring correct levelling during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate serves a dual dynamic function during installation: it provides protection when attached and enables leveling measurements when attached. After installation, it is removed to allow permanent grating installation, transitioning from a multi-functional temporary component to a single-functional permanent component.
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
Ensures accurate leveling and alignment of the drain during installation without separate tools and provides temporary protection against debris and damage, ensuring the drain remains correctly positioned post-installation.
Implementation Method 1
level means for determining the orientation of the cover plate and thereby also the drain in relation to a horizontal plane or a vertical
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
A combination of a cover plate and a drain, preferably a floor drain is described. The cover plate is provided with first locking means and the drain is provided with cooperating second locking means for releasable connection of the cover plate to the floor drain. The cover plate is a temporary cover plate for use during installation of the drain. The cover plate may be used for a temporary protection of a drain during installation of the drain and for installing and adjusting the inclination of the drain without the need of separate levelling tools. To obtain this the cover plate is provided with levelling means for determining the orientation of the cover plate and thereby also the drain in relation to a horizontal or a vertical plane. The first locking means or the second locking means comprises a weakening arranged such that at least a part of the locking means is preferably damaged when the cover plate is removed from the drain to ensure that the cover is not reused.