Drain Fitting Rotary Locking Mechanism for Secure Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain fittings for showers and bathtubs face challenges in accessibility and sealing during cleaning, as the plug can be displaced during suction-based cleaning methods, leading to impaired odor trap functionality and difficulty in gripping the stopper for removal.
Innovation Solution
The drain fitting features a stopper held in place by the immersion tube, with a rotary locking mechanism and a protruding gripping element, ensuring secure sealing and easy removal for cleaning, and the stopper is designed with a handle element and elevations for improved manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable plug is used to close the cleaning opening, then accessibility for cleaning is improved, but the plug may be displaced during suction-based cleaning methods leading to impaired sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a rotary locking mechanism that prevents the plug from being displaced during suction-based cleaning. The locking means engage with the plug before cleaning operations begin, creating a counter-action that prevents the harmful displacement effect during suction cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the plug to be locked in position before cleaning operations. The rotary locking mechanism must be engaged beforehand to ensure the plug remains securely in place during subsequent suction-based cleaning procedures.
2Reliability
If the plug is locked securely in the cleaning opening, then sealing reliability is improved, but accessibility for removal and cleaning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a rotary locking mechanism that can be easily rotated between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the plug to transition between being securely locked during normal operation and easily removable when cleaning is required, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility.
3Length of stationary object
If the upper inlet opening is made small, then the overall height is reduced, but gripping the stopper becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the gripping element into the interior space of the drain housing along the longitudinal axis. This allows the gripping element to be accessed from the limited upper inlet opening by reaching into the interior space, effectively adding a third dimension (depth) to solve the gripping accessibility problem while maintaining a compact overall height.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The outlet fitting has outlet housing, which has an internal space accessible from an upper inlet opening. Opening (22) is provided in a housing wall (14). Plugs (23) are provided, which are inserted in openings through immersion tube in closing position. The immersion tube is inserted into the outlet housing.