Drain Fitting With Pressure-Actuated Sealing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathtub drain fittings lack a reliable sealing mechanism to prevent contaminants from entering the water inlet channel, and they do not separate the water inlet and outlet effectively, leading to contamination and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drain fitting with a water-pressure-actuated rubber-elastic sealing ring and an annular inlet piece with radially extending gaps, which expands to prevent water flow when pressure is exceeded, combined with a cover that limits the sealing ring's expansion and features outflow openings to manage water flow and prevent splashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional inlet fitting is used outside the bathtub, then the water supply can be provided, but the water inlet and outlet are not separate leading to contamination of fresh water by dirt deposits from used water
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet channel is segmented into separate sections: a first section extending from the tub floor and a second section extending from the first section. The drain valve is positioned to separate the inlet and outlet paths, creating distinct zones for fresh water intake and used water drainage, preventing contamination between the two flows
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet channel is nested within the drain housing structure. The first section of the inlet channel extends from the tub floor into the drain housing, and the second section extends from the first section to the water inlet opening, creating a nested arrangement where the inlet path is integrated within the overall drain assembly
2Length of stationary object
If the cover height is reduced for a flat design, then the overall height is reduced, but the inlet capacity and cross section are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet channel transitions from a vertical orientation in the first section to a horizontal or radially extending orientation in the second section. This dimensional change allows the inlet channel to achieve sufficient length and cross-sectional area for high inlet capacity while keeping the vertical cover height minimal, as the channel extends horizontally within the flat cover plane
3Reliability
If a sealing mechanism is added to prevent contaminant ingress, then water quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet channel design allows the drain valve to automatically control water flow into the tub. When the drain valve closes, it naturally prevents contaminant ingress into the inlet channel without requiring additional active sealing mechanisms. The geometry of the inlet channel sections and the valve positioning create inherent protection against contamination
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 solution provides a reliable sealing function against contaminants, enhances inlet capacity, and allows for quiet filling of bathtubs while eliminating the need for external inlet fittings, offering design flexibility and cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
The inlet channel (19) is provided with a water-pressure-actuated closing element, which is designed in the form of a rubber-elastic sealing ring (20)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The fitting has a drain housing (1) defining a drain channel and comprising a drain valve that is operated by an adjusting element, and a fastening unit that is provided for liquid-tight fastening at a tub bottom or a basin base opening. A cover (15) is arranged above the drain valve. The drain housing has a water inlet channel, to which an inlet channel is attached, where the inlet channel is lead above the drain valve and below the cover. The inlet channel has a water pressure-operated closure element i.e. elastic sealing ring.