Drain Fitting with Movable Closure and Spray Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain fittings for sanitary devices are inefficient in water consumption and distribution for cleaning, leading to uncontrolled splashing and low cleaning performance, and require precise faucet alignment for effective operation.
Innovation Solution
A drain fitting with a built-in cleaning device that includes a movable closure element, a telescopic extension tube, and a spray device, allowing for controlled water retention and distribution within the sanitary device, eliminating the need for additional cleaning elements and enabling easy retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is directed into a recess to clean the sanitary installation, then cleaning is achieved, but water consumption is high and water splashes uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into multiple spray nozzles arranged in a circular pattern, each directing water at specific angles to cover different areas of the sanitary fixture. This segmented approach distributes water more efficiently compared to a single recess, reducing overall water consumption while maintaining effective cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray nozzles are positioned at different heights and angles, creating a three-dimensional spray pattern that covers the sanitary fixture surface more uniformly. This multi-dimensional water distribution prevents uncontrolled splashing by directing water flow along predetermined paths rather than allowing it to splash randomly.
2Measurement precision
If water is directed into a recess for cleaning, then cleaning is achieved, but the faucet must be opened precisely to hit the recess
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device can be activated by regular faucet operation without requiring precise alignment. The spray nozzles are positioned to receive water from various faucet positions, making the system universal and eliminating the need for precise faucet-to-recess alignment while maintaining effective cleaning function.
3Device complexity
If a cleaning device is integrated into the drain assembly, then no additional cleaning elements are required, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is integrated into the existing drain assembly structure, combining the cleaning function with the drainage function. The spray nozzles and closure element are incorporated into the drain body, eliminating the need for separate cleaning devices and reducing overall system complexity despite adding manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: drainage, water retention via closure element, and cleaning via spray nozzles. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices, reducing the total number of components while accepting increased manufacturing complexity for the integrated unit.
4Device complexity
If the cleaning device is movable between cleaning and retraction positions, then cleaning access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device incorporates a movable structure that transitions between retracted and extended positions. The closure element moves axially to expose the spray nozzles during cleaning operation and retracts during normal drainage, providing dynamic adaptability that improves cleaning access while managing structural complexity through controlled movement.
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 effectively retains and disposes of water, distributes cleaning agents to remove dirt, and enhances cleaning performance while maintaining a compact design, reducing water consumption and splashing, and integrating seamlessly with existing drain systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spray device, allowing for controlled water retention and distribution within the sanitary device
Implementation Method 2
a closing element which is movable between a closed position and a release position, wherein the closing element closes the inlet opening in the closed position
Implementation Method 3
a telescopic extension tube
Implementation Method 4
a drain pipe into which water can flow through an inlet opening to empty the sanitary fixture and out through an outlet opening to discharge the water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a drain assembly (1) for a sanitary fixture, comprising a drain pipe (2) into which water can flow through an inlet opening (3) to empty the sanitary fixture and out again through an outlet opening (4) to discharge the water, and a closure element (5) which is movable between a closed position and a release position, wherein the closure element (5) closes the inlet opening (3) in the closed position and releases it in the release position. According to the invention, the drain assembly (1) includes a cleaning device (6) by means of which a liquid cleaning agent, such as water, can be introduced into the sanitary fixture and distributed within the sanitary fixture.