Drain Assembly Height Adjustment with Switchable Thread Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height adjustment devices for drain assemblies, such as shower drains, are costly to manufacture and difficult to install while maintaining high functional reliability.

Innovation Solution

A height adjustment device with a screw sleeve that is laterally movable between thread closing and opening positions, allowing for both rotational and translational adjustments, facilitated by an elastic thread actuating mechanism for precise and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a screw thread connection with fine thread pitch is used for precise height adjustment, then height adjustment precision is improved, but the number of screw thread rotations required increases, making installation more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment precisionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment range is segmented into two modes: coarse adjustment for rapid positioning and fine adjustment for precision setting. The screw sleeve can be laterally moved to switch between thread engagement (fine adjustment) and thread disengagement (coarse adjustment), allowing the installation process to be divided into two efficient stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screw sleeve is made laterally movable to dynamically switch between two functional states: engaged with the outer thread for precise rotational adjustment, and disengaged for quick translational movement. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its adjustment mechanism based on the installation stage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If a complex height adjustment mechanism is used to achieve precise adjustment, then height adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw sleeve serves multiple functions: it provides fine adjustment through thread engagement, enables coarse adjustment through lateral movement, and acts as a positioning element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for different adjustment stages, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the coarse adjustment mechanism and fine adjustment mechanism into a single integrated system. The screw sleeve combines both translational movement capability and rotational thread engagement in one component, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a simple height adjustment mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but installation ease and operational convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism complexityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The screw sleeve is made laterally movable to dynamically switch between two functional states: engaged with the outer thread for precise rotational adjustment, and disengaged for quick translational movement. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the installation process to be divided into two efficient stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables quick, precise height adjustments with low manufacturing costs and improved installation ease, ensuring high functional reliability and flexibility in setting drain heights.

Implementation Method 1

the screw sleeve is configured to be laterally movable with its inner thread relative to the outer thread of the foot element between a thread closing position and a thread opening position... The support part comprises a thread actuating mechanism which is configured to elastically hold the screw sleeve in its thread closing position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4624688A1Height adjustment device and drain assembly

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 EASY SANITAIRY SOLUTIONS BV

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AI summary

2.1. The invention relates to a height adjustment device and to a drain assembly height adjustment device equipped therewith. The height adjustment device comprises a support part (1) having a support surface (2), and a foot part (3) having at least one foot element (4i). The support surface is height adjustably connected with the foot element via a screw thread connection (5) comprising an outer thread (6) formed on the foot element and an inner thread (7) formed on an associated screw sleeve (81) of the support part. 2.2. According to the invention the screw sleeve is configured to be laterally movable with its inner thread relative to the outer thread of the foot element between a thread closing position and a thread opening position. The support part comprises a thread actuating mechanism (10) which is configured to elastically hold the screw sleeve in its thread closing position and to be user-operable for moving the screw sleeve from its thread closing position to its thread opening position. 2.3. Use, e.g., for shower drain assemblies.