Drain Plug Activation Unit Conceals Overflow Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drain plug devices make it difficult for users to visually recognize the overflow port, leading to issues with clogging and inefficient water discharge, as the overflow port is often covered by the operation unit, and the design does not allow for optimal visualization of dirt or debris inside the overflow port.
Innovation Solution
A tank body with a drain plug device featuring a vertically displaceable activation unit and a transmission member with an inner wire that extends from the overflow port, allowing for easy operation of the valve member while maintaining a design that conceals the overflow port inlet, preventing visual recognition and ensuring efficient water flow without gaps between the operation unit and the tank body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the operation unit is attached to the overflow port to close it when the valve member is raised, then the design is improved by concealing the overflow port, but the user cannot visually recognize dirt or debris inside the overflow port
Solution Approach 1:
The activation unit is made movable relative to the tank body, allowing it to be displaced vertically. This dynamic configuration enables the activation unit to cover the overflow port inlet during normal operation (improving design appearance) while still allowing water to flow through the inlet formed in its lower surface (maintaining visual recognition and water flow functionality).
2Shape
If the overflow port is closed when the valve member is raised, then design is improved, but when the drain port is clogged by hair or debris during raising of the valve member, overflowing water cannot be discharged from the overflow port
Solution Approach 1:
The activation unit can be vertically displaced to adjust its position relative to the overflow port inlet. This dynamic positioning ensures that the inlet remains uncovered and functional for water discharge, preventing clogging issues while maintaining the design benefit of concealing the overflow port.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet for water passage is extracted as a separate functional element formed in the lower surface of the activation unit. This separation allows the activation unit to serve dual purposes: concealing the overflow port for design improvement while simultaneously providing an open inlet for reliable water discharge even when the main overflow port is covered.
3Shape
If the activation unit is formed with an inlet in its lower surface, then the user cannot visually recognize the inlet and design is improved, but it requires precise positioning to prevent debris entry
Solution Approach 1:
The activation unit is designed to be vertically displaceable relative to the tank body, allowing dynamic adjustment of the inlet position. This mobility compensates for manufacturing tolerances and enables precise positioning of the inlet to prevent debris entry while maintaining the aesthetic benefit of concealing it from user view.
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 enhances the design by allowing for improved visualization of the overflow port without compromising water flow rates, preventing debris entry, and ensuring the inner wire remains intact during displacement, thus maintaining efficient operation and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
an inner wire that transmits displacement of the operation unit by sliding on an inside of the outer tube when the operation is applied to the operation unit
Data Source
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AI summary
To improve the design of the drain plug device by securing a drain flow rate from an overflow port and causing the user to hardly visually recognize the overflow port. A drain plug device comprising a tank body (B) including a drain port (11) formed in a bottom surface of the tank body and an overflow port (21) formed in a side wall of the tank body; a valve member (4) that opens and closes the drain port (11); an operation unit (8) that is attached to the overflow port (21) to perform a raising operation of the valve member (4); and a transmission member (5) that transmits operation applied to the operation unit (8) to the valve member (4), wherein the operation unit (8) includes an activation unit (81) displaceable with respect to the tank body (B), and the activation unit (81) includes an inlet (82) to the overflow port (21) in a lower surface of the activation unit (81).