Drain Plug Linkage with Crosswise Rod Adjustment for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drain plug linkage devices are difficult to install due to limited space and angle constraints, making it challenging to adjust the height and distance of the pull rod assembly relative to vessels like washbasins and sinks.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a crosswise arrangement of the connecting sleeve and operating rod with spaced recessed and positioning portions, allowing the operating rod to move freely left and right and up and down without needing to pull out the pull rod, and features like an outer sleeve with horizontal and vertical holes for easy positioning, along with a connecting assembly for quick assembly and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pull rod assembly uses a conventional linkage structure with spaced positioning holes and recessed portions, then the drain plug can be opened or closed effectively, but the installation becomes difficult due to limited space and angle constraints when adjusting the height and distance of the pull rod assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement from a linear sequence (pull rod - connecting sleeve - operating rod) to a crosswise/dimensional arrangement where the connecting sleeve and operating rod are positioned perpendicular to each other. This spatial reconfiguration allows the operating rod to move freely in multiple directions (left-right and up-down) without requiring disassembly of the pull rod, thereby simplifying installation in narrow spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator needs to adjust the height of the pull rod assembly and the distance between the pull rod assembly and the vessel, then the positioning can be customized, but the adjustment process requires pulling the pull rod away from the pull rod assembly before engaging the operating rod, making the installation tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection interface into independent positioning portions on the connecting sleeve and corresponding recessed portions on the operating rod. These segmented elements can engage independently in multiple positions, allowing height and distance adjustments without requiring complete disassembly of the pull rod assembly, thus reducing installation time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging the connecting sleeve and operating rod crosswise with multiple spaced positioning portions, the patent enables adjustment in multiple dimensions (height and distance) simultaneously. The operating rod can be positioned at different locations relative to the connecting sleeve without pulling the pull rod away, enabling quick customization during installation.
3Volume of moving object
If the pull rod assembly is installed in a narrow space under the vessel, then the space utilization is maximized, but the difficulty of adjusting the height and distance increases due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The crosswise arrangement of the connecting sleeve and operating rod with multiple positioning portions allows adjustment operations to be performed from different directions (left-right and up-down movements). This multi-directional accessibility enables easy adjustment even when installed in narrow spaces under vessels, maximizing space utilization while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A drain plug linkage device includes a pull rod assembly, an operating rod, a drain plug, and a drain pipe. The pull rod assembly includes a pull rod and a connecting sleeve. The operating rod has a plurality of spaced recessed portions. The connecting sleeve and the operating rod are arranged crosswise. The connecting sleeve has a plurality of spaced positioning portions each having an opening. One of the recessed portions of the operating rod is selectively inserted through the opening of a corresponding one of the positioning portions to be positioned therein. The operation of adjusting the height of the pull rod assembly and the distance between the pull rod assembly and a washbasin, bathroom sink or hand wash sink is simple.