Drain Plug Linkage Device Assembly and Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain plug linkage devices face difficulties in assembly and disassembly, adjustment, and operation due to complex component interactions, rust issues, and the need for high force to disengage components, leading to wear and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A drain plug linkage device featuring a pull rod assembly with a link rod and lever member connected via a slidable engagement mechanism with circumferential ridges and recesses, allowing for easy adjustment and secure retention, and an elastically deformable snapping means for simplified assembly and disassembly without a locknut, reducing rotation and angle adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spherical part is fixed on a lever member with a pin and connecting member, then the lever member can perform lever motion, but it is difficult to assemble due to narrow space and multiple small components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spherical part, pin, and connecting member into an integrated spherical connecting structure. The lever member directly includes the spherical part at its end, eliminating the need for separate pins and connecting members, thus simplifying assembly while maintaining lever motion functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical connecting structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the lever motion pivot, provides connection between components, and enables both rigid and flexible connections depending on engagement mode, replacing multiple specialized components with a single multi-functional element
2Reliability
If the connecting member is secured by a screw, then operative connection is realized, but the connecting member is prone to rust which is detrimental to operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screw-based connecting member from the system entirely. Instead, the spherical part is directly integrated into the lever member, eliminating the screw component that was susceptible to rust and causing operational problems
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical connecting structure is designed as an integrated component that can be manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials, combining structural integrity with rust resistance, unlike the separate screw and connecting member assembly
3Strength
If the pull rod member is in rigid connection, then structural integrity is maintained, but it causes difficulty in transition from vertical lift movement to lever action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the link rod can engage with the lever member's spherical part in different modes. The connection allows vertical lift movement of the pull rod to be converted to lever action through the spherical pivot, providing both structural integrity and movement flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism allows changing the operational parameters of the connection. When engaged, it provides rigid lever action; when disengaged, it allows free movement for adjustment, enabling transition between different movement modes as needed
4Reliability
If a locking nut is used to mount the spherical part, then secure mounting is achieved, but it causes difficulty in assembly in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spherical part directly into the lever member as an integrated structure. The spherical part is formed as part of the lever member itself, eliminating the need for separate locking nuts and complex mounting procedures in limited spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The lever member is segmented into functional zones, with the spherical part as a distinct integrated feature at the end. This segmentation allows the spherical connecting function to be built into the lever member design, simplifying assembly by eliminating separate mounting components
5Manufacturing precision
If a snapping connection with greater-size inserting component is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but considerable force is needed for disengaging which causes wear and shortens service life
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism provides dynamic engagement and disengagement capabilities. The link rod can be easily engaged with the spherical part by simple insertion, and disengaged by slight movement, avoiding the high forces and wear associated with permanent snapping connections
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical part acts as an intermediary between the link rod and lever member, providing a smooth engagement surface that reduces friction and wear during repeated engagement and disengagement operations, extending service life
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
Facilitates simple and reliable assembly, adjustment, and operation of the drain plug linkage device, reducing wear and extending service life by converting vertical movement into lever motion effectively and avoiding rotation, while eliminating the need for locknuts in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable snapping means fixedly attached to or integrated with the pivot assembly, wherein the snapping means comprises a flange for engaging with a cut-out or an indention of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
a lever member having a first end operatively connected with the link rod and a second end configured to operate the drain plug
Implementation Method 3
converting vertical movement into lever motion effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A drain plug linkage device (100) comprises a pull rod assembly (10) including a pull rod (1) and a link rod (2) operatively connected with each other; a lever member (3); and an engagement mechanism (6). One of the link rod (2) and the lever member (3) comprises a plurality of through-holes (21) and has the engagement mechanism (6) slidably mounted thereon, and the other one of the link rod (2) and the lever member (3) is configured to be inserted through one of the through-holes (21) and includes a plurality of axially-spaced circumferential ridges (32) and recesses (33) defined between the circumferential ridges (32). The engagement mechanism (6) is configured, when sliding into a position of engaging with the recess (33), to prevent the other one of the link rod (2) and the lever member (3) from being axially displaced with respect to the through-hole (21).