Drain Plug Linkage Snap-Fit Assembly for Low-Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain plug linkage devices face challenges with complex assembly, rust issues, limited degree of freedom, and high force requirements for adjustment, leading to difficulties in assembly, disassembly, and operation.
Innovation Solution
A drain plug linkage device featuring a pull rod assembly with a snap-in connector system and an adjustment mechanism that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, independent adjustment of the lever and link rods, and a fastening mechanism that eliminates the need for locking nuts, enabling simple and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a spherical part is fixed on a lever member with multiple small components and locking nuts, then the linkage mechanism can be assembled, but the assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming due to the limited space and number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spherical part, locking nut, and positioning structures into a single integrated spherical component. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking nuts and multiple small parts, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the functional requirements of the linkage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated spherical part performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the pivot point for lever motion, provides self-locking capability through its geometry, and enables positioning without requiring separate locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If connecting members are used to connect the lever member and pull rod, then the linkage mechanism can operate, but the connecting members are prone to rust which deteriorates the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the separate connecting member from the system by directly integrating the pull rod connection into the lever member structure. This extraction removes the rust-prone component entirely, improving operational reliability by preventing corrosion-related failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs stainless steel or corrosion-resistant materials for the connecting structures that remain in the system. This material selection provides rust resistance while maintaining the mechanical connection functionality between components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid rod pieces are used for the pull rod member, then the structure is simple, but the degree of freedom is limited during transition from vertical lift movement to lever action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid rod with a flexible cable or chain for the pull rod member. This dynamic element can bend and flex to accommodate the transition from vertical lift movement to lever action, providing the necessary degrees of freedom while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible cable or thin chain allows the pull rod to adapt its shape during operation, enabling smooth transition between different movement phases without requiring complex joints or hinges that would increase structural complexity.
4Strength
If a locking nut is used to mount the spherical part in the pipe body, then the spherical part is securely fixed, but difficulty occurs in mounting due to limited space in the pipe body
Solution Approach 1:
The locking nut and spherical part are merged into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate mounting operations and allows the spherical part to be directly installed into the pipe body without requiring space for separate nut mounting, while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical part is pre-configured with integrated locking features during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the component is ready for direct installation without requiring additional mounting steps, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring secure fixation.
5Manufacturing precision
If snapping connection is used to connect the connecting bar with lift rod and pivot rod, then positioning accuracy is improved, but considerable force is required for disengaging which causes wear and shortens service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection mechanism into adjustable modular components with detachable linkages. This allows the connection to be easily assembled and disassembled without requiring excessive force, reducing wear on components while maintaining positioning accuracy through precise modular interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the linkage positions to be easily modified. The connection structures are designed with controlled flexibility, enabling low-force assembly and disassembly while maintaining stable, accurate positioning during operation, thereby extending service life.
Data Source
AI summary
In the invention a drain plug linkage device (100) is provided, comprising: a drain plug (4) at least partially disposed in a pipe body (5); a pull rod assembly including a pull rod, a link rod (2) and a pull rod connector (9), wherein the link rod (2) at its upper end comprises a receiving portion, the pull rod connector (9) comprises a central hole and adapted to be snapped into the containing portion, and the pull rod at its bottom comprises a snap portion adapted to be snapped into the central hole; and a lever member (3) comprising a first end operatively connected to the link rod (2), and a second end extending into the pipe body (5) and configured to operate the drain plug (4); wherein the receiving portion comprises an expansion portion (22) for expanding the central hole, and the pull rod connector (9) is configured, when snapped into the receiving part, to be movable between a position where the central hole is unexpanded and a position where the central hole is expanded by the expansion portion (22).