Drain Plug With Swing Lock Mechanism for Adjustable Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain assemblies can only switch between two positions, limiting user control over water drainage rates and requiring manual hand contact with water to operate, which can be uncomfortable and prone to product damage.
Innovation Solution
A drain assembly with a swing component and spherical ball mechanism that allows the sewer lid to stay at any position, enabling adjustable water drainage control without manual hand contact and preventing product damage from excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an operating switch with clamping limitation structure is used to provide holding force for the open sewer lid, then the sewer lid can be switched between open and closed states, but pressing the sewer lid with hands would fail to close it and excessive force may damage the product
Solution Approach 1:
The swing component is designed to automatically swing and lock into position under its own weight and the weight of the sewer lid, without requiring manual operation or external actuation. The limiting component provides automatic positioning feedback, eliminating the need for user intervention and preventing damage from excessive force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed two-position mechanism is used for the sewer lid, then the structure is simple, but the sewer lid can only switch between open and closed states without intermediate positions for adjustable drainage control
Solution Approach 1:
The swing component transitions from a fixed two-position mechanism to a dynamic continuous-range mechanism. The limiting component enables the swing component to remain stable at any arbitrary position during its swinging range, allowing the sewer lid to be positioned anywhere between fully open and fully closed for adjustable drainage control.
3Ease of operation
If manual hand contact is required to turn the sewer lid to vertical position for drainage, then the operation is simple, but the user must immerse hand in used water which is chilling and unhealthy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the drainage operation automatically through the swing component's self-powered swinging motion, eliminating the need for manual hand contact with water. The limiting component ensures stable positioning throughout the automatic operation.
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 user-adjustable water drainage rates and prevents damage by using a spherical ball and round cavity to maintain the swing component's position, allowing for convenient operation and enhanced user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a limiting (friction force inducing) component is arranged between the swing component and the swing component mounting seat to limit the swing component so that the swing component can stay in a determined position during swinging
Data Source
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AI summary
a drain device comprising a sewer tube (1), a connecting pole (2), a connecting seat (4) having a sewer outlet (3), and a sewer lid (5) to close or open the sewer outlet (3). The connecting seat (4) is connected to the sewer tube (1). The connecting pole (2) is inside the sewer tube (1). The sewer lid (5) is connected to an upper end of the connecting pole (2). The sewer tube (1) comprises a fixing seat (6) on a side wall. The fixing seat (6) comprises a driving component to drive the connecting pole (2). The driving component comprises a swing component (7), a swing component mounting seat (8), a connecting steel wire (9) and a handle (10). The swing component (7) is hinged to the swing component mounting seat (8) to enable the swing component (7) to swing with a hinge shaft as a center. A limiting component is arranged between the swing component (7) and the swing component mounting seat (8) to limit the swing component (7) so that the swing component (7) can stay in a determined position during swinging. The disclosed drain device facilitates usage by allowing the sewer lid (5) to stay in any position as it opens or closes.