Drain Servicing Assembly With Segmented Containment And Flexible Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain servicing assemblies lack a clean, sanitary, and efficient method for servicing various drains and associated compromised conditions.
Innovation Solution
A drain servicing assembly comprising a base member, inner containment member, motor/drill, shaft sub-assembly with a flexible inner shaft, and guide member, where the motor/drill actuates the flexible inner shaft independently of the outer sheath, allowing for rotatable and retractable operation with anti-microbial coatings for hygiene, and a handle with free-spinning wheels for mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional drain servicing assemblies are used, then drain cleaning function is provided, but microbial contamination and lack of sanitation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a containment member that holds the shaft assembly, a separate base member with wheels for mobility, and interchangeable functional heads (cutting head, camera). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall sanitation through the containment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful element (debris and contaminants) is extracted and contained within the containment member during the cleaning process. The containment member effectively isolates the contaminated environment from the operator and surrounding areas, preventing microbial spread while allowing the drain servicing function to proceed.
2Strength
If the shaft assembly is made rigid for structural strength, then durability is improved, but mobility and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly incorporates a dynamic design where the inner shaft can rotate independently within the outer sheath. This dynamic configuration allows the shaft to flex and adapt to different drain conditions while maintaining structural integrity. The independent rotation capability provides both flexibility for navigation and strength for performing cleaning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly uses a nested structure with an inner shaft contained within an outer sheath. This nested design allows the inner shaft to move and rotate independently while being protected and guided by the outer sheath, combining the flexibility needed for mobility with the structural strength required for durability.
3Quantity of substance
If the drum is made large to store more cable, then cable storage capacity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containment member serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective housing for the shaft assembly, provides structural support, and facilitates the rotation and deployment of the shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adequate cable storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A drain servicing assembly including: an outer housing; an inner containment member, wherein the inner containment member is rotatable proximate a centralized axis; a motor and/or drill secured to the inner containment member; a shaft sub-assembly in communication with the motor and/or drill that includes an outer sheath and a flexible inner shaft that is rotatable independently of the outer sheath; and a guide, wherein the guide enables a user to extract and/or retract the shaft sub-assembly.