Drain Assembly Height Adjustment With Lateral Screw Sleeve Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height adjustment devices for drain assemblies, such as shower drains, are costly to manufacture and difficult to install, lacking in functional reliability and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A height adjustment device with a screw sleeve that is laterally movable between thread closing and opening positions, allowing for both rotational and translational adjustment, facilitated by an elastic thread actuating mechanism for precise and easy height adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a screw thread connection with fine thread pitch is used for precise height adjustment, then height adjustment precision is improved, but the number of rotations needed increases making operation more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The screw sleeve is made laterally movable between thread closing and thread opening positions, allowing the system to dynamically switch between fine adjustment mode (threaded engagement) and coarse adjustment mode (translational movement), optimizing both precision and time efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment function is segmented into two distinct modes: rotational adjustment when threads are engaged for precision, and translational adjustment when threads are disengaged for speed, allowing the user to select the appropriate mode based on adjustment needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a traditional fixed screw thread connection is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but height adjustment precision and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment easeVSAvoidscrew sleeve mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw sleeve transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that can laterally move between engagement and disengagement positions, enabling two distinct adjustment modes that improve both precision and operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The screw sleeve serves multiple functions: it provides threaded engagement for precise rotational adjustment, allows translational movement for coarse adjustment when disengaged, and can be laterally positioned to switch between modes, consolidating multiple adjustment capabilities in a single component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The device provides easy installation and high functional reliability with precise height adjustment, offering low manufacturing costs and user-friendly operation.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic thread actuating mechanism for precise and easy height adjustment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4624689A1Height adjustment device and drain assembly
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 EASY SANITAIRY SOLUTIONS BV
  • EP4624689A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4624689A1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP4624689A1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

2.1. The invention relates to a height adjustment device and to a drain assembly height adjustment device equipped therewith. The height adjustment device comprises a support part (1) having a support surface (2), and a foot part (3) having at least one foot element (41). The support surface is height adjustably connected with the foot element via a screw thread connection (5) comprising an outer thread (6) formed on the foot element and an inner thread (7) formed on an associated screw sleeve (81) of the support part. 2.2. According to the invention the screw sleeve is configured to be laterally movable with its inner thread relative to the outer thread of the foot element between a thread closing position and a thread opening position. The support part comprises a thread actuating mechanism (10) which is configured to elastically hold the screw sleeve in its thread closing position and to be user-operable for moving the screw sleeve from its thread closing position to its thread opening position. 2.3. Use, e.g., for shower drain assemblies.