Adjustable Drain Body Support Pan with Knock-Out Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor drain installation methods are inflexible, requiring adjustment by cutting or replacing blocks and increasing installation time, and prior support pans cannot accommodate varying shaped and sized profiles.
Innovation Solution
A drain body support pan with adjustable knock-out sections that can be removed to accommodate different pipe and receptacle body diameters and shapes, allowing for interchangeable use with both circular and rectangular profiles, and a method for installing the drain with adjustable fasteners to accommodate varying floor depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size block is used to support the receptacle body during installation, then the installation structure is simple, but the height cannot be adjusted without cutting or replacing the block
Solution Approach 1:
The support pan is segmented into multiple thickness sections (first thickness section and second thickness section) that can be selectively removed. This allows the installer to adjust the height by removing specific segments, providing adaptability without requiring complete replacement of the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pan transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamically adjustable structure. The knock-out sections enable the support height to be modified after installation by removing material, allowing the system to adapt to different height requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-profile support pan is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying shaped and sized profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The support pan incorporates knock-out sections that divide the structure into removable segments. This segmentation allows a single manufactured pan to be adapted to multiple profile types by removing specific sections, combining manufacturing simplicity with profile versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pan is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple receptacle body profiles (circular, rectangular, oval) and sizes. By incorporating removable knock-out sections, a single pan design serves multiple functions that would otherwise require different specialized pans for each profile type.
3Ease of operation
If the receptacle body is embedded directly in concrete without a support pan, then the installation is straightforward, but the height adjustment is impossible and the structure is rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The support pan is installed preliminary to the concrete pouring process, positioned at the desired location and orientation. This preliminary placement allows for height adjustment before concrete sets, while the pan remains embedded in the final concrete structure, combining ease of installation with adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pan serves as an intermediary element between the receptacle body and the concrete floor structure. It provides a interface that allows height adjustment and profile adaptation while being permanently integrated into the concrete, mediating between the rigid concrete structure and the adjustable drain assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A drain support pan assembly has a drain body support pan which has a rectangular-shaped body connected to a rectangular-shaped drain receptacle body for use in floor drains. The distance between the support pan and receptacle body can be adjusted according to the depth of the floor space by selecting a predetermined length for the fasteners. The support pan has a center passageway for receiving a drain pipe and several slots that align with threaded passageways in the receptacle body for receiving the fasteners. The support pan contains concentric knock-out sections which can be removed for enlarging the diameter of the center passageway to accommodate varying diameter drain pipes or pipe connections for particular use in a deep floor space, and also has a rectangular knock-out section which can be removed for receiving the rectangular-shaped drain receptacle for use in a narrow floor space.