Drain Trap Seal Venting for Shallow Floor Drain Assemblies

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trap seal protection devices for drain assemblies are not compatible with shallow drain assemblies due to their larger sump depth and width, which prevents effective installation and fluid flow.

Innovation Solution

A trap seal protection device with a housing, gasket, and seal member that includes a flange for engagement with the drain assembly, a gasket with radial protrusions for stability, and a hollow post for venting, allowing for a deeper seal member placement and increased fluid flow capacity while maintaining a low profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing trap seal protection devices are used, then trap seal protection is provided, but they are not compatible with shallow drain assemblies due to larger sump depth and width

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with shallow drain assembliesVSAvoidsump depth and width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The device changes its physical parameters including reduced sump depth, reduced width, and increased axial distance between flange and seal member to adapt to shallow drain assemblies while maintaining trap seal protection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device redistributes its dimensional characteristics by increasing the axial distance between flange and seal member while reducing sump depth and width, effectively transitioning the spatial configuration to fit shallow drain assemblies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If seal member is placed deeper to improve sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device height increases and is not suitable for shallow drains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoiddevice height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device redistributes its dimensional characteristics by increasing the axial distance between flange and seal member while reducing sump depth and width, effectively transitioning the spatial configuration to fit shallow drain assemblies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If gasket is made larger to improve sealing engagement, then sealing is improved, but device width increases and cannot fit shallow drain assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing engagementVSAvoiddevice width

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device changes its physical parameters including reduced sump depth, reduced width, and increased axial distance between flange and seal member to adapt to shallow drain assemblies while maintaining trap seal protection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient fluid flow and odor reduction in shallow drain assemblies by preventing evaporation and backflow, with the ability to handle varying pipe dimensions and maintain a low profile, suitable for sanitary environments.

Implementation Method 1

a hollow post extending an entire length of the post to provide a vent path from the lower end of the housing to the upper end of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenting:

Implementation Method 2

a cap coupled to an upper end of the post to prevent fluids from entering the hollow tube portion while allowing air to escape the hollow tube portion at the upper end of the post

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid separation:

Implementation Method 3

a seal member supported by the housing and selectively sealing a fluid passageway, the seal member being selectively movable to permit fluid to flow past the seal member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS20240344309A1Trap seal protection device

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 ZURN WATER LLC

AI summary

A trap seal protection device may provide an evaporation barrier for a drain and reduce odors and gases emitting from the drain. The trap seal protection device includes a housing including a flange engaging a radial surface of a drain assembly to support the housing relative to the drain assembly, a gasket coupled to the housing, the gasket having an outer diameter engaging an inner diameter of the drain assembly, a seal member positioned within the housing and selectively forming a seal against the housing. The seal member is movable to permit fluid flow through the trap seal protection device, wherein an axial distance between the flange and the seal member is greater than the outer diameter of the gasket.