Drain With Unidirectional Seals Eliminates Siphon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drains face issues with space constraints due to siphons, reduced drainage capacity from silicone seals, and difficulty in cleaning, especially when siphons require additional space and narrow inlet openings, leading to odor leakage and limited access.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating unidirectional seals that operate by liquid flow to seal the connection between the outlet and inlet openings, eliminating the need for a siphon and allowing for increased drainage capacity without relying on the outlet pipe's size, with flexible flaps that can be easily accessed and cleaned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a siphon is provided between the outlet opening and outlet pipe, then odor from the outlet pipe is sealed, but additional space is required in the floor and the height of the drain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the traditional siphon structure and implements it directly at the outlet opening using a seal element. This eliminates the need for a separate siphon chamber, removing the space-consuming component while retaining the odor sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function with the outlet opening structure itself. The seal element is integrated into the outlet opening assembly, combining the sealing function with the existing structural components, thereby eliminating the need for additional space for a separate siphon.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If silicone seals are arranged in the outlet pipe, then odor sealing is achieved, but the throughflow area of the outlet pipe is reduced, thereby reducing drainage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sealing only at the outlet opening where it is most effective, rather than placing seals throughout the outlet pipe. The seal element is positioned locally at the opening, providing odor sealing without interfering with the throughflow area of the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing seals inside the outlet pipe that would obstruct flow, the patent positions the seal element at the outlet opening, inverting the conventional approach. This allows the pipe interior to remain clear for optimal water flow while achieving sealing at the critical interface.
3Volume of moving object
If the inlet opening is made narrow, then the drain design is compact, but access to the outlet pipe and siphon cleaning becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the outlet pipe and siphon assembly and places it at the inlet opening. This allows the outlet pipe to remain accessible for cleaning while the sealing function is performed by components that can be accessed through the narrow inlet opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element is designed to be self-contained at the inlet opening, allowing it to be cleaned and maintained through the narrow opening without requiring disassembly of the outlet pipe or siphon. The simplified structure enables self-service maintenance through limited access.
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
This design enhances drainage capacity, reduces odor leakage, and simplifies cleaning by eliminating the need for a siphon and silicone seals, while maintaining a compact drain structure, allowing for efficient liquid flow and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
Liquid which is carried via the inlet opening into the drain enters the outlet space because the one or more unidirectional seals move into free passage position due to the presence of this liquid
Implementation Method 2
In the starting position the one or more unidirectional seals together close the connection between the outlet opening and the inlet opening. With the one or more unidirectional seals in the starting position gas with an unpleasant odour in the outlet space can no longer diffuse through the inlet opening to the outside
Implementation Method 3
When there is overpressure in the outlet space relative to the pressure in the inlet opening, the throughflow of fluids (gases and liquids) from the outlet opening to the inlet opening is prevented because a unidirectional seal is used
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention relates to a drain, provided with - an inlet opening for carrying liquid for draining into the drain; - an outlet space which is connected to an outlet opening; and - one or more unidirectional seals incorporated in the drain and configured to together close the connection in a starting position, and configured to move into a free passage position under the influence of liquid for draining that is present, wherein the one or more unidirectional seals allow passage of the liquid for draining to the outlet space via a passage opening.