Drainage Mat Lip Recess for Remote Effluent Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage solutions do not effectively address the issue of effluent from washing automobiles, which can harm driving surfaces and leave unsightly messes, as they do not facilitate the drainage of effluent to a remote location while supporting the automobile.

Innovation Solution

A drainage mat apparatus with a planar member that surrounds the automobile, featuring a lip and recess with drainage tubes and a hose for directing effluent away from the surface, allowing for remote drainage and protection of driving surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a drainage mat apparatus is used to cover supportive surfaces, then drainage capability is improved, but the ability to support an automobile and drain effluent to a remote location is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage capabilityVSAvoidremote drainage capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage system is segmented into multiple functional components: a planar member for supporting the automobile, a lip structure for containing effluent, drainage tubes for collecting effluent, and a drainage hose for remote discharge. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve comprehensive drainage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage tube acts as an intermediary component that connects the effluent collection area (recess) to the drainage hose. This intermediary structure enables the transfer of effluent from the mat apparatus to the remote drainage location, bridging the gap between local collection and remote disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If existing drainage solutions are used, then some drainage function is provided, but effluent cannot be directed to a remote location while supporting the automobile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage functionVSAvoidremote drainage system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The planar member serves multiple functions: it supports the automobile during washing, provides a surface for effluent to drain onto, and works with the lip structure to contain and direct effluent. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while achieving both support and drainage objectives.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage system is designed to be adaptable and flexible, with the drainage hose that can be selectively coupled to the drainage tube. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adjust to different drainage locations and requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively directs effluent from washing automobiles to a remote location, preventing damage to driving surfaces and maintaining a clean appearance.

Implementation Method 1

The drainage tube has an open distal end with respect to the lip such that the drainage tube is configured for facilitating drainage of an effluent out of the recess through the drainage tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational drainage: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250019909A1Drainage mat apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.01.16 ROBINSON- DOUGLAS NADINE
  • US20250019909A1 patent drawing
  • US20250019909A1 patent drawing
  • US20250019909A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A drainage mat apparatus for draining effluent produced by washing an automobile includes a planar member with a lip coupled to a peripheral edge of the planar member and defining a recess above the planar member. The planar member supports the automobile while it is being washed. Effluent produced from washing the automobile flows through a drain tube in the lip to a drain hose and remotely from the planar member.