Drop Head Coupling Assembly for Toilet Auger Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drop head designs for augers have difficulty navigating tight passages in toilets and urinals due to their fixed connection at the cable end, limiting flexibility and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A drop head coupling assembly that allows for removably attaching a drop head to an auger, featuring a cable coupling with a recessed receiving region and a pin, along with a connector and fork design providing high freedom of movement through the use of pins and apertures, enabling navigation through tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed connection design is used at the cable end, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the flexibility and maneuverability in tight passages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into multiple separable components including a cable coupling, connector, and drop head that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly incorporates movable and adjustable elements such as the connector that can pivot and the drop head that can be positioned at various angles. This dynamic design enables the tool to adapt to tight passages and complex piping geometries while maintaining a simple fixed connection structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable attachment design is used, then the flexibility and maneuverability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coupling mechanisms are merged into a single integrated assembly where the cable coupling, connector, and drop head work together as a unified removable attachment system. This merging reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate coupling mechanisms for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as an intermediary component between the cable coupling and the drop head, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the removable attachment design. This intermediary element enables easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex coupling mechanisms at each interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed connection is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to navigate tight passages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured separately using simple processes and then assembled. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for each component while enabling the overall system to navigate tight passages through the removable and adjustable nature of the segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly incorporates dynamic elements such as the pivotable connector and adjustable drop head positioning that enable navigation of tight passages. These dynamic features are designed with simple geometries that do not significantly complicate the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
Various drop head coupling assemblies are described. The coupling assemblies enable a drop head tool typically used in drain cleaning operations to be releasably engaged with a drain cleaning cable. The coupling assemblies enable the drop head tool to undergo a wide range of motion relative to the drain cleaning cable, particularly during rotation of the cable and drop head.