Flat Roof Drain Retaining Device With Adjustable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining devices for water drainage on flat roofs face challenges in securely attaching to drains of varying diameters without overloading the holding arms, leading to potential damage and inadequate sealing due to inconsistent clamping force.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with pivotable holding arms that utilize a toothed sleeve mechanism, allowing for precise adjustment of clamping force through axial movement, and a locking system to maintain the desired position, ensuring secure attachment without overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping force of the holding arms is increased to securely fasten the retention device in the drain, then the fastening becomes sufficiently secure, but the holding arms or the clamping force may become so great that they break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a toothed sleeve that can be axially displaced to adjust the pivot angle of the holding arms. By changing the geometric parameter (axial position of the toothed sleeve), the clamping force is precisely controlled to match the drain diameter, preventing both insufficient fastening and excessive force that would break the holding arms.
2Reliability
If the holding arms are designed to pivot outward to create frictional connection with the drain, then the attachment is secure, but the pivot angle varies meaning the retaining device is not centered over the drain
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed sleeve serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for pivoting the holding arms and as the centering element. By engaging with the central bore of the base body, it ensures that all holding arms pivot symmetrically, maintaining the retention device centered over the drain while creating secure frictional attachment.
3Ease of operation
If a worm gear mechanism is used to pivot the support arms outward, then the arms can be positioned against the drain wall, but the force with which the retaining arms are pressed against the drain is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotary worm gear mechanism with a linearly displacable toothed sleeve that directly converts axial movement into pivoting motion of the holding arms. This substitution provides direct tactile feedback to the installer and allows precise control of the clamping force through the axial position of the toothed sleeve, eliminating the difficulty of force control inherent in rotary mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If the toothed sleeve is made displaceable in the axial direction to control holding arm position, then precise clamping force is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed sleeve integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as the actuating mechanism, the positioning element, and the centering device. By merging these functions, the patent achieves precise clamping force control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same component performs multiple critical roles in the assembly.
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
The solution provides a quick and simple assembly process with precise control over clamping force, ensuring a secure and long-lasting attachment to the drain, independent of drain diameter, and compensates for changes due to temperature or aging.
Implementation Method 1
each holding arm has a plurality of teeth which mesh with the toothed strip of the toothed sleeve. By axially displacing the toothed sleeve relative to the base body, the holding arms execute the desired pivoting movement.
Implementation Method 2
The force with which the retaining arms are pressed against the drain depends on the installer's attention and sensitivity. This creates the risk that the retaining arms, or the clamping force between the retaining arms and the drain, become so great that they break.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A retention device for the drainage system of a flat roof is proposed, for example, which is very easy to use and can be adjusted in a very short time for installation in drains of various diameters. The retention device according to the invention enables a permanent, load-compensating, force-fit connection and fastening of the retention device in the roof drainage system. It comprises a catch basket 7 and a holding device. The holding device has a base body 11 and pivotably mounted holding arms 13 thereon.