Smooth-Bore Flexible Drain Trap for Misalignment and Clog Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drainage traps face challenges in installation due to varying plumbing fixture designs and limited flexibility, leading to misalignment issues and accumulation of organic waste, which can cause clogging and bacterial growth.
Innovation Solution
A flexible drainage trap assembly with a substantially smooth inner surface, featuring a flexible hose with radial reinforcement rings and a secure connection mechanism, allowing for easy adjustment and alignment with drainage pipes, reducing the risk of leakage and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid drainage trap is used, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but it causes misalignment issues and is difficult to install with varying plumbing fixture designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible hose with a substantially smooth inner surface to replace rigid piping sections in the drainage trap assembly. This flexible hose can be bent and shaped to accommodate misaligned plumbing fixtures while maintaining structural integrity. The flexibility allows the trap to adapt to varying fixture positions without requiring complex rigid joint adjustments or custom fabrication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible hose with corrugated surface is used, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but organic waste accumulates on the surface causing clogging and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a flexible hose with a substantially smooth inner surface, explicitly avoiding corrugated surfaces. The smooth interior prevents organic waste from adhering to the hose walls, eliminating the clogging and bacterial growth problems associated with corrugated flexible hoses while retaining the flexibility needed for installation adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional rigid connections are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but installation ease and alignment adjustment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible hose that can be dynamically bent and positioned during installation to achieve proper alignment between plumbing fixtures and drainage pipes. The hose maintains its structural integrity and sealing capability while allowing installers to adjust the connection geometry on-site, combining the ease of flexible installation with the precision of proper alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to flexible drainage trap assemblies and methods for constructing and installing such drainage traps. In one exemplary embodiment, a flexible drainage trap assembly includes a plumbing fixture connector, a discharge joint, and a trap portion connecting the plumbing fixture connector and discharge joint. The trap portion is shaped in such a way that it is operable to retain a pool of water inside the trap portion. The disclosed flexible drainage assemblies include a flexible portion that has a substantially smooth inner surface.