Flexible Drain Pipe Trap Assembly for Easy Cleaning and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plumbing traps are difficult to access for cleaning, can collect debris, and may not be adaptable to various fixture dimensions, leading to issues with gas flow prevention and object passage in plumbing systems.
Innovation Solution
A flexible drain pipe assembly with a retainer that forms a trap by creating a U-shaped bend, allowing for easy access, cleaning, and replacement, and accommodating different dimensions through a combination of flexible pipes and threaded connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rigid traps are used, then gas flow prevention is effective, but accessibility for cleaning and maintenance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is segmented from the rigid pipe system and placed within a flexible hose assembly, allowing the trap to be accessed, removed, and cleaned independently while maintaining the sealed connection to the rigid piping through threaded fittings
Solution Approach 2:
The trap is incorporated into a flexible hose assembly that can be moved and positioned dynamically, enabling easy access for cleaning and maintenance while maintaining its gas-sealing function through the flexible connection
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-dimensional traps are used, then trap shape is stable, but adaptability to various fixture dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is housed within a flexible hose assembly that can bend and conform to various spatial configurations, allowing adaptation to different fixture dimensions and installation locations while maintaining the trap's functional shape through the flexible containment
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose assembly allows the trap to dynamically adjust its position and orientation to accommodate various fixture dimensions, while the trap itself maintains its functional shape through the flexible support and threaded connections
3Reliability
If multiple rigid pipe sections and fittings are used, then connection stability is high, but number of joint and leak points increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pipe sections and fittings are merged into a single flexible hose assembly with integrated threaded connections, reducing the number of separate joints and potential leak points while maintaining stable connections through the flexible assembly's integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
Drain pipe assemblies are provide that include a first flexible pipe having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of convolutions formed therein. A first female threaded connector is provided that is configured to receive one of the convolutions of the first flexible pipe therein. In this way, the first female threaded connector can form a seal when the one of the convolutions received therein is proximate the first end of the first flexible pipe and the first female threaded connector is threadably coupled to a first male threaded coupling. A retainer is provided that is configured to dispose a portion of the flexible pipe therethrough to form and retain a trap in the first flexible pipe. Methods of installing and using such drain pipe assemblies are also provided.