Floor Drain Leveling Mechanism for Variable Floor Pitch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable floor drains face installation challenges due to variances in finished floor height and pitch, leading to issues with the strainer not being flush or level with the floor surface if the head unit is incorrectly adjusted for the total thickness of the finished floor surface.
Innovation Solution
A floor drain design featuring a head with a leveling member and a frame that allows for displacement relative to the head, enabling adjustment of the frame's position to ensure it is level with the floor surface, using a method that includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced leveling members and access openings for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the head unit is adjusted to compensate for the total thickness of the finished floor surface, then the drain can be installed at the correct height, but the strainer will not be flush or level with the finished floor surface if the pitch is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic leveling mechanism where the frame can be adjusted relative to the head unit after installation. The frame includes adjustment holes at different heights and positioning holes that allow the frame to be repositioned vertically and angularly, enabling the strainer to be leveled with the finished floor surface even when the head unit adjustment is fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The drain assembly is divided into separable components: the head unit with threaded shank, the frame with adjustment holes, and the strainer. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component, particularly the frame which can be positioned at different heights and angles relative to the head unit to achieve proper leveling
2Reliability
If the head unit is adjusted for correct height, then the drain functions properly, but the strainer will not be level with the floor surface due to pitch variance
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with multiple adjustment holes at different heights and positions, allowing dynamic repositioning of the frame relative to the head unit. This enables the strainer to be aligned level with the finished floor surface while maintaining the head unit's correct height for proper drain functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary component between the head unit and the strainer. It provides adjustment holes that serve as intermediate positioning points, allowing the strainer to be leveled with the floor surface while the head unit maintains its correct height for proper drainage function
3Stability of the object's composition
If the strainer is secured to the head unit, then the drain structure is stable, but adjustment for floor pitch and height variance is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The drain assembly is segmented into the head unit, frame, and strainer as separate components. The frame includes multiple adjustment holes that allow it to be positioned at different heights and angles relative to the head unit, providing adjustability while maintaining structural stability through secure fastening at the selected position
Solution Approach 2:
The frame provides dynamic adjustability through multiple adjustment holes before final assembly. Once positioned correctly using the adjustment holes, the frame can be securely fastened to the head unit and the strainer to the frame, transitioning from a dynamic adjustable state to a stable fixed state
Data Source
AI summary
A floor drain includes a head having a top surface, a leveling member, and a frame having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the frame is positioned adjacent the top surface of the head. The leveling member is positioned between the head and the bottom surface of the frame and is displaceable relative to the head in a first direction. A method of leveling a floor drain with a floor surface is also disclosed.