Collapsible Floor Sink Drain Screen Lock for Clog-Free Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor sink drains are prone to blockages due to the passage of large objects, leading to flooding and increased operational expenses, as prior art drain plugs or screens often become clogged and are not effectively designed to prevent such issues.
Innovation Solution
A floor sink drain screen lock with expandable means for sealingly engaging the drain walls, allowing free fluid flow while preventing large objects from entering, and is easily removable for cleaning using a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent drain plug or screen is installed in the floor sink drain opening, then large objects are blocked from entering the drain, but the drain plug or screen becomes clogged and adds to the flooding problem
Solution Approach 1:
The drain screen is made collapsible rather than rigid, allowing it to be compressed into a compact form for easy removal and cleaning. The screen can be collapsed by applying pressure through the access opening, transforming it from a fixed obstacle that collects debris into a removable component that can be easily maintained without causing flooding.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is designed to be periodically removed, cleaned, and reinstalled through the access opening using the locking mechanism. This allows accumulated debris to be discarded and the screen to be recovered in a clean state, preventing clogging and maintaining reliable blockage prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a drain screen is provided to block large objects, then objects are prevented from entering the drain, but the screen becomes difficult to remove for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a cam-actuated system that transforms rotational motion of the access opening into linear motion of the screen. By rotating the access opening, the cam engages with the locking protrusion to secure the screen, or disengages to allow easy removal and reinstallation of the collapsible screen for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam structure acts as an intermediary between the access opening and the screen locking protrusion. It provides a mechanical advantage that allows the screen to be securely locked in place during operation but easily removed when cleaning is needed, resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and easy removal.
3Reliability
If an expandable means is used to sealingly engage the drain walls, then the drain is securely sealed, but the device becomes complex to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is made of flexible material that can be collapsed into a compact form for easy insertion and removal through the access opening. When installed, the flexible screen expands to engage the drain walls and provide effective sealing, then can be collapsed again for removal without complex tools or procedures.
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
Effectively prevents large objects from entering the drain while allowing liquid flow, reducing blockages and maintenance needs, thereby minimizing flooding and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient ring 22 encircling said split ring 20... compresses the split ring 20 and resilient ring 22 causing them to expand laterally to frictionally and sealingly engage the wall of the floor sink drain opening
Implementation Method 2
The bolt 32 is then tightened which serves to draw the lower disc 24 toward the upper disc 12, which compresses the split ring 20 and resilient ring 22 causing them to expand laterally
Data Source
AI summary
Improved floor sink drain screen locks having expandable means for sealingly engaging the walls of a floor sink drain, yet being readily collapsible for quick and easy removal when desired.