Floor drain system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor drain systems face challenges in providing effective drainage and accessibility in barrier-free wet areas, as they often require significant modifications to the subfloor and can be costly and difficult to install, while also conflicting with plumbing codes and ADA requirements.
Innovation Solution
A floor drain system with a modular design that includes a drain body installable in the subfloor and a linear drain channel in the tile floor, allowing for easy installation and separation of plumbing and tile work, with adjustable components and redundant outlets for improved drainage and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a barrier-free wet floor area is designed to meet ADA requirements with a slope of no more than 1/4 inch per foot and a maximum barrier height of 1/2 inch, then accessibility is improved, but plumbing code requirements (threshold at least 2 inches above drain) cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is divided into multiple components: a recessed drain body installed in the subfloor, an intermediate transition component, and a flush-mounted cover. This segmentation allows the drainage function to be separated from the surface level requirement, enabling compliance with both ADA accessibility (flush mounting) and plumbing codes (proper drainage slope)
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the drainage action to a different dimension by recessing the drain body below the subfloor level. This vertical displacement allows water to be collected at a lower elevation where the required slope can be achieved, while the surface remains flush with the surrounding floor to meet ADA requirements
2Reliability
If known drain systems require the subfloor to be recessed to ensure proper drainage, then drainage function is improved, but installation complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drain body, transition component, and cover are designed to assemble together in a standardized configuration. The modular design merges multiple functions (drainage, transition, surface finishing) into a single integrated system that simplifies installation while maintaining proper drainage through the recessed design
3Productivity
If tile installers make plumbing connections or plumbers form drainage slopes, then installation is completed, but installation errors increase due to workers operating outside their areas of expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into distinct phases: plumbers install the recessed drain body and connect to drainage, while tile installers install the flush-mounted cover. This clear division of labor allows each trade to work within their expertise, reducing installation errors while completing the full installation
Data Source
AI summary
A floor drain system for installation in a tile floor over a subfloor includes at least one drain module. The drain module has a drain body defining an inlet and installable in the subfloor. The drain body is configured for attachment to a drain pipe below the subfloor. A drain trim assembly defines a linear drain channel sloping along a length of the drain trim assembly that is intercepted by an outlet positionable over the drain body. The drain trim assembly is configured for installation with the tile floor entirely above the subfloor and without physically interfacing with an opening of the drain body.