Venting clip for a floor drain assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Shower drain assemblies experience water back-up due to pressure differentials created when water flows from all sides into the drain, preventing efficient drainage and potentially causing flooding.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of venting clips with a support portion and gap portion forming a venting channel that connects to the drain pipe, allowing pressure equalization between air within the pipe and ambient air, preventing the buildup of pressure that causes water back-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water flows into the drain assembly from all sides simultaneously, then drainage capacity is improved, but pressure differential builds up preventing water from flowing into the drain pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The venting clip divides the drain assembly into functionally distinct zones: a support portion that provides structural stability and a gap portion that creates a dedicated venting channel. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of structural integrity and pressure equalization functionality, resolving the contradiction between drainage capacity and pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting clip acts as an intermediary component between the tray and base, creating a controlled air passage that mediates pressure differential. This intermediary structure allows air to escape systematically, preventing the pressure buildup that would otherwise block water flow into the drain pipe, thereby maintaining reliable pressure equalization during high-capacity drainage operations.
2Device complexity
If the tray is positioned close to the base for structural stability, then device complexity is reduced, but air cannot escape to equalize pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The venting clip is divided into a support portion for structural function and a gap portion for venting function. This segmentation allows the clip to maintain close tray-to-base positioning for structural simplicity while simultaneously providing the necessary air escape pathway for pressure equalization, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting clip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to maintain tray positioning, creates a venting channel for pressure equalization, and guides water flow. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve pressure equalization without increasing overall structural complexity, as the same component performs both structural and venting roles.
3Speed
If water flows rapidly into the drain assembly, then drainage efficiency is improved, but pressure differential prevents water from entering the drain pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The venting clip creates an intermediary air passage that facilitates controlled pressure equalization during rapid water flow. This intermediary channel allows air to escape systematically, preventing the pressure differential that would otherwise block high-speed water flow into the drain pipe, thereby maintaining reliable drainage performance at high velocities.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting channel provides preliminary pressure equalization before water enters the drain pipe. By allowing air to escape in advance through the venting clip, the system prepares the pressure conditions for subsequent high-speed water flow, preventing the pressure differential from developing to blocking levels and ensuring smooth, rapid drainage.
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
The venting clips effectively normalize pressure within the drain pipe, ensuring smooth water flow and preventing flooding by allowing air to escape, thus maintaining efficient drainage.
Implementation Method 1
The venting channel is fluidly connected to a drain pipe to allow pressure equalization within the drain pipe when water flows into the drain assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A drain assembly is installed into the floor of a shower stall or in the floor of a room to allow water or fluids to be drained. The drain assembly is attached to a drain pipe to allow water to drain from the drain assembly. The drain assembly includes a base that receives a tray, wherein the tray is spaced apart from the base by way of at least one venting clip. The venting clip includes a venting channel configured to provide a fluid pathway that extends from a position adjacent to a central opening that is in fluid communication with the drain pipe to the ambient air about the drain assembly. The venting channel is configured to allow air to escape from the drain pipe to normalize the pressure between the drain pipe and the ambient air therewithin to prevent the backup of water within the drain.