Floor Sink Flange Design Eliminates Grout Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floor sinks installed above the finished floor level create a gap that is typically filled with grout, leading to potential sanitation issues due to the risk of debris entering the drain.
Innovation Solution
A floor sink design featuring a flange that can engage the support surface, allowing for installation either flush with or slightly above the floor, eliminating the need for grout and preventing debris entry while ensuring compliance with plumbing codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If floor sink is installed above the finished floor level, then plumbing code compliance is achieved, but a gap is formed requiring grout that causes sanitation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic grout material from the gap-filling function. Instead of using grout to fill the gap between the floor sink and finished floor, the patent uses a removable cover that spans across the gap, completely removing the need for grout and its associated sanitation problems while maintaining the elevated installation required by plumbing codes
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cover acts as an intermediary element between the floor sink body and the finished floor. This cover bridges the gap created by elevated installation, providing a sanitary alternative to grout while allowing the floor sink to remain positioned above the finished floor level to meet plumbing code requirements
2Reliability
If floor sink is installed above the finished floor level, then plumbing code compliance is achieved, but debris can enter the drain through the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the open gap that allows debris entry by replacing it with a solid removable cover. This cover completely blocks the space between the floor sink and finished floor, eliminating the pathway for debris to reach the drain while preserving the elevated installation position required by plumbing codes
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cover serves as a protective intermediary barrier between the external environment and the drain opening. It prevents debris from entering the drain system while allowing the floor sink to maintain its code-compliant elevated position
3Stability of the object's composition
If grout is used to fill the gap, then the gap is sealed, but sanitation risks increase due to debris accumulation in grout
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes grout from the system and replaces it with a removable cover. This eliminates the porous grout material that accumulates debris and creates sanitation problems, while still providing effective gap sealing through the solid cover structure
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cover functions as a replaceable component that can be removed and cleaned separately. Unlike permanent grout that accumulates debris over time, the cover can be periodically removed for thorough cleaning or replacement, maintaining sanitation while providing continuous gap sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A floor sink configured to be installed in a support surface includes a body including a first end, and a second end opposite the first end and configured to receive a pipe. The floor sink further includes a cavity extending through the body, and a flange coupled to the first end of the body and extending away from the cavity. The flange is configured to engage the support surface.