Friction-Grip Drain Stopper with Integrated Strainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple and cost-effective means to change or improve the appearance of pop-up drain assemblies in sinks and bathtubs without requiring the replacement of the entire assembly, and for a strainer that can effectively catch hair and debris in drain pipes.
Innovation Solution
A drain stopper and strainer system that includes a cap with a gripping element that uses friction to secure itself within the drain pipe, a strainer with upper and lower ends, and a mechanism for opening and closing without relying on pivot rods or cross-bars, along with a drain flange cover that can be used to hide the existing drain flange and includes a strainer for filtering out hair and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pop-up drain assembly is used, then the drain function is provided, but the appearance cannot be changed without replacing the entire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The drain assembly is divided into separate functional components: a stopper element, a strainer element, and a decorative cap element. Each component can be independently installed, removed, or replaced, allowing appearance customization without replacing the entire drain assembly. The stopper and strainer can be inserted through the drain flange opening while the decorative cap provides the aesthetic finish.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain assembly components are designed to perform multiple functions: the stopper provides sealing and appearance, the strainer captures debris, and the decorative cap provides both structural support and aesthetic enhancement. This multi-functionality allows a single assembly to address both functional and appearance requirements, eliminating the need for complete replacement when appearance changes are desired.
2Reliability
If a strainer is added to catch hair and debris, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer and stopper are merged into a single integrated component where the strainer forms the body of the stopper. The strainer element with its perforated or mesh structure is combined with the stopper's sealing and actuation features, creating one component that performs both filtration and drain closure functions. This eliminates the need for separate strainer and stopper installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The strainer component is designed to simultaneously serve as both a filtration device and a stopper mechanism. The same element that captures hair and debris also provides the sealing surface and can be actuated to open or close the drain, combining multiple functions in a single component to avoid increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a gripping element using friction is used to hold the stopper, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element utilizes dynamic friction characteristics that adapt to the applied load. When the stopper is installed, the gripping element is compressed against the drain pipe wall, creating sufficient friction to hold the stopper in position. The friction force dynamically adjusts to maintain holding strength while allowing easy operation for opening and closing the drain.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping element's friction characteristics are optimized by controlling material properties and contact parameters. The element is made from materials with appropriate coefficient of friction, and its contact surface area and compression force are designed to provide sufficient holding strength. The friction parameter is tuned to allow easy operation while maintaining reliable holding capability under normal operating conditions.
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 system allows for easy adjustment of the stopper's position, effective filtration of hair and debris, and the ability to change the appearance of the drain assembly without replacing it, providing a functional and aesthetic solution.
Implementation Method 1
a gripping element that uses friction between the gripping element and an inside wall of a drain pipe to hold the stopper in an open or closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A drain stopper includes a cap, a seal and a strainer engaged with the cap, and a gripping element engaged with the strainer. The gripping element is resilient and has a generally tubular shape with longitudinal notches, which give it a segmented annular shape. A person grips and squeezes the gripping element to insert the stopper/strainer into a drain pipe, after which the gripping element expands and grips an inside wall of the drain pipe. The person pushes downwardly on the cap to place the stopper/strainer in a closed position and pulls up on the cap for an open position.