Concealed Hair Straining Device for Drain Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hair straining devices in shower stalls and bathtubs are unsightly, ineffective, and difficult to clean due to visible hair accumulation and limited functionality in preventing drain pipe clogs.
Innovation Solution
A straining device with a central tube, upper and lower walls, and protrusions that can be inserted into the drain pipe, featuring side openings and lower holes to allow water flow while preventing hair from entering, ensuring hair accumulation remains out of sight and is easily removable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a straining device is provided above the drain pipe opening in the shower stall or bathtub, then hair can be caught and prevented from entering the drain pipe, but the accumulated hair becomes visible to the user at all times making it unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hair accumulation area from the visible region by positioning the straining device inside the drain pipe rather than above the opening. The hollow core and side openings allow hair to be caught within the pipe structure, removing it from the user's visual field while maintaining straining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The straining device is nested within the drain pipe structure. The central tube with side openings fits inside the drain pipe, allowing hair to be trapped in the annular space between the central tube and the drain pipe wall, keeping accumulated hair concealed within the pipe system.
2Reliability
If a straining device is provided above the drain pipe opening, then hair can be caught, but the device has limited effectiveness and is difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The straining device is segmented into multiple functional zones: the central tube with side openings for catching hair, the hollow core for water flow, and the lower wall with lower holes for additional straining. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function and makes the entire structure easier to clean by preventing hair from accumulating in a single large area.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the straining surface above the drain opening as in conventional devices, this patent inverts the straining mechanism by placing side openings and lower holes at different levels within and below the drain pipe opening, allowing hair to be caught in a concealed manner while improving accessibility for cleaning.
3Reliability
If the lower body and ridge are made of resilient material, then the device can be inserted into the drain pipe and seal against it, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the lower body and ridge from rigid to resilient material. This allows the components to deform elastically during insertion and sealing, creating an effective seal against the drain pipe inner surface without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or additional parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A straining device has an upper wall, a central tube and a lower wall and is positioned in a drain pipe so as to prevent hair from clogging the drain pipe while providing an aesthetically appealing appearance and allowing for easy cleaning.