Removable Hidden Drain Sink Screen for Above-Basin Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hidden drain sinks in sinks are difficult to access for cleaning and unclogging due to their installation location, making it challenging to remove and prevent clogs.

Innovation Solution

A drain screen assembly that is removably supported within the sink basin, allowing easy removal and cleaning from above, featuring a flexible silicone material and a design that facilitates debris removal through a strainer with curved openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the drain is installed from underneath the sink basin as a hidden drain, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of operation for cleaning and unclogging deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drain system is divided into separate components: a permanent hidden drain outlet installed from underneath the sink basin, and a removable screen assembly that can be easily detached from above. This segmentation allows the aesthetic hidden drain to maintain its appearance while the removable screen provides easy access for cleaning without requiring disassembly of the drain outlet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screen component is extracted as a separate removable element from the hidden drain system. The screen can be easily removed from above the sink basin for cleaning and maintenance, while the drain outlet itself remains hidden and permanently installed from underneath, maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the drain screen is made of flexible material like silicone, then the ease of operation for removal and cleaning is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is constructed from flexible silicone material that can be easily removed, manipulated, and cleaned. The flexibility allows the screen to conform to the drain opening and be easily detached for maintenance while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to perform its filtering function during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The screen is designed as a separate removable component with segmented or modular features that facilitate easy removal and reinstallation. This segmentation allows the flexible material to be easily handled while maintaining adequate structural stability when in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables easy cleaning and unclogging of hidden drain sinks without disassembly, enhancing user convenience and effectiveness in preventing blockages.

Implementation Method 1

A drain screen for a hidden drain sink includes a resilient body extending axially between a proximal end and a distal end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250270800A1Screen for a hidden drain sink

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 KRAUS USA PLUMBING LLC

AI summary

A screen for a drain assembly of a hidden drain sink. The screen includes a resilient body having a strainer for filtering hair and/or debris from water passing to a drain outlet.