High flow drain control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In high-flow drain situations, such as in walk-in bathtubs, the force of water exiting can cause the plug to engage with the outlet, halting the draining process, which is undesirable as users need to remain in the bath until most of the water has drained.

Innovation Solution

A lockable plug device with a closure mechanism comprising primary and secondary levers that lock the plug in an open position, preventing unintentional closure due to water pressure, and a failsafe override feature to allow closure under excessive loads, ensuring the plug remains open during draining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical plug unit is used to close the outlet, then the outlet can be sealed to prevent water leakage, but the water pressure can cause the plug to engage with the outlet and halt the draining process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddraining speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock feature is engaged beforehand to prevent the closure member from being pushed into the closed position by water pressure during the draining process. This preliminary protective action ensures the drain remains open despite the high water flow forces that would normally cause engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The closure member is positioned and locked in the open position before water drainage begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the drain is ready to function at full capacity without risk of premature closure due to water pressure buildup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the plug is locked in an open position to prevent inadvertent closure, then draining can proceed uninterrupted, but the device complexity increases due to the lock mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedraining speedVSAvoidclosure mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock feature is integrated into the existing closure mechanism structure, combining the locking function with the lever and closure member assembly. This merging approach adds the necessary locking capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism is designed to maintain the open position automatically once engaged, requiring no continuous energy input or active control during the draining process. The mechanical lock holds the closure member in place through the force of water flow, providing a self-sustaining solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the plug remains in contact with the outlet at all times, then the outlet can be quickly closed when needed, but the water pressure can cause unintentional closure during draining

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrolled closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure member maintains dynamic contact with the outlet through the lever mechanism, allowing it to be quickly actuated to the closed position when needed. The lock feature selectively engages or disengages based on operational requirements, providing controlled closure while preventing unintentional engagement during draining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the engagement parameter between the closure member and outlet based on operational mode. During draining, the lock feature prevents engagement despite water pressure. When closure is required, the parameter changes to allow full engagement through the lever mechanism, enabling quick response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Prevents unintentional closure of the plug during high-flow drainage, allowing users to remain in the bathtub until water has fully drained, while also providing a failsafe mechanism to manage excessive loads, ensuring safe and controlled operation.

Implementation Method 1

The closure mechanism may comprise a primary lever and a secondary lever... a lower end of the primary lever provides a load point, which is operable to rotate the primary lever about a pivot point thereby creating displacement of the upper end of the primary lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

The upper end of the secondary lever may comprise a slot and upper end of the primary lever may comprise a pin, wherein the pin engages with the slot such that upon rotation of the primary lever relative to the secondary lever the pin is displaced translationally along the slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10458104B2High flow drain control

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 MCALPINE

AI summary

A lockable plug device for sanitary ware comprises a closure member operable to engage with an outlet or drain of the sanitary ware product to stop water emptying from the sanitary ware product, for example a bath. The lockable plug device also includes a closure mechanism, which is linked to the closure member and is operable to displace the closure member relative to the outlet or drain such that the outlet can be open or closed. The closure mechanism comprises a lock feature, which is operable to lock the closure member in an open position.