Hinged Drain Cover Structure for Flush Integration and Easy Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower enclosure drain cover structures either protrude, creating an aesthetically unpleasing appearance or are not easily accessible for cleaning, and may not securely engage with pre-moulded shower trays, posing risks of trapping and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A drain cover structure with an anchor and hinged cover portion that securely fits into a recess of the shower tray, allowing the cover to move between positions to cover or expose the drain, featuring water passages and a non-removable design for easy cleaning while maintaining flush integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drain cover structure protrudes from the shower tray base, then it prevents injury and traps body parts, but it creates an aesthetically unpleasing appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The drain cover is designed with a hinged connection to the anchor structure, allowing it to move between a closed position (flush with the base for aesthetics) and an open position (for cleaning and maintenance). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing safety when closed and accessibility when opened.
2Reliability
If the drain cover structure is made non-removable and securely anchored, then it provides stable engagement with the shower tray, but it becomes difficult to access for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The drain cover structure is segmented into two main parts: an anchor structure that remains securely engaged with the shower tray, and a cover portion that is hinged to the anchor. This segmentation allows the anchor to provide stable engagement while the hinged cover can be opened for cleaning, resolving the contradiction between secure engagement and accessibility.
3Shape
If the drain cover structure is designed to lie flush with the shower tray base, then it provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but it may not be easily accessible for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged cover portion enables the drain cover to transition from a flush position (for aesthetics) to an open position (for cleaning). The hinge mechanism allows the cover to be lifted away from the flush position without compromising the overall integrated appearance when closed, while providing easy access for maintenance.
4Reliability
If the anchor structure is designed with engagement features (recesses and protuberances), then it securely engages with the shower tray, but it increases the complexity of the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structure combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the hinged connection for the cover, defines the cavity for the horizontal extrusion, and incorporates engagement features (recesses and protuberances) for secure mounting. This merging reduces the need for separate components while achieving secure engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A drain cover structure for use in a pre-moulded shower tray, the drain cover structure comprising an anchor structure, and a cover portion to hingedly connect to the anchor structure.