Ligature Mitigation Drain Using Nested Rings and Tapered Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drains in certain buildings, such as prisons and mental health facilities, can be used as anchor points for ligature devices, posing a risk for self-harm and resulting in loss of human life.
Innovation Solution
The development of a ligature mitigation drain design that includes an outer ring, an inner ring, a termination ring, and a washer, which are configured to prevent the attachment of ligature devices by creating openings of different distances and using a washer to block access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional drain designs are used, then drainage function is maintained, but ligature devices can be attached to secure portions of the drain
Solution Approach 1:
The drain is divided into multiple rings (outer ring, inner ring, termination ring) with multiple openings distributed around the circumference. This segmentation prevents ligature devices from finding continuous secure paths while maintaining adequate drainage areas through each opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain structure uses nested rings where the inner ring is positioned within the outer ring, and the termination ring is within the inner ring. Each ring has openings that allow fluid passage while the nested configuration creates no continuous secure path for ligature devices.
2Productivity
If multiple openings are provided in the drain, then fluid drainage is improved, but ligature devices can use these openings as anchor points
Solution Approach 1:
Each opening in the drain rings has a specific local configuration with tapered portions that guide ligature devices away from secure anchor points. The openings are strategically positioned and shaped to allow efficient fluid flow while preventing ligature device entrapment.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings are positioned asymmetrically around the drain rings rather than in uniform patterns. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with tapered portions, ensures that ligature devices cannot be drawn through in a continuous manner while maintaining adequate drainage capacity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the drain structure is modified to prevent ligature attachment, then safety is improved, but the complexity of the drain design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring, inner ring, and termination ring are merged into a single integrated drain assembly that functions as one unit. The nested configuration combines multiple protective features into a compact structure that prevents ligature attachment without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested rings serve as intermediary structures between the external environment and the drain body. These intermediate rings with their specific opening configurations block ligature devices from reaching secure anchor points while allowing fluid to pass through to the drain body.
Data Source
AI summary
A ligature mitigation drain apparatus and method is disclosed which comprises an outer ring, an inner ring, and a termination ring. The outer ring surrounds the inner ring, and the inner ring surrounds the termination ring. The outer ring further comprises at least two extensions extending toward and touching the inside ring and the inner ring further comprises at least two extensions extending toward and touching the termination ring.