Linear Drain With Offset Egress Opening For Centered Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear drains often require additional conduits or adapters to position the drain outlet in a more aesthetically pleasing location, increasing labor and material costs, as the standard installation may result in an off-center or awkwardly placed drain.
Innovation Solution
A linear drain design featuring an ingress assembly with a midpoint that can be positioned in multiple locations relative to an offset egress opening, utilizing an attaching element with track and receiving elements and fasteners to maintain a centered drain configuration without relocating the drain outlet, allowing for flexible placement and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If additional conduits or adapters are used to relocate the drain outlet to a more aesthetically pleasing location, then the aesthetic appearance of the drain is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is divided into separate modular components: an ingress assembly with an ingress opening, an egress assembly with an egress opening offset from the channel midpoint, and an attaching element. This segmentation allows the egress opening to be positioned independently to connect with the drain outlet while the ingress opening maintains aesthetic placement, eliminating the need for additional conduits or adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The attaching element provides adjustable positioning capability, allowing the ingress assembly to be positioned at multiple locations relative to the egress opening. This dynamic positioning feature enables the system to adapt to different drain outlet locations without requiring additional relocation components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
2Shape
If additional conduits or adapters are used to relocate the drain outlet, then the aesthetic appearance of the drain is improved, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the drain system into modular assemblies with built-in positioning flexibility, the invention eliminates the need for additional conduits or adapters that would otherwise be required for relocation. This reduces both material costs and installation labor, thereby lowering overall installation cost while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The attaching element serves multiple functions: it connects the ingress assembly to the egress assembly, allows for adjustable positioning of the ingress opening relative to the egress opening, and enables accommodation of different drain outlet locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing installation cost while achieving aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the drain outlet is positioned in an undesirable location, then the plumbing system installation is simplified, but the aesthetic appearance of the floor or room deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching element enables dynamic positioning of the ingress assembly relative to the egress assembly, allowing the ingress opening to be positioned at multiple locations. This flexibility allows the drain to be placed in aesthetically pleasing locations on the floor while the egress opening can be oriented to connect with drain outlets at various positions, thereby maintaining both aesthetic appearance and ease of plumbing installation.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the ingress and egress functions into distinct assemblies with independent positioning capabilities, the system allows the ingress opening to be positioned for aesthetic purposes while the egress opening connects to the plumbing system at the appropriate location, resolving the conflict between aesthetic appearance and installation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear drain for providing a centered drain opening without moving a drain outlet is disclosed. The linear drain includes an ingress assembly defining at least one ingress opening. An egress assembly defines a channel configured to covey liquid to an egress opening. The egress opening is offset from a channel midpoint of the channel and is configured to be in communication with the drain outlet. An attaching element connects the ingress assembly with the egress assembly. The attaching element is configured such that an ingress assembly midpoint of the ingress assembly is configured to be positioned in a plurality of different final locations relative to the egress opening when the centered drain is in a fully assembled configuration.