Lockable Drain Screen With Segmented Access Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain cover devices fail to prevent unauthorized removal and deposition of large debris into floor drains, leading to clogs and water damage, as they are often removable for cleaning purposes without secure locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A lockable drain screen with a frame and extendable footer elements secured by tamper-resistant fasteners, combined with a hinged access door that can only be opened with authorization, prevents large debris from entering the drain while allowing authorized access for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the drain screen is made removable for cleaning purposes, then ease of maintenance is improved, but security against unauthorized debris disposal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drain screen assembly is segmented into multiple components: a removable screen portion for debris collection, a secure housing structure with locking mechanism, and an access panel. This segmentation allows the screen to be easily removed for cleaning while the housing remains securely locked to prevent unauthorized debris disposal.
2Reliability
If the drain screen is secured with locking mechanisms, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is applied selectively to specific components (housing and access panel) rather than the entire assembly. The screen portion remains easily removable, while only the access panel requires the locking mechanism for secure closure, thus maintaining ease of maintenance while providing security.
Solution Approach 2:
An access panel serves as an intermediary element between the secure housing and the need for maintenance access. The panel can be locked when not in use but can be opened with a simple latch mechanism, providing both security and ease of access for authorized maintenance personnel.
3Ease of operation
If the drain screen is made easily removable for cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but drain functionality deteriorates due to frequent clogs
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is segmented into a removable screen for frequent cleaning and a permanent secured housing that prevents unauthorized debris entry. This allows easy maintenance of the screen while the secure housing maintains drain functionality by preventing clogs from unauthorized debris disposal.
Data Source
AI summary
A securable drain screen is provided having a rectangular frame, a lockable screen door, and upstanding screen sidewalls forming a rectangular trap with an open upper that is adapted to block large debris from entering a drain and clogging the same when deployed. Along the perimeter of the frame and positioned against each sidewall exterior surface is an extendable footer element that is threadably attached thereto and extendable outwards for bearing against the interior surface of a drain. The footers bear against the drain interior and securably position the assembly within the drain, while the lockable screen door therethrough is hinged for access through the device when snaking the drain. The hinged door includes a padlock latch for securing the door in a closed position, whereby only authorized users can remove the screen from the drain once deployed.