Locking Drain Filter Radial Expansion Gasket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floor drains in restaurants and food processing facilities face issues with unauthorized removal of filters, allowing bulky items to enter and clog drainage pipes, which requires plumbers to intervene, disrupting maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A locking drain filter system comprising an upper and lower filter portion with a compressible gasket, secured by a compression device, preventing easy removal by unauthorized personnel while allowing authorized access, using bolts and washers to apply a radial force that locks the filter into the drain line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drain filter is installed to prevent bulky items from entering drain lines, then clogging is reduced, but the filter can be easily removed by unauthorized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly transitions from an easily removable state during installation/maintenance to a locked state during operation. The compressible gasket dynamically changes from uncompressed (easy insertion) to compressed (locked in place), providing adaptive security based on operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket's physical state changes from uncompressed to compressed, altering its dimensional parameters. When compressed between the upper and lower filter portions, the gasket expands radially to engage with the drain line, changing its shape and size to create a locked configuration that prevents unauthorized removal
2Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized removal, then filter security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible gasket serves as a flexible element that provides locking functionality without rigid mechanical components. This flexible membrane approach achieves security while maintaining simplicity, avoiding complex fasteners, bolts, or multi-part locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is self-locking through the compressible gasket's inherent elastic properties. Once installed and compressed, the system automatically locks itself without requiring additional locking components or complex assembly procedures, reducing overall device complexity
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
Effectively prevents bulky items from entering the drain lines, reducing clogging and the need for plumbers to clear blockages, while allowing authorized personnel to easily bypass the filter for maintenance, thus streamlining cleaning operations and maintaining drain functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the compressible gasket is compressed by the upper filter portion and the lower filter portion and expands radially so as to lock the upper filter portion and the lower filter portion into the drain line
Data Source
AI summary
A locking drain filter for floor drains with drain wells is provided. An upper filter portion has external dimensions that allow the upper filter portion to be inserted into a drain line at the bottom of the drain well. A lower filter portion has first external dimensions that allow the lower filter portion to be inserted into the drain line and second external dimensions that allow the lower filter portion to be inserted into the upper filter portion. A compressible gasket has external dimensions that allow the compressible gasket to be inserted into the drain line when the compressible gasket is in an uncompressed state and internal dimensions that allow the compressible gasket to be placed over the second external dimensions of the lower filter portion. A compression device applies a compressive force to the upper filter portion and the lower filter portion, and if the upper filter portion, compressible gasket, and lower filter portion have been inserted into the drain line prior to the application of the compressive force, the compressible gasket is compressed by the upper filter portion and the lower filter portion and expands radially so as to lock the upper filter portion and the lower filter portion into the drain line.