Frustoconical Spreader Locking Floor Drain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor drains are difficult to replace or repair without dismantling the supporting concrete structure, requiring extensive reconstruction and re-pouring of concrete.
Innovation Solution
A locking drain system comprising a strainer, a malleable cylindrical middle section, and a spreader with a frustoconical taper, which allows for installation and securement without external access, using a bolt to flare the middle section against the drain pipe, preventing removal without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If traditional floor drains are installed in concrete, then they provide drainage function, but they become difficult or impossible to replace or repair without tearing up the concrete
Solution Approach 1:
The drain assembly is divided into separate components: a strainer component, a locking component with resilient material, and a spreader component. This segmentation allows the drain to be installed as an assembly that can be removed and replaced as a unit without destroying the surrounding concrete structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component incorporates resilient material that can be dynamically deformed during installation by the spreader component, allowing the drain assembly to be securely locked into the drain pipe. The same resilient property enables the assembly to be released and removed when needed, providing ease of replacement.
2Reliability
If the drain is securely locked in place, then it prevents removal, but it becomes difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient material in the locking component provides dynamic behavior: when compressed by the spreader during installation, it expands to lock the drain securely in place. When force is applied during removal, it can be compressed again to release the lock, enabling replacement. This dynamic property resolves the contradiction between security and replaceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader component acts as an intermediary tool that interfaces with the resilient locking component. During installation, it compresses the resilient material to lock the drain. During removal, it applies force to compress the resilient material again, releasing the lock. This intermediary mechanism enables both secure locking and easy removal.
3Reliability
If the strainer obstructs large objects, then it prevents clogging, but it must be strong enough to support weight
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer component has different properties in different areas: the mesh or screen portion provides obstruction to large objects for clog prevention, while the frame or rim portion provides structural strength to support weight. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between clog prevention and strength requirements.
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
Enables installation and replacement of floor drains from above, preventing clogging by large objects while allowing fluid flow, and securing the drain in place with friction, eliminating the need for concrete removal and re-pouring.
Implementation Method 1
securing the drain in place with friction
Implementation Method 2
flare the middle section against the drain pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A locking drain device for a floor drain comprises a top strainer, a cylindrical middle section having spreadable sides with slits in them, a frustoconical spreader, and a locking bolt, such that, when the spreader is drawn against the spreadable sides of the cylindrical middle section by tightening the locking bolt, the cylindrical sides will be spread to frictionally engage against the internal surface of a drain pipe to prevent inadvertent removal of the floor drain.