Low-Profile Linear Drain With V-Channel for Barrier-Free Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional linear floor drains require significant modifications to the floor structure, either by lowering the subfloor or raising the drain surface, which creates accessibility issues and physical barriers, especially for disabled individuals.
Innovation Solution
A modular, low-profile linear drain system with a V-shaped drain channel and main body design that allows for installation without modifying the floor, featuring a hub, extensions, and end caps, enabling fluid communication and efficient water drainage without altering the floor's depth or creating steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional trench drains with deep channels are installed, then adequate drainage depth is achieved, but floor modification is required and accessibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is divided into separate modular components: a shallow main body, a grate assembly, and a drainage channel. This segmentation allows the drainage function to be achieved without requiring a deep channel that would create floor modifications or accessibility barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of achieving drainage depth through vertical channel depth (one dimension), the system uses a horizontal drainage path beneath the shallow main body. This dimensional shift allows adequate drainage capability while maintaining a shallow profile that preserves floor accessibility.
2Volume of moving object
If subfloor is lowered to accommodate drain depth, then adequate channel depth is achieved, but floor structure modification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the drainage function into a shallow main body component that interfaces with the existing floor, eliminating the need to lower the subfloor. The drainage channel operates independently beneath this shallow structure, achieving adequate depth without complex floor modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body is designed as a shallow replica or simplified version of traditional deep drain channels, maintaining the essential drainage functionality while adapting to existing floor structures without requiring subfloor modification.
3Volume of moving object
If drain surface is raised above surrounding floor, then adequate channel depth is achieved, but physical barrier is created
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves adequate drainage depth by extending the drainage channel horizontally beneath the shallow main body rather than raising the drain surface vertically. This dimensional approach maintains a flush surface with the surrounding floor, eliminating physical barriers while preserving drainage effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage function is separated into the shallow main body at floor level and the subsurface drainage channel. This segmentation allows the channel to have adequate depth for effective drainage while the main body remains shallow and flush with the floor surface, ensuring accessibility.
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 seamless integration into existing floor structures without the need for substantial modifications, ensuring accessibility and efficient water drainage while maintaining a flat surface, thus addressing the limitations of traditional trench drains.
Implementation Method 1
a drain channel formed in the top surface and extending longitudinally from proximate the first end to proximate the second end and in fluid communication with the drain opening, wherein the drain channel includes a V-shape in cross-section
Data Source
AI summary
A linear drain system may include a main body including a first end, a second end longitudinally opposed to the first end, and a top surface, a drain opening formed through the main body, and a drain channel formed in the top surface and extending longitudinally from proximate the first end to proximate the second end and in fluid communication with the drain opening, wherein the drain channel includes a V-shape in cross-section.