Magnetic Drain Stopper Assembly for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain stoppers are difficult to remove and install, and require disassembly of the mechanical linkage, making them time-consuming and costly, especially when trying to retrofit existing sinks, and lack a filtering structure to trap residue and objects.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic drain stopper assembly that uses the existing actuating lever, allowing for easy removal and installation by magnetic attraction, and includes a filtering structure with studs to catch residue and objects, without the need for external linkages or disassembly of the standard actuating linkage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical linkage is used to connect the actuating lever to the drain stopper, then the drain stopper can be operated to open and close the drain, but the drain stopper cannot be easily removed from the drain pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the drain stopper system into two independent parts: the actuating lever assembly (remaining in the drain pipe) and the drain stopper body (removable). The magnetic coupling provides the connection force without mechanical interlocking, allowing the stopper to be segmented from the actuating mechanism for easy removal while maintaining operational connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system with a magnetic field-based coupling system. Instead of using physical linkages, rods, or stirrups that mechanically connect the actuating lever to the stopper, the patent uses magnetic attraction forces to transmit the actuating force wirelessly through the drain pipe wall, eliminating the need for complex mechanical connection structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized external actuating linkages are used for magnetic drain stoppers, then magnetic actuation can be achieved, but the system becomes costly and cannot be used to retrofit existing sinks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the magnetic drain stopper system universal by designing it to work with standard existing drain pipe structures. The magnetic actuator can be positioned either inside or outside the drain pipe, and the magnetic coupling works through the pipe wall, allowing the same basic system to be adapted to various existing sink configurations without requiring specialized linkages or modifications to the drain pipe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the drain stopper system to utilize existing structural elements (the drain pipe wall and standard actuating lever) to provide the magnetic coupling function. The magnetic field penetrates the drain pipe wall automatically without requiring additional channels, openings, or specialized components, allowing the system to service itself using the existing infrastructure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a filtering structure is added to the drain stopper, then residue and objects can be trapped, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the filtering function with the existing drain stopper body by integrating a filter screen or mesh directly into the stopper structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate filtering components and their associated mounting mechanisms, achieving debris trapping functionality while maintaining a simple, unified device structure that does not significantly increase overall 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
Enables cost-effective, easy-to-use, and easy-to-install magnetic drain stoppers that can be used in any drain pipe with an actuating lever, allowing for quick removal and installation, and effective trapping of debris without altering the existing linkage.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is attached at or near the base of the drain stopper. The magnet interacts magnetically with an existing actuating lever that is typically made of steel.
Implementation Method 2
Another embodiment of the magnetic drain stopper assembly further includes a filtering structure on the drain stopper that is configured to trap residue and objects dropped into the drain pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic drain stopper assembly includes an actuating lever in a drain pipe and is movable to allow fluid flow into the drain pipe in an open position and to prevent fluid flow into the drain pipe in a closed position. A magnet on the drain stopper interacts magnetically with the actuating lever or a sleeve on the actuating lever. The magnetic drain stopper is easily removed by simply pulling it out of the drain pipe. Studs on the drain stopper catch objects that fall into the drain pipe for easy retrieval and further catch residue such as hair for easy cleaning.