Modular Drain Flange Plate Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drain manufacturing process requires significant storage space due to numerous variations in drain lengths and configurations, including the need for separate storage of drains with and without flanges, which increases the risk of installation errors and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A modular design featuring a separate flange plate that can be combined with a collecting tray of varying lengths, allowing for on-demand assembly and use of different materials, with the flange plate extending beyond the tray for leveling and anchoring, and incorporating sound insulation and adjustable features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drains are manufactured with integrated flanges in various configurations, then the completeness of the product is improved, but storage space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is divided into separate components: a collecting tray without flange and a separate flange plate. This segmentation allows the manufacturer to stock only the collecting trays in various lengths and a limited set of flange plates, rather than maintaining inventory of every possible complete drain configuration. The flange plate is attached to the collecting tray before delivery to the customer, providing the complete product while minimizing storage requirements.
2Reliability
If sealing membranes are pre-installed on drains, then the risk of installation errors is reduced, but storage space and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange plate is pre-attached to the collecting tray in the factory before delivery to the customer. This preliminary action ensures that the flange is correctly positioned and secured, eliminating the risk of improper flange installation by the plumber. The sealing membrane can then be easily installed by the customer on the pre-prepared flange structure.
3Strength
If flanges are integrated into the collecting tray, then the structural integrity is improved, but acid treatment becomes difficult and cavities may trap acid
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the collecting tray from the flange plate, the invention enables complete acid treatment of the collecting tray without the flange obstructing access. The separate flange plate is attached after acid treatment, eliminating the problem of acid trapped in cavities between integrated flange and tray components.
4Device complexity
If drains are provided as single integrated components, then the device simplicity is improved, but bending and adaptation to different applications becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the collecting tray and flange plate into distinct components allows each part to be independently bent and adapted to different installation requirements. The collecting tray can be bent to fit various floor configurations, while the flange plate can be adjusted separately, providing greater versatility without complicating the overall device design.
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
This solution reduces storage needs, simplifies manufacturing and installation, minimizes the risk of leakage, and provides improved sound insulation and anchoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A foam layer with an adhesive layer on both surfaces is preferably arranged between the flange plate and the bottom
Implementation Method 2
The foam plate or foam layer first and foremost provides for the adhesion of the flange plate to the bottom of the collecting tray, but in addition provides sound insulation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a drain (1), comprising: - a collecting tray (2,11,21,31,41) provided with a bottom with an outflow and upright walls arranged along the bottom; - a flange plate (4,14,22,33,44) arranged against the bottom of the collecting tray, wherein the flange plate is provided with an opening for passage of the outflow.