Modular Linear Tile Floor Drain with Integrated Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tile basin drains are not watertight, leading to leaks and moisture issues, and standard circular drains are aesthetically unappealing. Additionally, linear drains are cumbersome to install and expensive due to custom manufacturing requirements.

Innovation Solution

A modular, linear tile floor drain system that includes a coupler piece and adjustable extension pieces, allowing for easy customization and installation. The system is designed to be watertight, with a sleek and modern design that accommodates lighting integration and easy access for maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard circular drains are used, then installation is simple, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The drain is divided into multiple modular segments that can be assembled in linear configurations. Each segment contains standardized connection interfaces, allowing simple assembly while creating modern linear aesthetic patterns. The segmentation enables both functional simplicity and design versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drain system incorporates adjustable components that allow the linear drain to be configured in different lengths and orientations. This dynamic adaptability maintains installation simplicity while enabling sleek, modern linear designs that replace traditional circular drains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If custom linear drains are manufactured to specific lengths, then aesthetic appeal improves, but installation time and cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodern linear designVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The linear drain is segmented into standardized modules that can be quickly assembled on-site. Each module contains pre-formed connections and waterproofing elements, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing while achieving the desired linear aesthetic. Installation time is reduced from weeks to hours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular segments are designed with universal connection interfaces that work across all configurations. This universality allows the same components to create drains of various lengths and orientations, providing custom-fit solutions without custom manufacturing, thereby reducing both time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular drain segments are assembled to desired length, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and installation difficulty deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable lengthVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional elements are merged into each modular segment, including connection interfaces, waterproofing layers, and structural components. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate parts while maintaining full adaptability for different drain configurations and lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each modular segment is designed as a universal building block that can function in various positions and configurations. The standardized interfaces and integrated features allow high adaptability with low complexity, as the same component serves multiple purposes across different installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If waterproofing layer extends to drain edge, then watertightness improves, but moisture drainage capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewatertightnessVSAvoidmoisture accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproofing layer is nested within the modular drain segments, with each segment containing its own waterproofing elements. This nested structure maintains continuous waterproofing to the edge while incorporating internal drainage pathways that prevent moisture accumulation, resolving the contradiction between watertightness and moisture drainage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250122713A1Floor drain

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 BLAMBLE DAVID

AI summary

A floor drain system is provided comprising a coupler piece, extension pieces, end caps, and a drain cover. The drain coupler piece includes a connector for connection to a drain line and receivers for engagement with drain extension pieces, forming a drain main body. The main body includes opposed side walls and a floor forming a channel for liquid to flow and drain. Each side wall includes a lip extending inward and along the length of the drain and configured for mounting a grate. End caps are configured for sealing ends of the drain. Alternatively, a light box end piece can be utilized to seal an end of the drain while providing a housing and access point for drain lighting. Tile can be installed overlaying at least part of a top surface of each side wall or abutting the drain. The drain extension pieces can be cut to size.