Modular Linear Shower Drain On-Site Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower drains are limited by standard prefabricated sizes and the location of the drain pipe, making it difficult to fit them in certain installations, which can be costly and time-consuming to relocate.
Innovation Solution
A modular adjustable linear shower drain system that allows on-site customization, comprising a drain interface adapter, troughs, drainage slope inserts, and a grill with adjustable screws, enabling the system to be cut and assembled to fit specific dimensions and heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prefabricated shower drains are used, then installation is straightforward with standard sizes, but the system cannot adapt to non-standard installation spaces or off-center drain pipe locations
Solution Approach 1:
The shower drain system is divided into multiple modular components including a drain body, extension pieces, adapter pieces, and trim assemblies that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various installation spaces and drain pipe locations while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and configurable elements such as extension pieces of varying lengths, rotatable adapter pieces, and trim assemblies that can be positioned at different locations along the drain body. This dynamic configurability enables adaptation to non-standard spaces without requiring complex custom fabrication.
2Ease of manufacture
If the drain pipe is relocated to accommodate standard shower drains, then standard prefabricated drains can be installed, but the relocation process is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The modular drain system is designed to work with drain pipes located at various positions by incorporating extension pieces and adapter components that can bridge different distances and angles. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized product line to serve multiple installation scenarios, eliminating the need for pipe relocation while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Extension pieces and adapter components serve as intermediaries between the fixed drain pipe and the shower drain assembly. These intermediary elements can be adjusted in length and position to accommodate off-center pipe locations, allowing standard drains to be installed without moving the pipe while reducing overall installation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drain pipe is located too close to a wall or joist, then standard prefabricated shower drains cannot fit, but relocating the pipe is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system addresses spatial constraints by utilizing multiple dimensions - extension pieces extend the drain body lengthwise, adapter pieces can be rotated to change angular orientation, and trim assemblies can be positioned at various locations. This multi-dimensional adjustment capability allows the system to fit into tight spaces near walls and joists while maintaining straightforward installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are embodiments of a modular adjustable linear shower drain system. The drain system is customizable in overall length by cutting portions of the drain system while on-site and prior to assembly. The individual components of the system are made to an oversized, or standard, length and then cut to a desired installation size. Once cut on-site, the components are fit together forming the modular adjustable linear shower drain system. The drain system also includes a height-adjustable shower grill that can be set to match a surrounding tiled area height and angle. The shower grill height is set by adjusting screws disposed in the shower grill and which are in contact with portions of the drain system.