Modular RV Drain System With Interchangeable Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain systems for vehicles, such as RVs, are not efficiently designed for quick and easy waste transfer to a discharge location, often requiring complex connections and high effort, which can lead to durability issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular drain system comprising multiple components with interchangeable male and female connections, a central hose member, and a compressible seal, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing attachment effort, and ensuring secure waste transfer and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional drain systems use complex connections for waste transfer, then connection reliability is improved, but attachment effort and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is divided into modular components (vehicle interface component, transfer component, discharge component) that can be independently assembled and disconnected. Each module has standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly while maintaining reliable waste transfer connections.
Solution Approach 2:
A common sealing member serves as an intermediary element that interfaces between male and female connection components. This sealing member ensures reliable sealing across all connection points without requiring complex sealing mechanisms at each interface.
2Productivity
If traditional drain systems use fixed-length hoses, then waste transfer path is established, but adaptability to different discharge locations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The waste transfer system uses modular components including straight sections, angled sections, and curved sections that can be assembled in various combinations. This segmentation allows the drain system to adapt to different discharge locations while maintaining efficient waste transfer through properly configured connection sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flexible hose members within the modular components that allow dynamic positioning and adjustment. The flexible portions enable the drain system to accommodate different discharge locations and vehicle positions without compromising waste transfer efficiency.
3Strength
If drain system components are permanently connected, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of storage and transport decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is designed as separable modular components with standardized interfaces. Each component maintains its structural integrity independently, while the connection interfaces ensure reliable assembly when needed. The modular design allows components to be stored separately or assembled as needed, eliminating the need for permanent connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed to nest within each other when disconnected, with smaller components fitting inside larger ones. This nesting capability maximizes storage efficiency and portability while maintaining the structural integrity of each individual component.
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
The modular system facilitates quick and efficient waste transfer with reduced effort, improved durability, and easy storage, making it suitable for various vehicle types and waste disposal scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a common sealing member selectively seals one of the male connections to one of the female connections
Data Source
AI summary
A drain system for transporting waste from a vehicle to a discharge location located spaced from the vehicle may include first, second and third modular components. The first modular component may be adapted to coupling to the vehicle and may define a first male connection. The second modular component may include a waste transfer portion extending between a first end and a second end. The first end may define a first female connection and the second end may define a second male connection. The third modular component may include an angled central portion, a first end and a second end. The first end may define a second female connection. The second end may define a waste discharge end. The drain system may further include a fourth modular component defining a first end having an opening for receiving the waste discharge end of the third modular component and a second end for interfacing with a tubular intake of the discharge location.