Modular Linear Shower Drain Assembly for Adjustable Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elongate linear drains for shower installations require time-consuming and unreliable installation methods, and there is a lack of solutions using non-metallic, modular components that can be easily assembled to fit various shower sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular elongate linear drain system comprising a drain base, extension members, inserts, and end caps, with float stick mounting members for facilitated installation, made from lightweight, impact-resistant materials like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), allowing for quick assembly and adaptation to different shower sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional monolithic metallic linear drains are used, then the drain structure is strong and durable, but multiple drain sizes must be maintained in inventory and installation is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The linear drain is divided into modular segments (standard drain body and extension members) that can be connected together. The drain body has receiving apertures that accept extension members, allowing the drain length to be adjusted by connecting one or more extension members to the standard drain body, eliminating the need to inventory multiple complete drain sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard drain body is designed with universal receiving apertures that can accept any number of extension members, making it a multi-functional base unit. This universal interface allows the same drain body to be used for various drain lengths by simply adding or removing extension members, streamlining inventory to essentially one standard body plus various extension lengths.
2Reliability
If conventional installation methods are used, then the drain can be installed, but the process is time-consuming and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
Float stick mounting members are pre-formed as integral parts of the drain body and extension members. These mounting members provide predetermined attachment points for float sticks, which are used to establish the correct slope and alignment during installation. This preliminary provision of mounting features eliminates the need for field modifications and ensures consistent, reliable installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension members are designed to nest within or connect to the receiving apertures of the drain body in a nested configuration. This nested connection method provides a secure, interlocking joint that ensures reliable assembly while simplifying the installation process, as the nested structure naturally guides proper alignment and connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metallic linear drains are used, then the drains are durable, but they require maintaining multiple sizes in inventory for different shower lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is segmented into a standard drain body and multiple extension members of different lengths. This segmentation allows the drain length to be adapted to various shower sizes by selecting and connecting the appropriate number and combination of extension members to the standard drain body, providing full length adaptability without needing to inventory complete drains of every possible size.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain system combines a standard drain body with multiple extension members to create composite drain assemblies of various lengths. This composite approach allows versatility in final drain length while reducing inventory requirements, as the same standard body combined with different extension members creates multiple effective drain sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
An elongate linear drain for a shower includes an elongate, channel-shaped drain body, an elongate, channel-shaped extension that is connectable to either end of the drain body, elongate inserts that are nested within the drain body and the extension, and end walls that cap the ends of the drain body and the ends of the extension. Mounting members are formed along an outboard side of each sidewall of the drain body and the extensions and the mounting members are engaged by float sticks to facilitate the sloping of the floor that leads to the linear drain. Height adjustment screws formed in the respective bottom walls of the drain body and extensions enable height adjustment of the inserts. This enables the tile that overlies the shower floor to be flush with the tile that overlies the insert.