Axially Movable Drain Wall for Concrete Floor Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing drains in concrete slabs face challenges such as incorrect initial placement, inability to adjust height post-concrete setting, and membrane punctures due to uneven floors, leading to water damage and installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A drain system with a cup and axial channel design, featuring a removable sleeve and axial movement of the drain wall, allowing for adjustable installation and membrane application, along with a casting framework for precise leveling and recess creation in the concrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the drain is installed before the floor is completed, then the drain can be connected to the conduit, but the final level of the floor is not known and the drain may be at incorrect height
Solution Approach 1:
The drain wall is designed to be axially movable within the cup, allowing it to be adjusted vertically after the concrete floor is poured. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both early installation (for conduit connection) and precise height alignment (after knowing the final floor level).
Solution Approach 2:
The drain is installed preliminarily before the concrete floor is completed, allowing connection to the conduit. The axially movable design then allows for subsequent adjustment to achieve precise height alignment once the floor level is established.
2Manufacturing precision
If the drain is installed above the concrete level to accommodate flooring thickness, then the drain height may be correct, but the concrete may be poured to the top of the drains instead of the specified lower level
Solution Approach 1:
The axially movable drain wall allows the drain to be repositioned vertically after concrete pouring. This resolves the issue by enabling the drain to be initially installed at a higher position (to account for flooring) and then adjusted downward if the concrete is poured to the wrong level, without requiring removal or destruction of the concrete.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the concrete is poured around the drains, then the floor structure is completed, but it is not possible to raise or lower the drain without chipping away the concrete
Solution Approach 1:
The drain wall's axial movability within the cup allows it to be raised or lowered after concrete pouring without chipping away the concrete. The concrete structure remains intact and stable while the drain can be repositioned vertically as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain system is segmented into the cup (fixed in concrete) and the movable drain wall (adjustable within the cup). This segmentation allows the concrete structure to remain stable while the drain wall can be independently adjusted vertically.
4Reliability
If a membrane is applied around the drain, then water resistance is provided, but the membrane may get punctured due to tear and uneven floor in the area of the drain
Solution Approach 1:
The axially movable drain wall allows for precise height adjustment to create a smooth, even transition from the floor to the drain. This eliminates uneven surfaces that could cause membrane punctures, while maintaining the waterproof membrane's integrity.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a drain comprising a cup with a fluid outlet (3) to be connected to a conduit, wherein the cup accommodates a water trap (5). The cup comprises an axial channel (6) along the circumference, the channel (6) is open upwards and limited by a bottom (7), a channel wall (8) and a cup wall (9). The drain further comprises • - a circumferential drain wall (15) adapted to fit into the channel (6), whereby the drain wall (15) is arranged axially movable in the channel (6), • - a casting framework (14) arranged releasable around the outer circumference of the drain wall (15), the framework (14) has a radial extension, and • - the drain wall (15) has an outward radial flange (16) at an upper end, the radial extension of the flange (16) is equal or less than the radial extension of the framework. The invention also relates to a method and a kit of parts for installing such a drain.