Overflow Hygiene Flap with Eccentric Pivot for Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overflow hygiene systems for washbasins face challenges in simple assembly and ensuring sufficient water drainage, with limited flow cross-section and potential for bacterial and odor buildup in overflow holes.
Innovation Solution
The design features a pivotable flap with a central pivot axis and a funnel-shaped flow channel, allowing for a maximum flow cross-section and easy assembly, along with latching hooks for secure fitting and a streamlined design for enhanced water drainage and bacterial prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flap is positioned inside the pipe with a central pivot axis, then the flow cross-section is maximized and water drainage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the offset pivot bearing arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bearing is deliberately positioned offset from the pipe axis rather than centrally, creating an asymmetric arrangement that allows the flap to achieve a more optimal opening angle and maximize the flow cross-section while maintaining a manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis is positioned at a specific distance 'a' from the pipe axis, utilizing the radial dimension to optimize flap movement geometry. This dimensional adjustment enables the flap to open wider without increasing overall device complexity
2Area of moving object
If the flap is made larger to increase flow cross-section, then water drainage is improved, but the flap requires more space to open and may collide with the overflow channel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is pre-positioned with its inlet opening inserted into the overflow hole, creating sufficient clearance space behind the overflow channel wall before the flap needs to open. This preliminary positioning ensures the flap has adequate room to pivot to its full opening angle without colliding with the wall
Solution Approach 2:
The offset pivot bearing acts as an intermediary mechanism that decouples the flap size from its opening requirements. By positioning the pivot axis at distance 'a' from the pipe axis, the system mediates between the need for a large flow cross-section and the need for sufficient opening space
3Ease of operation
If the pivot axis is positioned closer to the collar, then the flap can open to a wider angle, but the distance for water to reach the flap decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bearing position parameter 's' is optimized to balance two competing requirements: being close enough to the collar to allow wide flap opening angles, yet far enough to maintain adequate water flow path length. This parameter optimization achieves both goals simultaneously
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
Ensures efficient water drainage and prevents bacterial and odor buildup by maximizing the flow cross-section and providing a secure, easy-to-assemble solution for overflow hygiene systems.
Implementation Method 1
a funnel or fork shape
Implementation Method 2
The part of the flap that pivots outwards is heavier than the part that pivots inwards into the pipe, so that the flap closes automatically
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to an overflow hygiene system (1) with a body made of a pipe (1.1) which has an inlet opening (1.1a) and an outlet opening (1.1b) and which has a basic cross-sectional shape (Q) for inserting into an overflow hole (2.1) of a wash basin (2). A collar (1.2) with a stop surface (1.2a) is provided in the region of the inlet opening, said stop surface being placeable directly or indirectly against the wash basin (2). A flap (4) is provided, by means of which the pipe can be closed, said flap having an edge (4.5) which delimits a basic geometrical shape (K) that corresponds to the basic cross-sectional shape of the pipe. The flap is arranged within the pipe between the collar and the outlet opening by means of a pivot bearing (5) which has a pivot axis (5.3), and the pivot axis is arranged eccentrically on the flap relative to the basic shape of the flap, the distance between the pivot axis and the center of the flap equaling less than a third of the diameter of the flap perpendicular to the pivot axis.