Pipe-Boot Water Collection Tub for Under-Sink Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water leak detection systems often leave areas uncovered to accommodate drainage pipes, leading to potential water damage, as they fail to provide a watertight solution for pipes passing through the collection basin.
Innovation Solution
A water collection tub with a watertight pipe-sealing mechanism and a smart alarm system, featuring a base connected to resilient walls that can be adapted to various cabinet configurations, allowing pipes to pass through and securely sealed using pipe boots and sealing patches, and equipped with a detection system for leak notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water collection basin is used to collect leaking water, then water damage is reduced, but areas around drainage pipes remain uncovered and vulnerable to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible waterproof membrane that can be cut and shaped to fit around drainage pipes and other obstructions. This membrane extends across the entire cabinet floor area, including regions around pipes, creating a continuous waterproof barrier that captures leaks from all sources while accommodating the piping system.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproofing system is divided into segments: a main collection basin for water accumulation, and separate waterproof membrane sections that wrap around individual drainage pipes. This segmentation allows the system to cover the entire area including pipe regions while maintaining functionality around obstructions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If holes are made in the basin to allow pipes to pass through, then piping systems can be accommodated, but watertight integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting holes in a rigid basin, the patent uses a flexible waterproof membrane that can be cut and shaped to fit around pipes. The membrane wraps around the pipes and is secured with waterproof adhesives and sealing materials, maintaining watertight integrity while accommodating various pipe configurations and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than making holes in the collection basin to fit pipes, the invention inverts the approach by placing a continuous waterproof membrane over the entire area and shaping it to accommodate pipes. This reverses the traditional method of creating openings and instead creates a form-fitting barrier around obstructions.
3Ease of operation
If existing water leak detectors are used, then simple detection is provided, but comprehensive leak capture is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a collection basin, waterproof membrane system, and alarm detector into a single integrated unit. The detector is positioned within the basin to monitor collected water, and the system automatically alerts when leaks are detected, providing both comprehensive capture and simple detection in one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and alerts for leaks without requiring manual intervention. The alarm detector continuously monitors the collected water and provides automatic notification, making the system self-monitoring and eliminating the need for regular manual inspections.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for collecting liquid leaks, the apparatus comprising a tub, at least one boot for sealing a pipe passing through the tub for preventing leakage of the tub from water leakage collected in the tub from either a fluid reservoir disposed above the tub or leakage dripping along the pipe.