Push-Type Drain Stopper Retrofit Mechanism for Pop-Up Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pop-up drain assemblies cannot be easily converted into push-type drain assemblies without replacing the drain pipe, limiting user flexibility and aesthetics in sink installations.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit mechanism that allows a pop-up drain assembly to be converted into a push-type drain assembly by using a push-push mechanism with a two-pronged fork and a rod system, which anchors the push-type drain stopper to the existing pop-up drain pipe, enabling operation without replacing the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pop-up drain assembly is converted to a push-type assembly by replacing the entire drain pipe, then the drain type flexibility and aesthetics are improved, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the conversion process into segments: keeping the existing drain pipe structure intact and only replacing the stopper mechanism and rod system. This segmentation allows conversion without full pipe replacement, reducing installation complexity while achieving drain type flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanism is designed to be universal, working with standard pop-up drain assemblies. The two-pronged fork and rod system can be adapted to various sink configurations, providing multi-functionality that achieves push-type operation without requiring custom pipe replacements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a push-type drain stopper is installed in an existing pop-up drain pipe, then aesthetic changes and user flexibility are enabled, but the structural compatibility challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The two-pronged fork acts as an intermediary component that bridges the existing pop-up drain pipe structure and the new push-type stopper mechanism. This mediator ensures structural compatibility by adapting the connection between the old pipe system and the new stopper, maintaining reliability while enabling aesthetic changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanism nests within the existing drain pipe structure. The rod and fork assembly fits inside the original pop-up drain components, allowing the push-type stopper to be installed without removing the existing pipe, thus maintaining structural compatibility while enabling aesthetic updates.
3Ease of operation
If the existing pop-up drain pipe is replaced with a push-type drain pipe, then the drainage mechanism is improved, but the loss of time and resources for full replacement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary components for push-type operation (stopper and rod mechanism) from the full drain pipe assembly. By taking out and replacing only these specific parts rather than the entire pipe system, the drainage mechanism is improved while minimizing the time and resources required for conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanism is designed to be pre-assembled and ready for installation. The rod, fork, and stopper components are prepared in advance as a complete conversion kit, allowing for quick installation that improves the drainage mechanism without requiring extensive on-site assembly time or resource expenditure.
Data Source
AI summary
A push-type drain stopper is usable in a drain pipe that has a pivot rod port surrounded by a stub by sealing a rod that protrudes into the pipe through the stub. The stopper is pressed transversely into engagement with the rod, which is an anchor. The drain pipe has a drain flange that seals around a drain opening in a sink. If the flange becomes worn and unsightly or if one desires to change a color scheme for the sink, a cap that has a diameter greater than the drain flange hides the drain flange from sight. A retrofit kit includes the drain stopper, pivot balls sized to fit different pop-up drain assemblies, a rod that passes through the ball into the drain pipe, and a wing nut fixed to an end of the rod for tightening the rod against a stub cap.