Ring-Shaped Pool Drain Fitting Reduces Boundary Cracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool drain systems are prone to boundary cracking, fracturing, and manufacturing/machining-joint issues, leading to potential leaks and complications in installation and maintenance, while also being unsightly and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A recessed, injection-molded pool drain with a ring-shaped body and multiple outlet ports, designed for easy embedding into pool walls or floors, featuring a bridging element to support the grate cover and regulate water flow, reducing turbulence and debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pool drains are configured as rectangular channels or high surface area grate drains to meet safety regulations, then user safety is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing a circular drain structure instead of rectangular channels. The circular shape with curved grates provides both safety compliance and aesthetic appeal, eliminating the unsightly appearance of linear rectangular drains while maintaining effective drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using decorative tiles or materials that match the surrounding pool deck at the drain location. This allows the drain to blend aesthetically with the overall pool design while the underlying circular structure and grate configuration maintain safety requirements.
2Shape
If channel drains are aligned to walls or pool features for aesthetic purposes, then appearance is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry in the sense that the circular drain structure is inherently asymmetric compared to linear channel drains, allowing it to be installed without strict alignment requirements to walls or features. This circular design can be positioned flexibly while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
3Ease of manufacture
If pool drains use multiple components glued or welded together, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single integrated unit. The drain structure, grates, and supporting elements are combined into one monolithic component, eliminating the need for gluing or welding separate parts together. This integration removes potential leak paths at joints while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
4Shape
If minimalist drain designs are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but drainage function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by incorporating multiple grates or openings distributed around the circular drain structure. This segmentation allows water to enter from multiple directions and points, maintaining high drainage efficiency while preserving the clean, minimalist aesthetic of the circular form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by strategically positioning grates or openings at key locations around the circular drain rather than covering the entire perimeter. This provides sufficient drainage capacity for normal operation while maintaining an uncluttered, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
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
The solution provides a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and safe drainage system that minimizes boundary cracking, reduces manufacturing/machining-joint issues, and enhances installation efficiency, while ensuring effective water flow and debris prevention.
Implementation Method 1
an injection-molded hollow drain has an elongated ring-shaped body, at least one, and preferably a plurality of, outlet ports about the ring-shaped body for allowing water to exit the drain
Data Source
AI summary
A pool drain or sump basin having elongated ring-shaped body, at least one and preferably a plurality of outlet ports about the ring-shaped body for allowing water to exit the drain, external peripheral flanges for mounting the drain, and an opening for allowing water to enter the drain, the ring-shaped body having an inner sidewall and outer sidewall, and open topside, and a closed bottom or floor closing off the bottom side of the body, bridging the gap between the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall, and creating a drainage channel. The body may have an optional cover configured as a removable or replacement cover with openings. The pool drain may have optional bridging elements and flow regulating elements for greater structural support and water flow regulation through the pool drain.