Rotatable Flow Restrictor for Drain Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow restrictors for drain systems require multiple components or interchangeable parts to achieve different flow rates, leading to increased manufacturing and shipping costs, complexity, and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A single flow restrictor with a movable restrictor portion that adjusts fluid flow by changing the cross-sectional area of the aperture, allowing multiple flow rates without additional components, and can be configured to fit various drain outlets with a simple, adaptable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable parts or components are used to achieve different flow rates, then flow rate variability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor portion is made rotatable relative to the body, allowing it to dynamically change position between a first position (maximum flow) and a second position (restricted flow). This dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for multiple interchangeable parts while providing flow rate variability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single flow restrictor unit performs multiple functions: it provides both maximum flow and restricted flow capabilities through the rotatable restrictor portion, and can be adapted to different drain outlet sizes through the frusto-conical mounting surface. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable parts are provided with each unit, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor portion and body are merged into a single integrated unit with a rotatable connection. This combination eliminates the need to manufacture, package, and ship multiple separate interchangeable parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and shipping costs while maintaining flow rate adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable restrictor portion allows a single unit to provide multiple flow rates through positional adjustment rather than requiring multiple static components. This dynamic approach simplifies manufacturing to a single unit type and reduces shipping requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single flow restrictor design is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different flow rate requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable restrictor portion transforms a single static design into a dynamic system that can adapt to different flow rate requirements. The restrictor can rotate between positions to provide maximum flow, restricted flow, and intermediate flow rates, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate is controlled by changing the positional parameter of the restrictor portion rather than changing the physical structure of the component. This allows a single design to provide multiple flow rates by adjusting the restrictor's angular position relative to the aperture.
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 reduces manufacturing and shipping costs, eliminates the need for multiple parts, and allows users to adjust flow rates post-installation, providing a more adaptable and cost-effective solution for managing water flow in drain systems.
Implementation Method 1
The restrictor portion may restrict fluid flow through the aperture by restricting the size of the aperture e.g. by blocking or sealing at least part of the aperture
Implementation Method 2
The body may be provided with a mounting surface, e.g. a frusto-conical body with a mounting surface at the larger diameter end
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow restrictor for drainage systems having a body with an aperture through the body through which fluid flows, and a mounting surface for mounting the flow restrictor on or in a drain outlet; and a restrictor portion; wherein said restrictor portion is movable from a first position to a second position in order to restrict fluid flow through the aperture. An alternative flow restrictor has a body comprising a plurality of apertures through the body through which fluid flows, and a mounting surface for mounting the flow restrictor on or in a drain outlet; and one or more restrictor portions; wherein said restrictor portions can be inserted into said apertures so as to limit fluid flow therethrough.