Rough-in Adapter Shank Adjustment for Post-Construction Drain Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drain assemblies are difficult to adjust after concrete slabs are set, making it challenging to position the drain head and strainer flush with the finished floor surface, and they are prone to debris infiltration and damage during construction.
Innovation Solution
A drain assembly with a shank adjustably connected to the drain body, allowing for non-threadable and removable connection of a strainer assembly, and a cover that defines a void in the concrete slab for height adjustment and easy strainer installation post-construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drain head and strainer are installed prior to pouring the concrete slab, then the drain assembly is protected from debris infiltration and damage during construction, but the height of the drain head cannot be adjusted after the concrete slab is set
Solution Approach 1:
The drain assembly is divided into separate components: a drain body that remains embedded in the concrete slab, and a drain head assembly that can be independently installed and adjusted. The drain head includes a strainer assembly that can be attached or removed from the shank, allowing maintenance and height adjustment without affecting the embedded portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain head assembly is designed with adjustable height capability through threading the shank into the drain body. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the drain head to be positioned at different heights relative to the finished floor surface, accommodating variations in flooring thickness and ensuring proper drainage alignment after construction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the drain head is threaded into the drain body for height adjustment, then the height can be minimized adjusted during installation, but the strainer cannot be easily removed or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer assembly is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently removed from the shank without affecting the threaded connection between the drain head and drain body. This segmentation allows the strainer to be easily replaced for cleaning or maintenance while preserving the precise height adjustment already established.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain head assembly is pre-configured with a strainer holder that securely retains the strainer during installation and use. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper positioning and secure attachment, while still allowing easy removal when maintenance is needed, combining stability with serviceability.
3Strength
If the drain assembly uses traditional threaded connection for the strainer, then the strainer is securely attached, but different strainers cannot be easily swapped during and after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer holder is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate different strainer types and sizes. The holder features a standardized interface that securely retains various strainer configurations, allowing different strainers to be interchanged on the same drain assembly without requiring different mounting hardware or complex installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A drain assembly includes a drain body connected to a drain pipe such that the drain body is in fluid communication with the drain pipe; and a drain head assembly adjustably connected to the drain body such that the drain head assembly is in fluid communication with the drain body. The drain head assembly includes a shank adjustably connected to the drain body and a strainer assembly connected to the shank. The strainer assembly includes a strainer, an upper frame, and a lower frame connected to each other. The lower frame includes a connection feature that non-threadably and removably connects the strainer assembly to the shank. The drain assembly further includes a cover removably connected to the shank in a position over the shank and to at least partially define a void in a poured concrete slab around the shank.