Shower base assembly compatible with residential and commercial construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower base installations often have off-center drain holes with large diameters and protruding reinforcement rings, which complicate drainage, interfere with floor obstructions, and require extensive waterproofing during installation.
Innovation Solution
A shower base assembly with a centrally located drain hole of reduced diameter, a thin waffled construction, and a double-threaded flange nipple system that eliminates the need for upper-side waterproofing, using a compressible gasket for a watertight seal between the flange nipple and plumbing drain body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large diameter drain hole is used, then drainage capacity is improved, but the drain hole may rest over obstructions (e.g., floor joists) during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is segmented into multiple components: a reduced-diameter drain hole in the shower base, a separate drain body, a double-threaded flange nipple, and a drain grate frame. This segmentation allows the drain hole to be small (avoiding obstructions) while the assembled system provides adequate drainage capacity through properly spaced drain holes and a larger overall drain opening created by the grate frame.
2Adaptability or versatility
If off-center drain holes are used, then installation flexibility is improved, but drainage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The double-threaded flange nipple provides universal adaptability by accepting both left-hand and right-hand threaded drain bodies, allowing installation flexibility regardless of plumbing configuration. Meanwhile, the centered drain hole location optimizes drainage efficiency by positioning the drain at the lowest point of the shower base, ensuring proper water flow and drainage.
3Strength
If protruding reinforcement rings are added, then structural strength is improved, but interference with floor obstructions increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding protruding reinforcement rings that interfere with obstructions, the patent applies local quality reinforcement at the drain hole location through the double-threaded flange nipple assembly. The flange nipple provides structural support and reinforcement locally at the drain opening, while the thin shower base profile (without protruding rings) avoids interference with floor obstructions during installation.
4Reliability
If extensive waterproofing is applied during installation, then sealing reliability is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A compressible gasket is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the flange nipple and the drain body. This gasket provides reliable waterproofing by compressing to fill gaps and create a seal, eliminating the need for extensive waterproofing membranes and complex sealing procedures during installation. The gasket handles the sealing function locally at the critical joint, simplifying the overall installation process.
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
This design enhances drainage efficiency, reduces installation complexity by avoiding obstructions, and simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for upper-side waterproofing.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket resting against the shower base to extend about the drain hole of the shower base is compressed between the double-threaded flange nipple and the plumbing drain body
Implementation Method 2
the drain body is threaded onto the lower exterior threading of the nipple conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A shower base assembly includes a shower base, a drain grate frame, a double-threaded flange nipple, and a rubber gasket. The shower base includes a upper side pre-sloped to allow for water drainage to drain hole extending to a lower side of the shower base. The drain grate frame is insertable through the drain hole from the shower base upper side to be received within the double-threaded flange nipple. An industry standard plumbing drain body may engage the double-threaded flange nipple from the shower base lower side. The rubber gasket is compressed against the shower base about the drain hole between the double-threaded flange nipple and the drain body.