Shower Drain Clamping Collar and Flexible Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shower drain installations are time-consuming and prone to leaks due to improper membrane securing and compatibility issues with different drain cover assemblies, especially caused by manufacturing tolerances and standards differences among manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled point drain with a waterproof membrane sandwiched between an integral upper flange and a lower clamping collar, featuring flexible fins instead of a threaded throat to securely hold various drain cover assemblies, allowing for adjustable height without rotation and compatibility with different manufacturers' components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded locking flange is used to secure the membrane, then the membrane can be held in place, but the installation time increases substantially due to trimming and fastener installation
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is pre-assembled and secured between the lower flange and locking flange during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site trimming and fastener installation. This preliminary action significantly reduces installation time while maintaining reliable membrane sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the pre-assembled unit: the membrane is integrated with the locking flange and lower flange assembly, merging the sealing function with the structural components. This integration eliminates separate trimming and fastening steps.
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used for drain cover assembly, then the cover can be secured, but compatibility between different manufacturers' components is reduced due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from threaded (dimensional) to snap-fit (elastic/deformation-based). The snap-fit mechanism accommodates manufacturing tolerances through material deformation, enabling compatibility with drain covers from different manufacturers while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit mechanism utilizes the flexibility and elasticity of the plastic components to accommodate dimensional variations. The flexible material allows the locking mechanism to adapt to slight differences in drain cover dimensions from various manufacturers.
3Ease of operation
If the drain body is installed first with a predetermined height, then the shower pan can be installed, but the overall installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drain body, lower flange, membrane, and locking flange into a pre-assembled unit. This integration allows for simpler installation sequences and reduces the number of discrete steps required, thereby reducing total installation time while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a drain comprise three primary components that can be provided in a preassembled configuration: a drain body, which includes an integral upper flange; a lower clamping collar that forms a lower flange; and a waterproof membrane that is fixedly sandwiched between the upper and lower flanges and extends outwardly therefrom. The drain is further characterized through the use of a plurality of fins that extend into the cylindrical interior of the drain body's throat and act to position and hold a drain cover assembly in place replacing the use of threads that are common in the prior art.