Shower Drain Covering Frame Tile Height Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discharge drains for tiled bathroom floors and shower spaces face issues with uneven tile edges due to cutting requirements, fouling from debris and soap residues, and difficulty in cleaning, particularly with support legs obstructing water flow and hindering thorough cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A covering framework is suspended from tiles using adhesive, with a temporary height-adjustable mounting aid and a separate grating support that remains free from the drain bottom, allowing for easy cleaning and preventing fouling, while maintaining a flush surface with tiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If support legs are used to adjust the height of the covering framework, then the height position can be adapted to tile variations, but fouling occurs from hairs and soap residues accumulating on the support legs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the support legs that were causing fouling problems. Instead of having support legs extending into the drain basin, the covering framework is directly mounted to the drain body at a fixed height that accounts for maximum tile thickness variations. This extraction of the problematic support legs eliminates the fouling issue while maintaining height adaptation through design rather than adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than having adjustable support legs that can be rotated to change height (as in prior art), the invention inverts the approach by designing the covering framework with a fixed mounting height that is determined during manufacturing. The framework is made taller to accommodate maximum tile thickness, eliminating the need for adjustment mechanisms that would otherwise be required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transverse pieces and support legs are provided within the framework, then height adjustment is possible, but cleaning becomes difficult due to obstacles on the drain bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes transverse pieces and support legs from the drain basin area. The covering framework is designed to be mounted directly to the drain body without any intermediate support structures extending into the basin. This extraction creates a completely clear drain bottom that is easily cleanable while the height adaptation function is achieved through the framework's fixed mounting design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the height adjustment function from the covering framework structure itself. Instead of having adjustable components within the framework, the height is determined by the framework's inherent dimensions and its direct mounting to the drain body. This segmentation of functions eliminates cleaning obstacles while maintaining the ability to adapt to different tile heights through proper framework selection or minor modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the covering framework is mounted with support legs on the drain bottom, then height position can be adjusted, but water flow is obstructed and thorough cleaning is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes support legs and transverse pieces that were obstructing water flow. The covering framework is designed to be mounted directly to the drain body at a fixed height, creating an unobstructed drain bottom that allows water to flow freely to the outlet. This extraction eliminates flow resistance while maintaining height adaptation through the framework's design dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using adjustable support legs that extend into the water path (as in prior art), the invention inverts the approach by designing the covering framework with a fixed mounting height that is determined during manufacturing. The framework is made taller to accommodate maximum tile thickness, eliminating the need for adjustment mechanisms that would otherwise be required and ensuring unobstructed water flow.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment means are provided for the covering framework, then the height can be adapted to tile variations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex adjustment mechanisms such as rotatable support legs and transverse pieces. The covering framework is designed to be mounted directly to the drain body at a fixed height that accounts for tile variations. This extraction of adjustment components significantly simplifies the device while maintaining the ability to adapt to different tile heights through proper framework design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the covering framework itself multi-functional by designing it to directly provide both the covering function and the height adaptation function. The framework is made taller to accommodate maximum tile thickness, and its direct mounting to the drain body provides both structural support and height positioning in a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.
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 ensures a seamless tile installation without sharp edges, prevents fouling, and facilitates thorough cleaning by eliminating obstacles from the drain bottom, maintaining water flow efficiency and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the covering framework is suspended from the tiles by means of an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A drain (1) is described for mounting in a floor (V), comprising: a collecting container (10) with a bottom (11) and standing side walls (12) which at their upper end are provided with a flange (13) directed outwards; and a covering frame (200) for covering side edges of tiles (T) of this floor. The frame is kept at the correct height by means of a temporary positioning aid (100), to be subsequently attached to said tiles (T) by means of glue or kit (210). After that, the positioning aid (100) is removed.