Shower Drain Threaded Flange Membrane Seal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower drain assembly installation methods face challenges such as compromised membrane integrity due to primer or glue exposure, risk of membrane loss during removal, inability to prevent debris entry, and difficulty in decoupling components without damaging fixtures or requiring specialized tools.

Innovation Solution

The shower drain assembly incorporates a threaded flange with a membrane sonically welded to a ridge, positioned within an interior cavity to withstand pressure testing, and features tabs and insets for easy rotation and decoupling using general tools, along with a protective cover to prevent debris entry and protect fixtures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a membrane is used to test the seal during installation, then the seal integrity can be verified, but the membrane may be compromised by primer or glue exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrity verificationVSAvoidmembrane compromise from primer/glue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a removable membrane as an intermediary element that can be installed temporarily for pressure testing, then removed before final assembly. This mediator allows seal verification without being exposed to harmful primers or glues that are applied during subsequent installation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane is installed and used for pressure testing before the application of primer or glue. This preliminary action ensures that the membrane performs its sealing verification function while avoiding exposure to chemicals that would compromise its integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If torque is applied to drain components to establish a seal, then proper sealing is achieved, but specialized tools are required and components are difficult to decouple

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal establishmentVSAvoidcomponent decoupling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drain assembly is segmented into distinct components including the threaded flange, receptor, and membrane that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows for tool-free decoupling while maintaining secure sealing through the threaded connection design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring specialized tools to both assemble and disassemble components, the patent inverts the approach by designing threads that naturally guide assembly through simple rotation, while the same threaded structure allows easy reverse rotation for decoupling without specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the membrane is positioned to sustain pressure for testing, then seal testing is effective, but the membrane may be lost during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure testing effectivenessVSAvoidmembrane loss during removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is installed in advance and used for pressure testing before final component assembly. This preliminary positioning allows effective seal verification while the membrane remains accessible for controlled removal or retention as needed, preventing loss during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane serves as a temporary intermediary element that facilitates pressure testing but is not permanently integrated into the final assembly. This intermediary role allows the membrane to be removed or retained based on user preference without interfering with the permanent drain components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If drain components are assembled to form a seal, then proper sealing is achieved, but debris can enter the drain pipe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal formationVSAvoiddebris entry into drain pipe

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane as a thin film barrier that seals around the drain pipe to prevent debris entry. This flexible shell conformally seals the interface between components while allowing for thermal expansion and installation adjustments, effectively blocking debris from entering the drain pipe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 ensures a reliable seal during installation, prevents membrane damage, facilitates easy component handling, and protects aesthetic fixtures from damage, while allowing for efficient pressure testing and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

the membrane of the threaded flange is coupled to the ridge via a sonic weld

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSonic welding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11608621B1Shower drain and protective cover

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 WCM IND INC

AI summary

Shower drain assemblies and their components are disclosed. In examples, a shower drain assembly may include a receptor, a threaded flange, an optional hair strainer, a plate, and a protective cover. The receptor may include an upper portion and a lower portion. A portion of a threaded flange is receivable into the upper portion. An internal diameter of the lower portion may be less than any internal diameter of the threaded portion. A membrane may be coupled to an interior cavity of the threaded flange for pressure testing the drain assembly. The threaded flange may also include a tab to facilitate coupling of the threaded flange to the receptor and/or securing of a hair strainer inside the interior cavity of the threaded flange. A top surface of the threaded flange may include an inset to facilitate removal of a plate. The protective cover may protect the plate from damage.