Shower Drain Cover Box With Pivoting Flap for Flush Channel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower drain designs are not suitable for floor constructions with pre-installed channels, particularly in recessed shower trays, as they do not allow for a vertically oriented inlet slot and are not aesthetically or technically compatible with flush covers.
Innovation Solution
A superstructure system featuring a cover box with a horizontally pivotable cover flap, a pin-based hinge mechanism, and adjustable gauges that allow for alignment of the panel supporting the pin, enabling vertical and horizontal adjustment to fit various installation situations, and a design that integrates with existing channels without requiring additional channel assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional shower drain design is used, then the drain is functional, but it is not suitable for floor constructions with pre-installed channels and does not allow for a vertically oriented inlet slot
Solution Approach 1:
The cover flap is designed to be horizontally pivotable via a hinge mechanism, transitioning from a static cover to a dynamic one that can open for cleaning access and close for aesthetic appearance. This dynamic feature allows the same structure to serve multiple functions: maintaining channel accessibility while providing a flush, invisible drain appearance during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain cover system is segmented into separate functional components: a fixed cover box, a movable cover flap, and a hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the cover box integrates with the channel, the flap provides selective access, and the hinge enables smooth operation - resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Shape
If a flush cover is used to achieve aesthetic appearance, then the drain is visually pleasing, but the channel is not accessible for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cover flap transforms the static flush cover into a dynamic access mechanism. When closed, it provides a clean, flush appearance matching the floor surface. When opened via the hinge, it reveals the channel for cleaning operations. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover flap acts as an intermediary element between the aesthetic requirement (flush cover) and the maintenance requirement (channel access). It mediates by providing a controlled access path - allowing cleaning when needed while maintaining the visual appearance when closed - thus resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the cover flap is made horizontally pivotable, then the drain slot is accessible, but the hinge mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-lubricating, requiring no external power source, control systems, or complex actuation mechanisms. The simple pin-and-bracket design allows the cover flap to pivot freely under its own weight, providing ease of operation without adding significant complexity. The system serves itself through gravity and basic mechanical friction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable gauges are provided for panel alignment, then installation adaptability is improved, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gauges are designed with universal applicability - each gauge can accommodate multiple pin positions and can be used with different panel configurations. The gauges serve multiple functions: positioning the pin, aligning the panel, and ensuring proper clearance. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of different gauge types needed, resolving the contradiction between installation adaptability and component quantity.
Data Source
AI summary
A superstructure system for a drain located in the floor region of a wash area or shower stall, including a cover box which is to be placed over the drain and has a closed rear side and top and end faces connecting the rear side and the top, a side which is open toward the drain and a visible side which is open toward the water collection element of the drain, and in which a cover flap (10) is vertically oriented, the lower face of which, when installed, delimits a drain slot of the superstructure system and is connected to the cover box by way of a hinge so as to be horizontally pivotable.