Shower Floor Adapter Structure for Multi-Size Drain Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower floor elements are often sold without a drain, making it difficult for users to integrate a specific drain or drainage channel from another manufacturer, limiting customization options for sanitary surfaces like tiled showers.
Innovation Solution
A shower floor element with an adapter area designed to accommodate drain parts of different sizes, featuring a recess for various drain sizes, filler pieces to cover gaps, and adjustable adapter parts that can be rotated or angled for optimal alignment, allowing for the integration of various drain types and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shower floor element is sold without a drain to allow customization, then adaptability is improved, but integration difficulty increases due to lack of standardized connection
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter part is designed with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple drain types and sizes (triangular, square, round drains of different dimensions). The adapter serves as a universal connector that translates between the standardized shower floor recess and various drain configurations, enabling one shower floor element to work with multiple drain options without requiring custom integration for each drain type
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter part acts as an intermediary component between the shower floor element and the drain. It includes a receiving opening that interfaces with the standardized recess in the shower floor and an adapter opening that accommodates the specific drain. This mediator component simplifies installation by providing a standardized connection point while still allowing customization of the drain type
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter part is designed to accommodate drains of different sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple configuration options
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter part is divided into distinct functional segments: a receiving opening portion that interfaces with the shower floor recess, an adapter opening portion that accommodates the drain, and optional filler pieces for gap closure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The filler pieces can be selectively added or removed based on the drain size, providing adaptability without complicating the core adapter structure
3Reliability
If filler pieces are added to cover remaining free spaces, then sealing quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The filler pieces are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily added or removed. They serve a single purpose of closing gaps and providing a finished appearance, and can be discarded or replaced if needed. Their simplicity and low cost justify their inclusion as they significantly improve the sealing quality and aesthetic finish without adding substantial complexity to the overall system
Data Source
AI summary
The element (1) has a retainer (2) provided for a discharge part that is in form of an elongated discharge gutter, where the retainer is formed partially as passage opening. The discharge part is accommodated in an adapter part (4) for accommodating differently large discharge parts. The adapter part is formed partially with a wall thickness corresponding to a wall thickness of the element. The adapter part forms a passage opening in the element. The adapter part is insertable in more than two different directions into the element.