Height Adjustable Shower Waste Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable shower wastes lack a means to prevent height changes due to use or accidental displacement, and the cover support is easily dislodged or removed, making precise adjustment and rigid positioning challenging, especially when transitioning from flexible to non-flexible waterproof floor coverings.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable shower waste system featuring a waste body with a cover support element and retaining means that allows for precise distance setting and locking, using a clamp ring adapter for flexible materials and a screw-thread mechanism with an arcuate rib for non-flexible materials, ensuring the cover support is securely positioned and resistant to further vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cover support is made height-adjustable using screw-threaded or ramped surfaces, then the height can be modified to accommodate different floor levels, but the cover support can be easily dislodged or removed and lacks means to prevent height changes due to use or accidental displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a retaining means that is pre-configured to lock the cover support at the selected height position. The retaining means includes a retaining element that can be engaged with a retaining feature on the waste body before the cover support is fully installed, preventing any subsequent height changes or dislodgement. This preliminary locking action ensures the cover support maintains its adjusted height throughout use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary retaining means as a mediator between the cover support and the waste body. This retaining means includes a retaining element that interfaces with both the cover support and the waste body, creating a secure connection that prevents dislodgement while allowing height adjustment. The intermediary retaining mechanism transfers and secures the positional relationship between the adjustable cover support and the fixed waste body.
2Reliability
If the cover support is vertically engaged with the waste body, then the cover support is securely positioned, but the height cannot be precisely adjusted and set rigidly in position prior to flooring installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a cover support with telescopic adjustment capability that allows height modification before final locking. The cover support can be extended or retracted to the desired height, and then the retaining means is engaged to lock it in place. This dynamic adjustment process enables precise height setting prior to flooring installation, after which the system transitions to a fixed, rigidly positioned state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling height adjustment and selection before the final installation and flooring work. The retaining means is designed to be engaged at the precise moment when the correct height is achieved, locking the cover support in its final position before the flooring material is laid. This preliminary height setting and locking action ensures precise positioning is established before the flooring installation completes the assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the cover support is only seated in the waste body to slide on ramped surfaces, then height adjustment is possible, but the cover support is easily dislodged or removed from the waste body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a retaining means that is pre-configured to lock the cover support to the waste body after height adjustment. The retaining element can be engaged with the retaining feature before the cover support is fully subjected to use conditions, preventing easy dislodgement or removal. This preliminary locking action maintains the secure connection while preserving the height adjustment capability during the adjustment phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary retaining means as a mediator between the cover support and the waste body. This retaining means includes a retaining element that creates a secure mechanical connection between the adjustable cover support and the fixed waste body, preventing dislodgement or removal while allowing height adjustment through the screw-threaded or ramped surfaces. The intermediary retaining mechanism ensures reliable connection security.
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 system provides a secure, adjustable, and lockable cover support that maintains set height, preventing accidental changes and ensuring precise positioning, even with non-flexible floor coverings, enhancing stability and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
distance setting means for selectively setting a distance between an in use upper edge of the cover support element and the waste body
Implementation Method 2
retaining means for positively retaining the cover support element at the said set distance
Data Source
AI summary
A height-adjustable shower waste for a bathroom floor having a non-flexible waterproof floor covering material, the shower waste comprising a waste body (12) for mounting in the bathroom floor and having a base (20), one or more sides extending from the base (20), a waste water inlet (26), and a waste water outlet (30) connected or connectable to a drain; a cover support element (16) on which a cover element (18) is or can be provided to cover the waste water inlet (26); distance setting means (54, 66) for selectively setting a distance between an in use upper edge of the cover support element (16) and the waste body (12); and retaining means (90, 104) for positively retaining the cover support element (16) at the said set distance. A method and an adapter device are also provided.