Sliding Faceplate Overflow Assembly for Bathtubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overflow device assemblies for vessels often compromise on aesthetic appeal and plumber access due to the need for fasteners and central bars, which obstruct the functionality of the overflow hole as an air relief vent and liquid overflow mitigator, and hinder snake access for clearing blockages.
Innovation Solution
A novel overflow device assembly featuring an annular tieplate with a male-threaded pipe and a sliding faceplate design, where the faceplate fits over a mating flange on the tieplate without requiring fasteners, allowing for aesthetic freedom and maintaining the functionality of air relief, liquid overflow mitigation, and snake access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a faceplate is fastened to the tieplate using bolts or screws, then the faceplate is securely attached and aesthetically pleasing, but the overflow hole functionality is compromised and plumber snake access is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fastening system into two separate components: the tieplate with integrated slot and the faceplate with tab. This segmentation eliminates the need for separate fasteners (bolts/screws) that would block the overflow hole, while maintaining secure attachment. The slot-tab interface provides both aesthetic coverage and functional access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the traditional bolt/screw system and relocates it to an integrated slot-tab mechanism. This removal of external fasteners eliminates the obstruction to the overflow hole while preserving the secure attachment and aesthetic appearance of the faceplate.
2Strength
If a cross bar is added to the tieplate for fastening the faceplate, then the faceplate attachment is strengthened, but the plumber snake access to the overflow hole is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the cross bar element entirely and replaces it with a slot-tab fastening system. This extraction eliminates the physical obstruction to snake access while maintaining adequate attachment strength through the engineered slot and tab interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides both structural support for faceplate attachment and maintains clearance for snake access. The tab fits within the slot to provide secure fastening without requiring a solid cross bar that would block the overflow hole.
3Ease of manufacture
If the faceplate is made as a single integral piece with the tieplate, then manufacturing is simplified, but aesthetic freedom and ease of removal are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the assembly into two separate components (tieplate and faceplate) connected by a slot-tab interface. This segmentation provides aesthetic freedom for faceplate design while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the straightforward slot and tab features.
4Strength
If traditional fasteners are used to attach the faceplate, then secure attachment is achieved, but the overflow hole functionality as an air relief vent is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastener elements from the assembly, replacing them with an integrated slot-tab system. This removal ensures unobstructed air relief vent functionality while maintaining secure faceplate attachment through the engineered interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot-tab interface serves as an intermediary fastening mechanism that provides secure attachment without physical obstruction to the overflow hole. The tab fits within the slot to create a reliable connection while leaving the air relief pathway completely open.
Data Source
AI summary
An overflow device assembly for a vessel such as a bathtub or sink is provided. The overflow device comprises a tieplate comprising a mating flange attached to a first end of a pipe and a faceplate operable to slide onto the tieplate. The faceplate comprises a front cover portion, a backside and a groove. The pipe is operable to be concentrically disposed with a hole in a wall of the vessel. The groove is located on the backside of the faceplate, and the mating flange slides along and inside the groove. Once in place, the front cover portion of the faceplate covers the first end of the pipe.