Splashless Plunging Device with Flexible Grooved Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plunging devices for removing obstructions from pipes and toilets often create splash, contaminating surrounding areas and are unsanitary, as they either trap waste material or fail to prevent splash effectively.

Innovation Solution

A plunging device with a flexible head portion featuring longitudinal grooves that allow liquid to pass between the head and the pipe wall, minimizing splash and ensuring sanitation, combined with a handle for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If traditional plunging devices use suction cups to seal against the drain, then they can create sufficient pressure to remove obstructions, but they create splash that contaminates surrounding areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure to remove obstructionVSAvoidsplash contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plunging device is segmented into a rigid outer shell and a flexible inner plunging member that can move independently within the shell. This segmentation allows the inner member to create pressure while the outer shell contains and directs the liquid flow, preventing splash contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A liquid conduit acts as an intermediary, channeling liquid from the plunging chamber directly to the drain opening. This intermediary structure controls the liquid flow path, ensuring that pressure is applied effectively while preventing uncontrolled splash that would cause contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If traditional plunging devices create a seal to move liquid columns, then they can remove obstructions, but they trap waste material between the plunger and pipe wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid column movementVSAvoidwaste material trapping

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible plunging member is segmented with longitudinal grooves that divide it into multiple flexible lobes. This segmentation prevents complete sealing between the plunger and pipe wall, allowing liquid and waste material to pass through the grooves rather than being trapped, while still maintaining sufficient pressure to move the liquid column.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible plunging member incorporates groove structures that function similarly to porous materials, allowing controlled passage of liquid and waste material through the plunger body. This enables the device to maintain pressure while preventing complete obstruction of flow, avoiding waste trapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Force

If snake-type plunging devices use barbed ends to directly contact blockages, then they can effectively remove obstructions, but they produce splash and allow contaminants to adhere to the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect blockage contactVSAvoidsplash and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid conduit serves as an intermediary that delivers liquid pressure to the blockage indirectly rather than relying on direct contact with a barbed end. This intermediary approach effectively removes obstructions through hydraulic pressure while preventing the splash and contamination issues associated with mechanical probing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes hydraulic principles by forcing liquid through a confined conduit under pressure to remove blockages. This hydraulic approach replaces the mechanical barbed-end probing method, achieving effective blockage removal without the splash and contamination problems of direct mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 device effectively removes obstructions while preventing splash and maintaining sanitation by allowing liquid to flow through the grooves, reducing contamination and enhancing cleanliness during use.

Implementation Method 1

configured for moving a column of liquid within the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

configured to allow the liquid to pass between the outer surface of the flexible head portion and the wall of the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through pressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10640960B2Splashless plunging device

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 DIAMOND FLUSH LLC

AI summary

A device for removing an obstruction from a pipe or toilet generally includes a handle portion and a flexible head portion having a plurality of grooves. The flexible head portion is configured for insertion into a pipe. The flexible head portion is configured by shape and/or size to allow water from the pipe or toilet to move over the flexible head portion between the flexible head portion and the pipe or drain wall while the plunger is manipulated in the pipe or toilet. Using the handle portion, the flexible head portion can be moved along the inner wall of the pipe to move a column of liquid to effect the removal of the obstruction. If the intervals between the grooves are in contact with the pipe wall, water may still pass between the flexible head portion and the pipe through the grooves. A storage case for the device is provided.