Bathtub Strainer Flange Cover for Universal Retrofit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for concealing wastewater strainers are often difficult to install and do not accommodate various strainer models, leading to interference with internal components and requiring modifications or new devices, which can result in significant financial losses due to the lack of a 'one size fits all' solution.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a plate with an aperture and outer edge that aligns with the strainer flange, featuring adjustable tabs and a flexible screen for alignment, and an optional adapter with a groove for o-ring interconnection, allowing for easy installation and compatibility with different strainer sizes without extending into the strainer body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a downwardly-extending cylindrical portion is used to maintain alignment, then alignment is improved, but interference with internal strainer components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the downwardly-extending cylindrical portion that caused interference with internal strainer components. Instead, alignment is achieved through an adapter ring that interfaces with the outer flange and adhesive application on the upper surface, extracting the harmful extending portion while maintaining the alignment function through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adapter ring as an intermediary component between the concealing device and the strainer flange. This adapter ring provides a stable interface for alignment without extending into the strainer body, and serves as the substrate for adhesive application, mediating between the concealing device and various strainer types.
2Strength
If adhesive is applied to the cylindrical portion, then bonding strength is improved, but interference with internal components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the downwardly-extending cylindrical portion that caused interference, and instead applies adhesive to the upper surface of the flange-mounted concealing device. This extracts the harmful extension while maintaining strong bonding through proper adhesive placement on accessible surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the adhesive application from a vertical dimension (cylindrical portion extending downward) to a horizontal dimension (flange surface). This dimensional change allows bonding strength to be achieved without interfering with internal strainer components located below the flange level.
3Manufacturing precision
If a concealing device is designed for one strainer model, then precision for that model is improved, but adaptability to other models is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the concealing device with a universal adapter ring that interfaces with the outer flange geometry common to multiple strainer models. The adapter ring serves as a standardized interface that accommodates different strainer types while maintaining precise alignment and bonding, enabling one device design to serve multiple applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.