Tamper-Proof Strainer With Rotatable Stopper And Lock Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current strainers are easily removable and fail to prevent liquids from passing through, leading to unacceptable materials and water accumulation in sinks.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-proof strainer and drain stop device that combines a strainer body with a rotatable stopper and a lock assembly, utilizing a tamper-proof screw and expanding plungers to secure the device within the drain, allowing for adjustable fluid flow control and solid filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional strainer is used, then particles can be filtered from liquid, but the strainer can be easily removed and liquids can pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the strainer body, stopper, and lock assembly into a single integrated device. The strainer body includes both the filtration function (with strainer disk and slots) and the stopping function (with stopper disk), while the lock assembly provides security. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies installation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper disk is designed to be rotatable within the strainer body, allowing dynamic control of fluid flow. The stopper can rotate between an open position (allowing flow through apertures) and a closed position (blocking flow). This dynamic element provides flow control functionality without requiring separate valves or complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a lock assembly is added to prevent removal, then unauthorized removal is prevented, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a lock block with tapered bore, a locking wedge with ramp faces, and a tamper-resistant screw. Each component has a specific function - the tapered bore provides a locking surface, the wedge provides mechanical locking through ramp faces, and the screw provides secure fastening. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly while achieving high tamper resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking wedge acts as an intermediary element between the tamper-resistant screw and the lock block. When the screw is tightened, it raises the locking wedge into the tapered bore of the lock block, which then engages with the strainer body to prevent removal. This intermediary mechanism provides smooth, progressive locking action without requiring complex threading or multiple fastening steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stopper is made to stop liquids, then an alternate means to stop the drain is eliminated, but the strainer structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer body is designed with dual functionality: filtration and flow control. The strainer disk with slots provides particle filtration, while the stopper disk with apertures provides flow control. When the stopper rotates to block apertures, it stops liquid flow entirely. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate valves or flow control devices, simplifying the overall system while providing versatile control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination strainer and drain stop assembly or tamper-resistant flow control device includes a strainer body or housing; a rotatable stopper disk; a lock; and a screw extending through central apertures in the assembly. The strainer body includes a strainer disk with a planar surface and slotted openings. The slotted strainer housing has arcuate slots and a pair of diametrically opposed apertures. The stopper/flow control disk has lugs protruding through the slots and rotate the disk between an open position and a closed position. The lock includes a rectangular lock block housing a lock pin at each end and a truncated wedge. The wedge has ramp faces and a cylindrical threaded insert. The screw raises the wedge into the block when pivoted so that the pins extend through the apertures and the device is secured within a drain.