Telescoping Fluid Drain With Quick-Release Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid drain systems for vehicles lack simplicity and efficiency in fluid removal and storage during maintenance, requiring complex adjustments and inadequate storage solutions for tools and components.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping fluid drain system with a modular design featuring a fluid reservoir, adjustable tubes, a tool pan, and a filter shelf, along with a quick-release upper tube clamp and customizable dripping pan inserts, simplifies the process by allowing easy height adjustment, tool storage, and tailored fluid collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping fluid drain system is used, then the height adjustability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple tubes and clamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescoping structure where an inner tube is nested within an outer tube, allowing height adjustment while maintaining a compact form. The inner tube can slide within the outer tube to provide variable height positioning without requiring separate components for each height setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid drain system is designed with multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. The telescoping tubes provide both structural support and height adjustment, while the clamp mechanism serves both to secure the tubes together and to allow easy disassembly for storage or transport.
2Ease of operation
If a modular design with multiple components is implemented, then the ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid drain system is divided into distinct modular segments including the reservoir, telescoping tubes, clamp mechanism, and drainage components. This segmentation allows individual components to be easily removed, inspected, maintained, or replaced without affecting the entire system, improving ease of operation and maintenance.
3Productivity
If a fluid reservoir with integrated storage is used, then the productivity is improved by reducing tool changes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid reservoir with integrated storage compartments and tool organization features into a single unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate tool trays or storage units, reducing the total number of components while improving productivity by keeping all necessary items readily accessible during maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid drain may include a fluid reservoir comprising a lower tube inlet that opens into the fluid reservoir, a lower tube at least partially positioned within the lower tube inlet, and an upper tube at least partially positioned within the lower tube. The fluid drain may further include an upper tube clamp having an opening therein, wherein the upper tube is positioned within the opening in the upper tube clamp and the upper tube clamp is configured to remain attached to the upper tube upon removal of the upper tube from the lower tube.