Threaded Adjustable Drain Assembly for Varied Floor Installations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain assemblies require pre-selection based on specific construction parameters, which can lead to inadequate installations if the floor construction has deficiencies, necessitating costly re-installations.
Innovation Solution
A drain assembly with interchangeable components, including a drain body, barrel, plug, and sleeve, allowing for adjustable height and configuration to accommodate various installation techniques, such as on-grade, cored opening, and waterproofing, by utilizing threaded connections and adjustable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If drain assemblies are provided with fixed specific parameters for pre-selection, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but adaptability to various construction scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drain assembly is divided into multiple separable components including a drain body, barrel, flange, and plug that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using standardized processes while the assembled unit can be configured for different installation scenarios through selective assembly rather than manufacturing multiple specialized drain types.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain assembly components are designed with universal features such as standardized threaded connections and interchangeable elements that enable the same basic assembly to serve multiple functions across different construction scenarios. The flange and plug components can be adapted for various installation methods including on-grade, cored opening, and waterproofing installations without requiring specialized drain bodies for each scenario.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drain assemblies are designed with adjustable and interchangeable components, then adaptability to various installation techniques is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the drain assembly into standardized components with consistent connection interfaces, the patent reduces the complexity of managing multiple specialized drain types. Each component maintains simple geometry and manufacturing requirements, but their combination provides the adaptability needed for various installation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes through threaded connections that allow axial adjustment of the barrel and flange positions relative to the drain body. This mechanical parameter adjustment enables the same assembly to accommodate different installation heights and configurations without requiring complex specialized designs for each scenario.
3Quantity of substance
If a single drain assembly design is used for multiple construction scenarios, then inventory requirements and costs are reduced, but installation precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection system enables precise axial positioning of the barrel and flange components by allowing incremental adjustments through thread engagement. This parameter change mechanism maintains installation precision while using a single standardized assembly design, as the adjustable parameters accommodate variations in installation requirements without sacrificing alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as an intermediary component between the drain body and the installation surface, providing a standardized interface that can be precisely positioned and secured. This intermediary element absorbs the variability in installation scenarios while maintaining precise alignment through its standardized connection features, thereby preserving installation precision across different applications.
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
Enables flexible installation adaptations, reducing the need for re-installations and providing cost savings by allowing a single assembly to be used for a wider range of construction scenarios, while maintaining sturdy and reliable attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The exterior threads are engageable with the drain body interior threads for axially adjusting the barrel relative to the drain body
Implementation Method 2
An inner portion of the outer body extends axially below the stop surface and has external threads engageable with the barrel interior threads
Implementation Method 3
The sleeve is sealingly receivable between the stop and landing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A drain assembly includes a drain body, barrel, plug, and sleeve. The drain body has an interior surface defining a channel along an axis and having interior threads thereon. The barrel has a central body having an upper end, with a flange extending radially outward therefrom and defining a landing surface. The central body has opposed exterior and interior barrel surfaces having exterior and interior threads, respectively. The interior barrel surface defines a channel alignable with the axis. The exterior threads are engageable with the drain body interior threads for axially adjusting the barrel relative to the drain body. The plug has a top surface and an outer body extending axially downward to a stop surface. An inner portion of the outer body extends axially below the stop surface and has external threads engageable with the barrel interior threads. The sleeve is sealingly receivable between the stop and landing surfaces.