Tool-Free Push-Up Plug Fitting for Sink Drain Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-up fittings for sinks and tubs are not customizable and require tools for installation and maintenance, posing challenges in efficient and user-friendly drainage, especially in environments with overflow systems.
Innovation Solution
A push-up fitting design featuring a drain pipe with a central longitudinal axis, a push-up valve as an insert, a spring and locking mechanism, and a support element, allowing tool-free insertion and removal, along with a container for fragrances or disinfectants, and a constriction in the drain pipe for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional push-up fittings are used, then drainage function is provided, but tool-free insertion and removal cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The push-up fitting is divided into separable components: a first insert with a first connector and a second insert with a second connector. These connectors can be detached from each other, allowing the valve assembly to be removed from the drain pipe without tools. The segmentation enables easy maintenance and installation while maintaining the complete drainage function when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The first connector and second connector act as intermediary elements between the valve assembly and the drain pipe. These connectors facilitate tool-free insertion and removal by providing a detachable interface that can be engaged and disengaged manually, eliminating the need for specialized tools while ensuring secure connection during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed versions of push-up fittings are used, then installation is simplified, but adaptability to different sink thicknesses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The push-up fitting transitions from fixed, static designs to a dynamic, adjustable system. The detachable connectors allow the valve assembly to be positioned at different heights along the drain pipe, enabling adaptation to various sink thicknesses. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for multiple fixed versions while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connector design creates a universal push-up fitting that can accommodate different sink thicknesses and configurations. The same basic valve assembly can be installed at various positions along the drain pipe, making a single universal design suitable for multiple applications rather than requiring multiple specialized versions.
3Reliability
If push-up fittings with overflow systems are used, then overflow protection is provided, but handling additional water flow becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow channel is merged with the main drain pipe flow path. The first insert and second insert are positioned to handle both the main drainage flow and the overflow flow through a unified structure. This combining approach allows the same valve mechanism to control both flows, simplifying the handling of additional water flow while maintaining overflow protection.
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 easy, versatile, and user-friendly drainage with customizable installation and maintenance, ensuring smooth operation and efficient filtration, while adding olfactory or hygienic benefits through fragrance or disinfectant release.
Implementation Method 1
The push-up valve has a spring and locking mechanism that can lock the valve in a closed position and in a drain position
Implementation Method 2
The push-up valve is equipped with a plug that rests on the drain pipe in the closed position to close the push-up fitting
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a push-up fitting (1) for a sink, a tub or the like, comprising: a drain pipe (2) with a central longitudinal axis, the upper axial end (4) of which is designed for attachment to a sink or tub base and the lower axial end of which has an outlet, wherein the drain pipe (2) has a fluid channel between the upper axial end (4) and the lower axial end, and wherein the drain pipe (2) has a constriction (3) at the lower axial end; a plug (10); a support element (7) and a push-up valve (6) which supports the plug (10) at its upper end and can lock the plug (10) in a closed position and in a drain position, wherein the plug (10) rests on the upper axial end (4) of the drain pipe (2) in the closed position to close the push-up fitting (1) and releases the upper axial end (4) of the drain pipe (2) in the drain position,wherein the push-up valve (6) is connected to the support element (7) at its lower end, which serves as a counter-bearing of the push-up valve (6) when the push-up valve (6) is actuated by pressure on the plug (10), wherein the push-up valve (6) is designed as an insert for the drain pipe (2) so that it can be inserted into the drain pipe (2) from above and is secured in the axial direction by the support element (7) on the constriction (3), wherein the constriction (3) carries the support element (7) in the drain pipe (2) such that the push-up valve (6) is supported during actuation.