Urinal Odor Trap Unit Segmentation for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinals with odor trap units are difficult to clean and replace without disassembling the entire unit from the wall, limiting maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A urinal design featuring a cylindrical odor trap unit with three parallel channels that can be easily inserted and removed, allowing for simple liquid guidance and retention, and a drain housing that can be attached to the collecting basin with a fastening part, enabling easy access and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the odor trap unit is integrated into the drainage device as a single assembled unit, then the structural integrity and sealing performance are improved, but the ease of cleaning and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The odor trap unit is divided into three separate parts (first part with inlet opening, second part with siphon channel, third part with outlet opening) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. This segmentation allows the unit to maintain structural integrity when assembled while enabling easy disassembly for cleaning and replacement, as the parts can be separated without dismantling the entire urinal from the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The three parts of the odor trap unit are designed to fit together in a nested manner, with each part containing or receiving the next part. This nesting approach ensures tight sealing between components while allowing the entire odor trap unit to be removed as a compact assembly for cleaning or replacement without affecting the wall-mounted urinal structure.
2Reliability
If the odor trap unit has a complex internal structure with multiple channels, then the odor trapping function is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex internal channel structure is divided across three separate parts, with each part containing a specific channel configuration. This allows each part to be manufactured using simple injection molding processes rather than requiring complex single-piece manufacturing. The parts are then assembled together to form the complete multi-channel odor trap system.
Solution Approach 2:
The odor trapping function is achieved through hydraulic principles using water flow through the siphon channel. The second part contains a siphon channel that utilizes water pressure and flow to create the odor trap effect, eliminating the need for complex mechanical or electronic components. This hydraulic approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining effective odor trapping functionality.
3Ease of repair
If the odor trap unit is designed to be removable through the drain opening, then the ease of replacement is improved, but the structural stability during installation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The three parts of the odor trap unit are designed to fit together in a nested configuration that provides structural stability during installation. The parts are inserted through the drain opening in sequence and locked into position, ensuring the assembly remains stable and securely positioned within the urinal while still being removable when needed for replacement.
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
Facilitates easy cleaning and replacement of the odor trap unit by allowing it to be passed through the drain opening and attached securely to the collecting basin, enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The second part has a siphon channel, which serves to guide the liquid that has entered the odor trap unit downwards and then upwards again
Data Source
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AI summary
A drain device (4) links to a drain pipe (5) and has a unit for sealing the smell in a urinal. Liquid can enter into the drain device through a drain hole (3), can pass through the unit for blocking the smell and can emerge again into the drain pipe. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a unit for sealing the smell in a urinal.