Vandal-Proof Floor Sink Strainer Fastening Against Unauthorized Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art floor sink strainers are not secured to the receptacle body, making them susceptible to theft or removal, which can lead to clogging of the sink as vandals can place debris directly in the pipe receiving second portion.
Innovation Solution
A vandal-proof strainer arrangement that includes a strainer with a fastener arrangement featuring a support base and a longitudinal extending member, where the base is secured to a drain pipe, and the member is received within a slot in the strainer body, preventing unauthorized removal by using custom tools for installation and securing the strainer to the receptacle body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the strainer is made easily removable for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the strainer can be stolen or removed by vandals
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into two segments: a standard threaded portion for normal maintenance removal, and a vandal-proof portion with non-standard threads or security features that prevent unauthorized removal. This allows legitimate maintenance personnel to remove the strainer easily while preventing vandals from doing so.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized fastener acts as an intermediary between the strainer and the floor sink receptacle. This fastener includes a standard external thread that engages with the receptacle and a non-standard internal thread or security mechanism that prevents vandalism, thus mediating between ease of maintenance and security requirements.
2Reliability
If the strainer is secured to the floor sink, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The vandal-proof functionality is extracted into a separate, replaceable fastener component rather than being integrated into the strainer or receptacle structures. This allows the security feature to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire strainer assembly, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed to perform multiple functions: standard threading for secure attachment, vandal resistance through non-standard features, and ease of removal for maintenance by authorized personnel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting complexity increase.
3Reliability
If a custom tool is required for installation, then reliability is improved through authorized access only, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to specialized tooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The custom tool requirement is applied locally only to the fastening mechanism rather than the entire strainer assembly. The strainer body and receptacle remain simple and easy to manufacture, while only the fastener requires specialized tooling for installation, thus limiting the impact on overall ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed as a relatively simple, potentially disposable component that can be easily replaced during maintenance. The custom tool is only needed for installation and replacement of this single component, not for manufacturing the entire assembly, thereby limiting the impact on manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor sink strainer arrangement adapted to fasten to a receptacle body of a floor sink. The strainer arrangement includes a strainer having a body and defining a slot therein for receiving a fastener, and a fastener arrangement attached to the strainer. The strainer is adapted to be received within the receptacle body of the floor sink. The fastener arrangement includes a support base and a longitudinal extending member attached to the base and extending therefrom, wherein the base is adapted to be secured to a drain pipe when the strainer is received within the receptacle body of the floor sink.