Wash Basin Drain Odor Trap with Removable Cylindrical Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing odor trap devices in washbasins often have design limitations such as small height, numerous edges and corners, which hinder effective cleaning and hygiene, particularly in hospitals where thorough disinfection is crucial.

Innovation Solution

An odor trap device with a hollow cylindrical insert made of plastic, featuring an inwardly projecting shoulder for sealing, an outwardly projecting circumferential ring, and a fastening nut for high tightness, along with a conically tapered design for easier cleaning access, and a removable lid with locking mechanisms for easy assembly and replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the siphon height is increased to improve hygiene and cleaning effectiveness, then the odor trap performance is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene performanceVSAvoidsiphon height
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The odor trap device is divided into separate components: a removable insert containing the siphon channel and a separate lid. This segmentation allows the siphon to be designed with optimal height for hygiene while enabling easy removal and cleaning of the insert without moving the entire drain assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is designed to be dynamically removable and replaceable. The elastic sealant allows the insert to be easily inserted and secured, while also enabling quick removal for cleaning or replacement, adapting the system to maintenance needs without permanent installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If numerous edges and corners are present in the siphon design, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates due to germ accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcleaning accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The siphon channel is designed with curved, corner-free surfaces that guide water flow smoothly. The insert features a rounded bottom and smooth transitions throughout the channel, eliminating edges and corners where germs could accumulate while maintaining structural integrity through the continuous curved geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The siphon channel is extracted from the fixed drain structure and placed in a separate removable insert. This allows the channel to be designed with optimal smooth, corner-free surfaces for hygiene while enabling complete removal for thorough cleaning, separating the cleaning function from the structural function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the sealant is made rigid to ensure tight sealing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of assembly and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealant's physical parameters are changed by using an elastic material instead of a rigid one. This elastic sealant can be compressed during insertion to ensure tight sealing, then relaxed to allow easy removal and replacement of the insert, providing both sealing effectiveness and assembly ease through material property selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the insert design includes many components for secure assembly, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into the insert single component: the siphon channel, the elastic sealant, and the engagement features with the lid are all integrated into one molded piece. This eliminates the need for separate gaskets, seals, and fastening components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The device provides a thorough and hygienic cleaning solution by ensuring a tight seal, easy accessibility, and simple replacement, enhancing long-term use and hygiene standards in washbasins.

Implementation Method 1

the insert is preferably made of plastic. This plastic can be elastic so that the sealant is stretched against the drain socket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A tube of the insert that projects upwards forms a siphon together with a dip tube of the lid that projects downwards and the drain nozzle of the washbasin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSiphon effect: Syphon

Data Source

PatentEP2636805B1Wash basin with a drain opening
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 RUEDISUELI BEAT
  • EP2636805B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2636805B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The wash basin has a lid (6) that is arranged on an outflow hole projected downward to a discharge nozzle. A stench trap is formed by the discharge nozzle, and a dip tube (7) is arranged at an underside (8) of the lid. A sealant (10) is sealed against the discharge nozzle. A circle-symmetrical channel is formed between discharge nozzle and an insert and is accessed for cleaning after removal of the lid. A fastening nut (5) is screwed at lower end of the insert and tensioned against the discharge nozzle, for biasing the insert against the discharge nozzle.