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Device to Prevent Clogging of Shower Drains. Team Members: Linh Bui, Alicia Ader, Joe Wagner, Jeffrey Chae, Chun Chan, Won Seok Choi Advisor: Dr. Grace Hsuan. Problem. Shower drains are often clogged with long strands of hair.
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Device to Prevent Clogging of Shower Drains Team Members: Linh Bui, Alicia Ader, Joe Wagner, Jeffrey Chae, Chun Chan, Won Seok Choi Advisor: Dr. Grace Hsuan
Problem • Shower drains are often clogged with long strands of hair http://www.famousmisteredwards.com/edwordz/images/bathroom/03_24_drain.jpg
Problem • The clogged location is not easily accessible http://www.cheap-rooter.com/images/bathtub_shower.jpg - edited by Linh
Objective • Find a solution to remove hair from shower drains • Environmentally friendly • Low Cost • Low Maintenance • Easy to Use
Research • Shower drain structure • Filter solution • Hair properties • Chemical solution • Design of device • Installation of the device
Existing Solutions • Snake- plumber tool • Drain-o • Mesh filter http://www.geardiary.com/2007/02/06/the-flexisnake-hair-clog-tool-review/ http://www.made-in-china.com/servlet/image?compatible=true&tid=2&fid=0&lan_code=0&cache=1&id=EiTawytrvQhA
Chemical Solution • Find a chemical that cleans drains easily • Research previous products to find basic chemicals • The chemical solution involves too hard to create and may not have beneficial affects for the environment • Research the element responsible for breaking down hair in the drains and state that we could increase the amount of that element in our chemical solution, but the effects of it on the environment eliminated it from our choice
Chemical Solution • Cons: • Damages the environment • Causes chemical hazards • Pros: • Easy to use • Somewhat cost efficient
Filter Solution • A two level filter • Face plate guards large objects • Lower level has wires weaved into a basket to trap hair http://www.made-in-china.com/servlet/image?compatible=true&tid=2&fid=0&lan_code=0&cache=1&id=EiTawytrvQhA – Edited by Linh
Filter Solution • Pros: • Easy to use • Cost efficient • Effectively trapping hair before they enter the drain • Cons: • High Maintenance • Health hazardous
Best Solution • Created to cut hair into finer pieces • Constructed with non-corrosive materials • Located above the p-trap • Powered by electricity • Operated by a manual switch
Device Prototype • Attached razor blades placed 5mm apart • Made from one of the strongest stainless steel, Type 301 • The motor is placed outside of the chamber Created by Won Choi
Device Prototype • Side view of the device attached to the p-trap • Bottom consists of a steel plate to act as a cutting board • Recommended replacement every three years Created by Linh Bui
Final Device • Interlocking rectangular teeth mechanism • Stretching hair until exceed stress/strain point • Recommended replacement every five years
Final Device • Various views of the final device • The blades are attached to the piston • O-rings on the piston prevents water leakage Pictures by Won Choi
Final Device • Device attached to the p-trap Pictures by Won Choi
Final Device • Front view • The shaft travels in a circular motion Picture by Won Choi, Animated by Linh Bui
Final Device • Cons: • May require professional installation • Pros: • Minimal Maintenance • Environmentally Friendly • Durable for five years
Summary • Shower drains are clogged by long strands of hair • Existing solutions are either ineffective or require unsanitary processes • Best solution to solve the problem: mechanical device
Acknowledgment • Dr. Grace Hsuan – Guidance • Jay Bhatt – Project researching • Young Choi – Assisting device graphics
References • (1) ISSF. “Mechanical & Physical Properties.” International Stainless Steel Forum. 2006. 5 Mar 2007. http://www.worldstainless.org/ • (2) Nancy EV Bryk “Drain Cleaner.” How Products are Made. 2007. 1 Mar.2007. http://www.madehow.com/Volume-7/Drain-Cleaner.html • (3) Philpott, Evitt & Co. Ltd. “Clogged Drains.” How to Tips. 2007. 15 Feb.2007. http://18004654533.com/Howto/CloggedDrains.asp • (4) Sheridan, William. "Reference Data Sheet For Chemical and Enzymatic Drain Cleaners." Meridian Engineering and Technology . Nov 1994. 8 Mar 2007 http://www.meridianeng.com/draincle.html • (5) SSINA. “Stainless Steel for Machining.” Designer Handbook. 9 Feb 1995. 6 Mar 2007. http://www.ssina.com/view_a_file/machining.pdf