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 03_24_drain.jpg

Problem  The clogged location is not easily accessible rooter.com/images/bathtub_shower.jpghttp:// 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 /the-flexisnake-hair-clog-tool-review/ 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  Pros: – Easy to use – Somewhat cost efficient  Cons: – Damages the environment – Causes chemical hazards

Filter Solution  A two level filter  Face plate guards large objects  Lower level has wires weaved into a basket to trap hair china.com/servlet/image?compatible=true&tid=2&fid=0&lan_code=0&cache=1 &id=EiTawytrvQhAhttp:// 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 Pictures by Won Choi  Various views of the final device  The blades are attached to the piston  O-rings on the piston prevents water leakage

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  Pros: – Minimal Maintenance – Environmentally Friendly – Durable for five years  Cons: – May require professional installation

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

 QUESTION?

References  (1) ISSF. “Mechanical & Physical Properties.” International Stainless Steel Forum Mar  (2) Nancy EV Bryk “Drain Cleaner.” How Products are Made Mar Cleaner.html Cleaner.html Cleaner.html  (3) Philpott, Evitt & Co. Ltd. “Clogged Drains.” How to Tips Feb  (4) Sheridan, William. "Reference Data Sheet For Chemical and Enzymatic Drain Cleaners." Meridian Engineering and Technology. Nov Mar  (5) SSINA. “Stainless Steel for Machining.” Designer Handbook. 9 Feb Mar