Patent Publication Number: US-2021180304-A1

Title: Drain system for bathtub

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/948,233, filed Dec. 14, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to systems used in a bath or shower environment to improve a user&#39;s bathing experience. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to controlling water flow through bathtub exit and overflow drains. 
     Bathtub fill and drain features are often asynchronous, requiring separate operation of fill and drain features. In addition, bathtub fill and drainage systems are often specific to a particular bathtub design and have specific installation requirements. 
     It would be advantageous to provide a versatile fill and drainage system for a bathtub that can coordinate, control, and monitor bathtub filling and drainage to ensure a best possible experience by a user. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one embodiment of this application relates to a system for controlling a water level in a bathtub, which includes a drain exit assembly coupled to an exit drain of the bathtub, a valve fluidly coupled to the drain exit assembly, the valve being operably coupled to a motor, wherein the motor is configured to change an operational state of the valve, a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the valve and in fluid communication with the drain exit assembly. The drain exit assembly is configured to receive water exiting the bathtub and the motor is configured to change the operational state of the valve based on a pressure sensed by the pressure sensor to control a water level within the bathtub. 
     In various embodiments, the valve is a paddle valve. In other embodiments, the valve is a butterfly valve. In some embodiments, the valve is coupled to an inlet valve body, the inlet valve body coupled to a housing, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed within the housing. The inlet valve body may include an air pocket, wherein the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor associated with the air pocket. In some embodiments, the system further includes a thermistor communicatively coupled to the valve and in fluid communication with the drain exit assembly. In various embodiments, the motor is further configured to change the operational state of the valve based on a temperature measured by the thermistor. 
     In various embodiments, the system also includes an overflow drain assembly, the overflow drain assembly configured to receive water from an overflow drain of the bathtub. The overflow drain assembly may be configured for coupling to an overflow drain cover. In various embodiments, the overflow drain assembly is fluidly coupled to the drain exit assembly downstream of the valve. In some embodiments, the motor is configured change the operational state of the valve based on one or more routines, the one or more routines being set by a user device. In various embodiments, the system may include one or more fluid coupling components, wherein the one or more fluid coupling components are sizable to accommodate at least one of a bathtub size or type. The system may further include an outlet valve body fluidly coupled to the valve, wherein the outlet valve body is configured to receive water flowing from the valve and direct the water away from the bathtub. The outlet valve body may be configured to direct the water in a downward direction relative to the bathtub. In other embodiments, the outlet valve body may be configured to direct the water in a horizontal direction relative to the bathtub. The outlet valve body may include one or more contoured features to facilitate quiet water flow therethrough. In various embodiments, the pressure indicates at least one of the water level or an occupancy of the bathtub. 
     According to another aspect of this application relates to a method for controlling a water level in a bathtub, wherein the method includes receiving, by a drain exit assembly, water exiting the bathtub, wherein the drain exit assembly is coupled to an exit drain of the bathtub. The method further includes sensing, by a pressure sensor, a pressure associated with an inlet valve body coupled to a valve, wherein the valve is fluidly coupled to the drain exit assembly, and changing, by a motor, an operational state of the valve responsive to the pressure sensor sensing the pressure, wherein the pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the drain exit assembly and operatively coupled to the valve. In various embodiments, the method further includes receiving, by the motor, an input from a user device, wherein the input comprises instructions associated with at least one of setting the water level or a temperature of water within the bathtub. 
     Yet another aspect of this application relates to a bathtub drain system, wherein the system includes a bathtub configured to receive water and having a first drain and a second drain, and a drain exit assembly fluidly coupled to the first drain, an overflow drain assembly fluidly coupled to the second drain. The drain exit assembly may be to receive water flowing through the first drain and the overflow drain assembly may be configured to receive water flowing through the first drain. The overflow drain assembly is fluidly connected to the drain exit assembly downstream of a valve coupled to the drain exit assembly. The valve is controlled by a motor and fluidly coupled with a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure associated with a water level in the bathtub. The motor may be configured to change an operational state of the valve responsive to the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed by a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the drain system of  FIG. 1  attached to a bathtub, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a reproduction of  FIG. 2 , near an attachment site of the drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the drain system of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the drain system of  FIG. 1  and representation of a bathtub fill height, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the drain system of  FIG. 1  implementing a paddle valve design, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the drain system of  FIG. 1  implementing a paddle valve design, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an outlet valve body of the drain system of  FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the outlet valve body of  FIG. 8 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the outlet valve body of  FIG. 8 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an end view of the outlet valve body of  FIG. 8 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a reproduction of  FIG. 11  near a valve paddle interface, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the outlet valve body of  FIG. 8  taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 9 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the outlet valve body of  FIG. 8  taken along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 9 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the outlet valve body of  FIG. 8  taken along line  35 - 35  of  FIG. 10 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the outlet valve body of  FIG. 8 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 17-18  are perspective views of the inlet valve body of the drain system of  FIGS. 6-7 , according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of the inlet valve body of  FIGS. 17-18 , according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the inlet valve body of  FIGS. 17-18  taken along line  40 - 40  of  FIG. 19 , according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 21  is a back end view of the inlet valve body of  FIGS. 17-18 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a front end view of the inlet valve body of  FIGS. 17-18 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a front view of the valve seal of the drain system of  FIGS. 6-7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a side cross-sectional view of the valve seal of  FIG. 23  taken along line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 23 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of the valve seal of  FIG. 23 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is top cross-sectional view of the valve seal of  FIG. 23  taken along line  45 - 45  of  FIG. 23 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is a reproduction of  FIG. 26  near a valve seal connection to a valve body, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a top cross-sectional view of the valve seal of  FIG. 23  taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 23 , at a position below a connection to the valve body, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the valve seal of  FIG. 23 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the paddle valve of the drain system of  FIGS. 6-7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  is a front view of the paddle valve of  FIG. 30 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a side view of the paddle valve of  FIG. 30 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 33-34  are reproductions of  FIG. 32  near a connection point of the paddle valve to the valve seal, according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 35  is a top cross-sectional view of the paddle valve of  FIG. 30  taken along line  60 - 60  of  FIG. 31 , through a connection point of the paddle valve to the valve seal, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 36  is a bottom view of the paddle valve of  FIG. 30 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of a swivel joint socket of the drain system of  FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 38  is an end view of the swivel joint socket of  FIG. 37 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 39  is a side cross-sectional view of the swivel joint socket of  FIG. 37  taken along line  65 - 65  of  FIG. 38 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a reducing coupler of the drain system of  FIGS. 6-7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 41  is an end view of the reducing coupler of  FIG. 40 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of the reducing coupler of  FIG. 40  taken along line  70 - 70  of  FIG. 41 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a swivel ball fittings kit of the drain system of  FIGS. 6-7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 44  shows end views of each component of the swivel ball fittings kit of  FIG. 43 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 45  is a side view of a drain elbow of the drain system of  FIGS. 6-7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 46  is an end view of the drain elbow of  FIG. 45 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 47  is a side cross-sectional view of the drain elbow of  FIG. 45  taken along line  75 - 75  of  FIG. 46 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 48  is a side cross-sectional view of the paddle valve design for a drain system near a bathtub exit drain with a vertically oriented swivel joint taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 49  is a side cross-sectional view of a paddle valve design for a drain system near a bathtub exit drain with a horizontally oriented swivel joint taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 50  is a side view of a paddle valve design for a drain system near a pressure sensor, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 51  shows a side cross-sectional view of a drain system near a reducing coupler and a valve input taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 52  shows a side cross-sectional view of a drain system near a reducing coupler and valve input taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 6 , according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 53  shows a side cross-sectional view of a drain system near a reducing coupler and valve input taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 7 , according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 54  shows a side cross-sectional view of a drain system near a bathtub exit drain taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 55  shows a perspective view of a bath drain strainer body of the drain system of  FIG. 54 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 56  shows a side cross-sectional view of the bath drain strainer body of  FIG. 55  taken along line  80 - 80  of  FIG. 55 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 57  shows a top view of the bath drain strainer body of  FIG. 55 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 58  shows a side view of the bath drain strainer body of  FIG. 55 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 59  shows an exploded view of a drain cover assembly of the drain system of  FIG. 54 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 60  shows a top view of a drain stopper of the drain cover assembly of  FIG. 59 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 61  shows a side view of the drain stopper of  FIG. 60 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 62  shows a side cross-sectional view of the drain stopper of  FIG. 60  taken along line  85 - 85  of  FIG. 60 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 63  shows a top view of a drain post of the drain cover assembly of  FIG. 59 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 64  shows a side view of the drain post of  FIG. 63 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 65  shows a top view of a drain strainer of the drain cover assembly of  FIG. 59 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 66  shows a side view of the drain strainer of  FIG. 65 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 67  shows an exploded view of a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 68  shows a front view of a drain cover assembly, an inlet body valve, and connecting parts of the drain system of  FIG. 67  near the bathtub exit drain, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 69  shows a perspective view of an inlet valve body and coupled thermistor of the drain system of  FIG. 67 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 70  shows a perspective view of a pressure sensor mounting block of the drain system of  FIG. 67 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 71  shows a bottom view of the pressure sensor mounting block of  FIG. 70 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 72  shows a top view of the pressure sensor mounting block of  FIG. 70 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 73-74  show side views of the pressure sensor mounting block of  FIG. 70 , according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 75  is a bottom cross-section of the pressure sensor mounting block of  FIG. 70  taken along line  88 - 88  of  FIG. 74 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 76  shows a back view of the pressure sensor mounting block of  FIG. 70 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 77  shows a front view of the pressure sensor mounting block of  FIG. 70 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 78  is a reproduction of  FIG. 77 , near cutout features, according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 79  shows a side cross-sectional view of the pressure sensor mounting block of  FIG. 70  taken along line  89 - 89  of  FIG. 76 , according to an exemplary embodiment 
         FIG. 80  shows a side cross-sectional view of the pressure sensor mounting block of  FIG. 70  taken along line  90 - 90  of  FIG. 77 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 81  shows a front view of a drain system attached to a bathtub, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 82  is a reproduction of  FIG. 81 , near an outlet valve body and pressure sensor mounting block, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 83  is a front view of a pressure sensor circuit board for a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 84  is a side cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor housing assembly for a drain system taken along line  91 - 91  of  FIG. 81 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 85  is an exploded view of a pressure sensor housing assembly for a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 86  is a partially exploded view of a pressure sensor and valve housing assembly for a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 87  is a front view of an air passage cover for the assembly of  FIG. 86 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 88  is a side cross-sectional view of the air passage cover of  FIG. 87  taken along line  93 - 93  of  FIG. 87 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 89  is a back view of the air passage cover of  FIG. 87 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 90  is a front view of a pressure sensor housing cover for the assembly of  FIG. 86 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 91  is a side cross-sectional view of the pressure sensor housing cover of  FIG. 90  taken along line  94 - 94  of  FIG. 90 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 92  is a bottom view of the pressure sensor housing cover of  FIG. 90 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 93  is a perspective view of the pressure sensor housing cover of  FIG. 90 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 94  is a side cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor seal for the assembly of  FIG. 86  taken along line  91 - 91  of  FIG. 81 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 95  is a side view of the pressure sensor seal of  FIG. 94 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 96  is a back-end view of a valve motor assembly for a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 97  is a cross-sectional view of a valve motor assembly for a drain system taken along line  77 - 77  of  FIG. 50 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 98  is a front view of a valve motor for a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 99  is a side view of the valve motor of  FIG. 98 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 100  is a top view of the valve motor of  FIG. 98 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 101  is a side view of the valve motor of  FIG. 98 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 102  is a side view of a butterfly valve design for a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 103  is a side cross-sectional view of the drain system of  FIG. 102 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 104  is a reproduction of  FIG. 103  near the butterfly valve, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 105  is a side view of an overflow drain assembly for a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 106  is an exploded view of the overflow drain assembly of  FIG. 105 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 107  is a perspective view of an overflow drain assembly with a tray-shaped cover, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 108  is a perspective view of an overflow drain assembly with a round cover, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 109  is a perspective view of an overflow drain assembly with a round cover, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 110  is a side cross-sectional view of an overflow drain assembly with a round cover, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 111  is a side cross-sectional view of an overflow drain assembly with a tray-shaped cover, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 112  is a back side view of the drain overflow cover, according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 113  is a bottom side view of the drain overflow cover of  FIG. 112 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 114  is a rear view of the drain overflow cover of  FIG. 112 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 115  is a side cross-sectional view of the drain overflow cover of  FIG. 112  taken along line  92 - 92  of  FIG. 112 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 116  is a side cross-sectional view of the drain overflow cover of  FIG. 112  taken along line  93 - 93  of  FIG. 112 , according to exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 117  is a perspective view of a mounting plate for an overflow drain assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 118  is a side view of the mounting plate of  FIG. 117 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 119  a perspective view of an existing overflow drain assembly, similar to exemplary embodiments of the herein disclosure. 
         FIG. 120  is a side view of the overflow drain assembly of  FIG. 119 . 
         FIG. 121  is a perspective view of select components of the overflow drain assembly of  FIG. 119 . 
         FIG. 122  is a partially exploded view of the overflow drain assembly of  FIG. 119 . 
         FIG. 123  is a partially exploded view of the overflow drain assembly of  FIG. 119 . 
         FIG. 124  is a top view representation of an existing power supply for a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 125  is a perspective view of the power supply of  FIG. 124 . 
         FIG. 126  is a side view of the power supply of  FIG. 124 . 
         FIG. 127  shows a controller for a drain system, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One embodiment of the present disclosure is a drain system that includes an overflow drain assembly coupled with a mechanical valve that is housed within a modular assembly to electronically control water flow through a bathtub exit drain. The system includes an exit drain assembly installed within the bathtub water outlet, which is coupled to a valve assembly to meter flow of the water exiting the bathtub. The valve assembly includes a valve that may be rotated about an axis at various angles to meter water flow exiting the bathtub. The valve assembly further includes a motor to actuate the valve. Operation of the valve is dependent on input received from sensors coupled to the valve assembly and input from one or more user devices. The one or more sensors are contained within a housing mechanically coupled to the valve assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the valve assembly of the drain system is fluidly coupled to the overflow drain assembly at the valve assembly outlet such that water outlets from the overflow assembly and the bath exit drain assembly are conjoined. The entire drain system is constructed via pipes, screws, swivel joints, adapters, and other common plumbing implementations that can be modified, interchanged, and/or customized to accommodate a wide variety of bathtub designs. 
     In other embodiments, the drain system includes one or more temperature sensors to enable temperature monitoring to inform fill and drain features. In some embodiments, the drain system includes one or more component options to adapt the system for installation in a wide variety of environments and/or to a wide variety of bathtub designs. 
     Referring generally to the figures, a drain system includes an overflow drain assembly coupled with a mechanical valve that is housed within a modular assembly to electronically control water flow through a bathtub exit drain. The system includes an exit drain assembly installed within the bathtub water outlet, which is coupled to a valve assembly to meter flow of the water exiting the bathtub. The valve assembly includes a valve that may be rotated about an axis at various angles to meter water flow exiting the bathtub. The valve assembly further includes a motor to actuate the valve. Operation of the valve is dependent on input received from sensors coupled to the valve assembly and input from one or more user devices. The one or more sensors are contained within a housing mechanically coupled to the valve assembly. The sensors may include pressure sensors and/or thermostatic sensors. The valve assembly is fluidly coupled to the overflow drain assembly at the valve assembly outlet such that water outlets from the overflow assembly and the bath exit drain assembly are conjoined. The entire drain system is constructed via pipes, screws, swivel joints, adapters, and other common plumbing implementations that can be modified, interchanged, and/or customized to accommodate a wide variety of bathtub designs. The drain system can facilitate controlled filling and draining of a bathtub, enable the control of water level and temperature maintenance, and adjust for occupancy. 
     In some implementations, the system is digitally controlled via one or more user interfaces, computer and/or smart device applications, cloud-based voice command systems, or any other suitable method for receiving input. In various implementations, the one or more user interfaces may be coupled to the system remotely or locally. 
     In some implementations, the system may be adapted to fit a multitude of bathtub designs that may or may not include an overflow exit drain in addition to a primary bathtub exit drain. For designs requiring an overflow exit drain, the system may be adapted to accommodate various overflow drain opening geometries. 
     In various implementations, the system can be configured for installation in various types of dwelling or framing conditions surrounding a bathtub. These conditions may include plumbing and drainage implementations above or below flooring, or in front of or behind adjacent structural framework (e.g. walls, studs, etc.). 
     In various implementations, the system includes adjustable components such as swivel joints, adapter/extension pipes, and outward-facing accessible screw fittings. These adjustable components may be included within the exit drain assembly, the valve assembly, the overflow drain assembly, or any fluidly or mechanically segments to the aforementioned assemblies. 
     In various implementations, the system includes components that can be interchanged for aesthetic purposes, such as an overflow cover assembly coupled to the overflow drain assembly. In various embodiments, overflow cover assemblies may be different shapes such as flat or tray-shaped, round, or a combination thereof. In various exemplary embodiments, the overflow cover assemblies may include components that facilitate ease of installation and adaptation to a multitude of bathtub designs. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to monitor the water level within a bathtub by measuring the pressure on an air pocket within an air passageway adjacent to a pressure sensor coupled to valve assembly. In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to determine the water level within a bathtub independent of the shape of the bathtub via a pressure measurement by the pressure sensor. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to provide a multitude of various functional capabilities beyond water level determination such as recognizing bathtub occupancy, operating based on preferences input by a user device, and providing digital information for data analytics that may be accessible by a user and/or user device (e.g. water usage, in-bath changes, trends, etc.). 
     In other exemplary embodiments, the system may have features that preserve the operation of the system over time, including moderating external pressure exposure (e.g. plunging) or pressure resulting from water drainage, to pressure-sensitive components (e.g. pressure sensor). In other exemplary embodiments, the system may include features that enable manual manipulation of components to allow operation without electronic control. In other exemplary embodiments, the system may include implementations for preventing debris within the bathtub from exiting into the system. Such implementations may include a debris strainer and drain exit cover over the bathtub water outlet. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to provide various safety or comfort features to a user of the bathtub attached system. In various embodiments, the valve may have limited runtime wherein the valve is only in an open or closed position for a preset period of time. The system may also be configured to adjust the valve opening such that water exiting the bathtub is not turbulent and produces minimal sound. In other embodiments, the system may be configured to have various calibration settings to ensure accurate filling, draining, and monitoring of a coupled bathtub. In yet other exemplary embodiments, the system may be configured to monitor the rate of change of sensed pressure to determine normal or abnormal filling, drainage, or bathtub occupancy. In various exemplary embodiments, a control of the drain system may enable the selective shut down or mode change of a system depending on predefined manufacturer error codes and/or user-device specified rules. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the system may be configured to operate based on preset routines in response to input from a user device. Preset routines may be set by the user device and may include routines to sequentially or cyclically fill and/or drain water from a bathtub coupled to the system. Preset routines may operate based on a user device-determined point in time or according to a preset schedule defined by the user device. In various exemplary embodiments, such routines may include one or more purge cycle routines, whereby the system facilitates scheduled cleaning of the coupled bathtub. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to accommodate one or more predefined settings determined or set by a user device. The predefined settings may cause an increase or decrease in temperature of bath water, resulting from a system-initiated change in temperature and flow of water into and out of the bathtub. The settings may also cause the system alter the level of water within the bathtub, including filling or draining to preset amounts. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the system may include an electronically coupled thermistor to measure and precisely control the temperature of water entering, exiting, or remaining within a bathtub. In various embodiments, the thermistor-containing system may facilitate the determination and setting of water temperature preferences within the bathtub, as defined or input by a user device. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may include a flow meter device coupled to water flow passageways located between the bathtub exit drain and the mechanical valve. In various embodiments, the device-containing system may monitor the amount and speed of water entering the system via the bathtub exit drain and, consequently, facilitate the determination and setting of desired water flow characteristics (e.g. drainage rates). The system may also be configured to provide digital information, such as to a user device, for the purposes of data analytics (e.g. temperature preferences, decay, trends, etc.). Digital information may be sourced from a thermistor, pressure sensor, flow meter device, or any other measuring implement mechanically or communicably coupled to the system. 
     In various implementations, the system may be configured to operate with various types of valve designs. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may include a gate or paddle-shaped valve which rotates about an attachment point located on one end of the valve. In alternative exemplary embodiments the system may include a butterfly valve with a central attachment point to facilitate equal pressure on valve surfaces and driving motor components. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may be configured to implement a particular valve design to accommodate requirements of a coupled motor (e.g. size, cost, etc.). 
     In various exemplary embodiments, components of the system may be configured to increase drain capacity and facilitate smooth and efficient water flow therein. Such configurations may include geometric features within the components to alter direction and velocity of water flow. In various exemplary embodiments, components included within the valve assembly may constructed to include features that reduces debris collection and promote a smooth flow geometry. 
     Turning now to the accompanying figures, and referring specifically to  FIG. 1 , a method  100  for operation of a drain system is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In operation  105 , the system receives input from a user device (local or remote) that pertains to the filling and/or draining of a bathtub coupled to the system (e.g. a desired water fill level), and subsequently adjusts filling and drain settings to accommodate the received input in operation  110 . The user device may communicate with the system via wired connections (e.g. Ethernet, USB, etc.) or wireless connections (e.g. Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, etc.). According to one exemplary embodiment, input may be received from a user device (e.g. smart device, coupled user interface) at a controller or receiver. 
     The system detects and monitors pressure within the bathtub in operation  115 , which can be related to a water level and/or occupancy within the bathtub in operation  120 . The system can then determine if the water level satisfies the received user device input in operation  125 . If the determined water level is satisfies the conditions of the user device input received in operation  105 , the system can turn off or otherwise switch settings and/or modes and await further input from the user device (operation  130 ). If the system determines that the water level does not satisfy the user device input that was received in operation  105 , the system can reiterate through operations  115 ,  120 , and  125  until the user device input conditions are met. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of a drain system  215  adapted to fit a bathtub, according to an exemplary embodiment. The drain system  215  may be configured to operate according to method  100 . In  FIG. 2 , the drain system  215  is mounted to bathtub  210  to facilitate water flow through a main water exit drain and an overflow drain.  FIGS. 3 and 4  show side and side cross-sectional views of the system  215  adapted to fit a bathtub  210 , illustrating in greater detail the structure and connectivity of the system components. In  FIG. 5 , system  215  is shown from an opposite side view (as compared to  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), illustrating a bathtub filled with water  225  and a corresponding water level determination  230  determined by a pressure sensor located within system  215  components beneath the bathtub  210  at a height  235  relative to the water  225 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show exploded views of a drain system  215 , according to exemplary embodiments. System  215  receives water flowing out of a coupled bathtub (such as bathtub  210 ) at drain exit assembly  240 . Drainage subsequently flows through elbow drain  245  and through reducing coupler  250 . Coupler  250  is fluidly connected to inlet and outlet valve bodies  255  and  305 , respectively. Inlet and outlet valve bodies  255  and  305  house a gate (“paddle”) valve  275  and valve seal  285 . Valve  275  can be controlled to permit or prevent further water flow out of reducing coupler  250  depending on its position relative to seal  285  within valve bodies  255  and  305 . The paddle valve  275  is controlled by motor  260 , such that the motor  260  controls or changes an operational state of the valve  275  (e.g., changes the valve  275  position). Motor  260  can be electrically operated or manually overridden. Operation of motor  260  may be dependent on user-device input (e.g., via wired or wireless communication such as Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, etc.) and/or sensed pressure information from a pressure sensor located in mounting block or housing  280 . Pressure sensor mounting block or housing  280  is further coupled to valve bodies  255  and  305 , in addition to pressure sensor circuit board  300 , seals  283 , sensor seals  283  and  287 , and O-rings  277 . The pressure sensor housing is coupled to the valve bodies  255  and  305  such that is located near an air passageway within inlet valve body  255 . The air passageway within inlet valve body  255  is covered by air passageway cover  265  and fasteners  270  such that it contains an air bubble that is pressurized (and measurable by a pressure sensor) depending on the water level within bathtub  210 . In various embodiments, the air bubble pressure may indicate occupancy of the bathtub  210 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the system  215  may be configured to provide various safety or comfort features to a user of the bathtub  210 . In various embodiments, the motor  260  may operate the valve  275  such that is in an open or closed position for a preset period of time. The system  215  may also be configured to adjust the valve  275  opening such that water exiting the bathtub  210  is not turbulent and produces minimal sound. 
     The outlet valve body  305  is fluidly coupled to receive water flow from pipe  325 , which directs water exiting bathtub  210  via an overflow drain elbow assembly  345  and a first set of connecting swivel ball fittings (including swivel joint socket  320 , joint gasket  315 , and swivel joint fitting  310 ). Water exiting the bathtub via overflow elbow drain assembly  345  and paddle valve  275  assembly flow out through outlet valve body  305  and subsequently through a second set of connecting swivel ball fittings. Water flowing out of system  215  can then be connected to any additional downstream plumbing required to conclude water drainage. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the system  215  may include a flow meter device fluidly coupled between the exit drain of the bathtub  210  and the valve  275  (e.g., to at least one of elbow drain  245 , coupler  250 , or inlet valve body  255 ). In various embodiments, the system  215  may monitor an amount and/or speed of water entering the system  215  from the exit drain and, consequently, facilitate the determination and setting of desired water flow characteristics (e.g. drainage rates). The system  215  may also be configured to provide digital information (e.g., via NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi, direct connection), such as to a user device, for the purposes of data analytics (e.g. temperature preferences, decay, trends, etc.). Digital information may be sourced from the thermistor  605 , a pressure sensor in housing  280 , the flow meter device, or any other measuring implement mechanically or communicably coupled to the system  215 . 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the system  215  may be configured to operate based on one or more preset routines in response to input from a user device (e.g., received by the motor  260 ). Preset routines may be set by the user device and may include routines to sequentially or cyclically fill and/or drain water from the bathtub  210 . Preset routines may operate based on a user device-determined point in time or according to a preset schedule defined by the user device. In various exemplary embodiments, such routines may include one or more purge cycle routines, whereby the system  215  facilitates scheduled cleaning of the coupled bathtub  210 . 
     The system  215  can be configured to accommodate various installation requirements, including facilitating drainage from a bathtub  210  above or below flooring on which bathtub  210  is located, or in front of or behind surrounding structures near which bathtub  210  is located. Adaptations of system  215  can be accomplished through adjusting swivel ball fittings (including swivel joint socket  320 , joint gasket  315 , and swivel joint fitting  310 ) and/or using various configurations of outlet valve body  305 .  FIG. 6  shows a vertical configuration for outlet valve body  305  and  FIG. 7  shows a 90 degree (“horizontal”) configuration for outlet valve body  305 . 
       FIGS. 8-16  show an outlet valve body  305  in a vertical configuration, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Locations  350  and  355  on outlet valve body  305  indicate locations of water inlet and outlet, respectively. Outlet valve body  305  is coupled to system  215 , such as to inlet valve body  255  via base plate  360 .  FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of outlet valve body  305  wherein water enters at location  350  downward to location  355 .  FIG. 10  shows a bottom, end view near location  355 , illustrating a substantially straight water flow path through outlet valve body  305 . 
       FIGS. 11-12  show end views of outlet valve body  305 , illustrating features  365  to facilitate coupling of a paddle valve  275  and seal  285 .  FIGS. 13-14  show cross-sectional views of outlet valve body  305  taken along lines  25 - 25  and  30 - 30  of  FIG. 9 , respectively, which illustrate features to facilitate smooth water flow (feature  370 ) and enable connectivity to inlet valve body  255  and motor  260  (feature  375 ).  FIG. 15  shows a side cross-sectional view of outlet valve body  305  taken along line  35 - 35  of  FIG. 10 , illustrating additional feature  365 , which encourages smooth water flow through outlet valve body  305 .  FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of outlet valve body  305  opposite the view shown in  FIG. 8 , illustrating feature  375  which enables connectivity to inlet body valve body  255  and motor  260 . 
       FIGS. 17-22  show an inlet valve body  255 , according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIGS. 17-18  and  FIGS. 19-20  show perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an inlet valve body  255 , which includes base plate  390  for connectivity to outlet body valve  305 , air passage features  380  to facilitate pressure sensing, and inlet feature  385  through which water enters the inlet valve body  255 .  FIGS. 21-22  show alternate cross-sectional views, respectively, of inlet valve body  255  to additionally illustrate feature  395 , which facilitates coupling of paddle valve  275  and seal  285  to inlet valve body  255 . 
       FIGS. 23-29  show a paddle valve seal  285 , according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 23  shows a front view of valve seal  285 , illustrating connectivity features  400  and  415  which facilitate connectivity to inlet and outlet valve bodies  255  and  305  (such as to features  375  and/or  390 ).  FIG. 23  also shows outer sealing features  405  and inner sealing features  410  which facilitate the generation of an effective seal between a paddle valve  275  and inlet and outlet valve bodies  255  and  305 .  FIG. 24-25  show side cross-sectional (along line  42 - 42 ) and outer top views of valve seal  285 , further illustrating features  400 ,  405 , and  410 .  FIGS. 26-27  show a top cross-sectional view (along line  45 - 45 ) of seal  285 , illustrating connectivity feature  440  within feature  400  to enable coupling to and operation of paddle valve  275  relative to seal  285 .  FIG. 28  shows a top cross-sectional view of seal  285  along line  50 - 50 .  FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of seal  285 , illustrating sealing features  405  and  410  ad connectivity features  400  and  415 . 
       FIGS. 30-36  show a paddle valve  275 , according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 30  shows a perspective view of paddle valve  275  including a main valve surface  445  which provides a barrier for water flow from a bathtub exit drain through system  215 . When the paddle valve is closed, outer edge  450  on valve  275  engages with seal  285  to form a watertight seal, thereby preventing water flow. When the paddle valve  275  is opened, end  460  is rotated away from the direction of water flow about connectivity point  455  to permit water flow through system  215  from a bathtub exit drain.  FIGS. 31-32  show side and front views, respectively, of paddle valve  275  to further illustrate features  450 ,  455 ,  445 , and  460 .  FIGS. 33-34  show side views of paddle valve  275  to illustrate additional features  465  and  467 , which enable the paddle valve  275  to be coupled to seal  285 , inlet and outlet valve bodies  255  and  305 , and motor  260 . As illustrated in  FIG. 35 , which shows a cross-sectional view of paddle valve  275  taken along line  60 - 60  of  FIG. 31 , the connectivity point  455  may be configured to extend along a length of the paddle valve  275 . As shown in  FIG. 36 , which is an end view of the paddle valve  275 , the main valve surface  445  may have a greater thickness as compared to that of the outer edge  450 . 
       FIGS. 37-39  show a swivel joint socket  320 , according to an exemplary embodiment. Swivel joint socket  320  may be used within system  215  to facilitate modular connectivity therein.  FIG. 37  shows a perspective view of swivel joint socket  320 , illustrating a water flow inlet location  477  and a water flow outlet location  475 .  FIG. 38  shows an end view of swivel joint  320 , further illustrating relative positions of features  475  and  477 .  FIG. 39  shows a side cross sectional view of swivel joint socket  320  taken along line  65 - 65  of  FIG. 38 , illustrating feature  479  positioned between locations  475  and  477  to facilitate smooth water flow. 
       FIGS. 40-42  show a reducing coupler  250 , according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 40  shows a perspective view of reducing coupler  250 , illustrating water inlet location  480  and water outlet location  485 .  FIGS. 41-42  show end and side cross-sectional views (taken along line  70 - 70  of  FIG. 41 ), respectively, of reducing coupler  250  to illustrate the relative dimensions of reducing coupler  250  at locations  480  and  485 . 
       FIGS. 43-44  show exploded perspective and end views, respectively of a swivel ball fittings kit  505 , according to an exemplary embodiment. Swivel ball fittings kit  505  includes swivel joint socket  320 , swivel joint fitting  310 , and joint gasket  315 . Swivel ball fittings kit  505  may be implemented within system  215  to enable adaptation and/or customization of system  215  to a multitude of installation locations. 
       FIGS. 45-47  show an elbow drain  245 , according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIGS. 45-46  show side and end views, respectively of elbow drain  245  to illustrate water inlet location  493 ,  90  degree bend  490 , and water outlet location  491 .  FIG. 47  shows a side cross-sectional view of elbow drain  245  (taken along line  75 - 75  of  FIG. 46 ), further illustrating inner features  495  to facilitate the coupling of a drain cover assembly  240 . 
       FIGS. 48-53  show side views of system  215  near components that facilitate water flow out of a bathtub  210  exit drain, according to various exemplary embodiments.  FIGS. 48-49  show a side cross-sectional view of system  215  (taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 6  and line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 7 , respectively) installed above flooring near the bathtub  210  exit drain and paddle valve  285 , illustrating alternate configurations of outlet valve body  305 .  FIG. 48  shows a vertical or linear configuration for outlet valve body  305 , enabling water to flow directly downward after passage through valve  275  and/or pipe  325 .  FIG. 49  shows a 90 degree or horizontal configuration for outlet valve body  305 , enabling water to flow outward after passage through valve  275  and/or pipe  325 . As shown the outlet valve body  305  may include one or more contoured features  515  to facilitate quiet water flow through the system  215 .  FIG. 50  shows a side view of system  215  installed below flooring near a bathtub  210  exit drain, illustrating an alternate configuration for system  215  installation.  FIGS. 51-53  show side cross-sectional views of system  215  near the bathtub  210  exit drain, highlighting a distance  510  between elbow drain  245  and inlet valve body  255 . In various embodiments, system  215  may have a different distance  510  to accommodate installation requirements (e.g., size or type of the bathtub  210 , plumbing connecting to the bathtub  210 , etc.).  FIGS. 52-53  also illustrate an alternate position  520  for paddle valve  275 , corresponding to an open valve configuration. Paddle valve  275  may be in position  520  after a rotation  523  caused by motor  260 . 
     Notably, the position of the paddle valve  275  as shown in  FIG. 52  is angled downward in the fully open position. Advantageously, this positioning of the paddle valve  275  directs water to flow downward into the adjacent drain pipe structure, which the inventors have found significantly increases the speed at which water may drain from the bathtub  210 . According to one exemplary embodiment, water may drain from the tub  210  up to approximately 25% more quickly than if the pipes simply met at a  90  degree angle without the water being directed in manner that allows it to flow downward in the drain pipe. Without being limited to a particular theory, one potential reason for this increased drainage speed may be the reduction in cavitation in the water being drained as a result of controlling the fluid to flow in the desired direction. 
       FIG. 54  shows a side cross-sectional view of system  215  (taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 6 ) near the bathtub  210  exit drain, illustrating the configuration of drain cover assembly  240  and comprising parts, including drain stopper  525 , drain post  530 , strainer  535 , and attaching screw  540 .  FIGS. 55-58  show a bath drain strainer body  497 , according to exemplary embodiments.  FIGS. 55-56  show perspective and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of drain strainer body  497 , illustrating upper surface  550  (to interface with drain post  530 ) and round surface  555  (to interface with elbow drain  245 ).  FIG. 57  shows a top view of drain strainer body  497  additionally illustrating features  560  to interface with drain cover assembly  240 .  FIG. 58  shows a side view of drain strainer body  497 . 
       FIG. 59  shows an exploded view of drain cover assembly  240  (including drain stopper  525 , drain post  530 , drain strainer  535 , and connecting screw  540 ), according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIGS. 60-61  show top and side views of drain stopper  525  which prevents large debris from entering system  215 . As illustrated in  FIG. 62 , which is a cross-sectional view of the drain stopper  525  taken along line  85 - 85  of  FIG. 60 , the drain stopper  525  may be dome shaped.  FIGS. 63 and 64  show top and side views, respectively of drain post  530 , illustrating central post  580  which interfaces with drain stopper  525 , features  575  to catch unwanted debris from entering system  215 , and post  570  to couple with drain strainer  535 .  FIGS. 65-66  show top and side views, respectively, of drain strainer  535 , to illustrate central aperture  585  which facilitates coupling to drain post  530 . In addition  FIGS. 65-66  illustrate outer ring  595 , radial arms  590 , and texture features  600  to prevent any remaining debris from entering system  215 . 
       FIGS. 67-68  show system  215  including thermistor  605  coupled to inlet valve body  255 , according to an exemplary embodiment. Thermistor  605  enables temperature measurements and bath water monitoring to inform system  215  operation. As shown in  FIG. 67 , which is an exploded view of the system  215 , the thermistor  605  may be coupled to the system  215  via the inlet valve body  255  disposed between the elbow drain  245  and the valve  275 . In various embodiments, the thermistor  605  may be communicably coupled to one or more controllers and/or one or more user devices such that the thermistor  605  may be used to monitor and/or control a temperature of water entering the bathtub  210 . In various embodiments, such temperature control may be based on one or more preset modes, conditions, settings (e.g., set by a controller and/or user device). As shown in  FIGS. 68-69 , the thermistor  605  may be coupled to the inlet valve body  255  through an opening in the air passage cover  265  such that an end of the thermistor  605  extends through an elongated portion  606  of the inlet valve body  255 . In various embodiments, the thermistor  605  may facilitate the determination and setting of water temperature preferences within the bathtub  210 , as defined or input by a user device, which may be communicably coupled to the thermistor  605 . 
       FIGS. 70-80  show sensor housing  280 , which contains the pressure sensor for measuring pressure within the air passageway in inlet valve  255 , according to exemplary embodiments. Sensor housing  280  includes recessed features  620  and  625 , which are configured facilitate placement for coupling of the sensor housing  280  to the inlet and outlet valve bodies  255  and  305 , respectively. Cutout features  623 ,  627 ,  629 , and  640  facilitate engagement and coupling of the sensor housing  280  to inlet and outlet valve bodies  255  and  305  and containment of a pressure sensor (and associated connections). As shown in  FIGS. 71-80 , the sensor housing  280  includes a protruding feature  630 , which is disposed on a side of the housing  280  opposite a side  615  in which the cutout  629  is disposed. In various embodiments, the protruding feature  630  engages with the  0 -rings  277  to enable fluid sealing of the coupling between the sensor  280  and the inlet valve body  255 . 
       FIGS. 81-82  show front views of system  215  as coupled to fit the bathtub  210 , according to exemplary embodiments.  FIG. 82  illustrates the proximity of the motor  260  and outlet valve body  305 . As described, a water level within the tub  210  may be controlled based on a pressure associated with an air bubble within inlet valve body  255 , which may be measured by a pressure sensor  670 .  FIG. 83  shows a front view of a pressure sensor circuit board  290 , which is coupled to sensor housing  280  to enable pressure measurement, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIGS. 84 and 85-86  show side cross-sectional and exploded views, respectively, of pressure sensor housing assembly  665  containing pressure sensor  670 , circuit board  290 , and housing  280 , which couples to the inlet valve body  255  via extruded member  700 . As shown, the pressure sensor  670  is coupled to the pressure sensor circuit board  290  via apertures  650 ,  655 , and  660 . Pressure measured by the pressure sensor  670  may be transmitted (e.g., to a controller, a user device, etc.) via a cable  610  coupled to the pressure sensor circuit board  290 . In various embodiments, the system  215  may be configured to monitor the rate of change of sensed pressure (e.g., sensed by the sensor  670 ) to determine normal or abnormal filling, drainage, or bathtub  210  occupancy. In various embodiments, the system  215  may be configured to operate based on one or more preset thresholds or set points corresponding to a water level (e.g., determined based on the sensed pressure), a temperature, an occupancy, etc. 
       FIGS. 87, 88, and 89  show front, cross-sectional, and back views of the air passage cover  265  which couples to inlet valve body  255  (via features  705 - 720 ), according to exemplary embodiments. As shown, the air passage cover  265  includes one or more apertures (e.g., through holes)  705  disposed within a first side  710  to facilitate coupling of the cover  265  to the inlet valve body  255 . Furthermore, the cover  265  may further include one or more protruding portions  715 , which may extend from a second side  720  to be received by one or more openings or recesses of the inlet valve body  255 . 
       FIGS. 90-93  show a pressure sensor housing cover  300  which couples to pressure sensor housing  280  (via features  685 - 735 ), according to exemplary embodiments. As shown, the pressure sensor housing cover  300  includes apertures (e.g., through holes)  685 ,  695 ,  725 , and  730  disposed within the cover  300  (e.g., within a first side  735 ) to facilitate coupling of the cover  300  to the pressure sensor housing  280 . Furthermore, the cover  300  may further include one or more protruding portions  740  and/or recessed features  750 , which may be disposed on a second pside  745  of the cover  300  to be received by one or more features of the pressure sensor housing  280 . 
       FIGS. 94-95  show the pressure sensor seal  283  which interfaces with a pressure sensor via an inner surface  760  and with the pressure sensor housing  280  via an outer surface  755 , according to exemplary embodiments. 
       FIGS. 96-97  show back-end and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a valve motor assembly  680  for a drain system  215 , according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIGS. 96-97  illustrate connectivity among motor  260 , inlet valve body  255 , and outlet valve body  305 .  FIGS. 96-97  further illustrate a feature  770  attached to the motor  260  drive mechanism  775 , adjacent a motor shaft  780 , wherein the motor shaft  780  extends from the motor  260  body, which enables the motor  260  to be manually operated without electric control (e.g. “backdriven”). For example, in the event of a power failure or other situations in which the motor  260  ceases to function temporarily or permanently, a wrench may be used to move the motor shaft  780  so as to allow drainage to occur in the system.  FIGS. 98-101  show side views of motor  260  to illustrate feature  770 , drive mechanism  775 , interfacing surface  785 , motor shaft  780 , portion  790  (e.g., lever, cable), and orientation direction  800 , according to exemplary embodiments. Motor shaft  780  may be rotated according to the orientation direction  800  to open or close the valve  275 . 
       FIGS. 102 and 103-104 , show side and side cross-sectional views of a drain system  810  (similar to system  215 ) which includes a modified valve assembly  820 , according to exemplary embodiments. In contrast to the previously-discussed embodiments,  FIGS. 103 and 104  shows a butterfly valve  830  design housed within inlet and outlet valve bodies  255  and  835 , respectively. 
     Valve  830  interfaces with seal  825  as controlled by a motor (e.g. motor  260 ) to meter water flow exiting coupler  815  through system  810 . According to an exemplary embodiment, valve  830  is configured as a substantially circular disk within the outlet valve body  835  and is configured to allow water to flow both over and under the valve  830  when it is in the open position as shown in  FIG. 104 . A stop  836  (shown as a block member just above the right-most portion of the valve  830  in  FIG. 104 ) is provided to constrain rotation of the valve  830  further counterclockwise than shown in  FIG. 104 . The stop  836  is integrally formed with and extends from a wall of outlet valve body  835  in  FIG. 104 , but may have different sizes, shapes, or configurations according to other exemplary embodiments. As illustrated, the “fully open” position of the valve  830  is as shown in  FIG. 104  such that the valve  830  is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet valve body  835 . The “fully closed” position would be  90  degrees from that position, such that the valve  830  blocks the flow of water through the outlet valve body  835 . 
       FIGS. 105 and 106  show side and exploded views, respectively, of an overflow drain assembly  840  of system  215  (or  810 ), according to exemplary embodiments. Assembly  840  includes an overflow elbow section  345  (located on the exterior of bathtub  210 ) through which water above a desired level in bathtub  210  may exit. Water flowing into section  345  subsequently flows through swivel ball fittings  310 ,  315 , and  320  into pipe  325  to join the rest of water flow in system  215  (or  810 ). 
       FIGS. 107-109  show perspective views of various overflow drain cover designs (located on interior of bathtub  210 ) to be coupled with assembly  840 .  FIGS. 107, 108, and 109  illustrate a tray-shaped cover design  860 , a contoured design  870 , and a round or scalloped design  880 , respectively. As illustrated, the overflow drain assembly  840  may be coupled to a tray-shaped drain cover  865 , a contoured cover  875 , or a round or scalloped cover  885 . In various embodiments, the drain covers  865 ,  875 ,  885  may be interchangeably coupled to the assembly  840 .  FIGS. 110-111  illustrate side cross-sectional views of the contoured design  875  and the tray-shaped design  865 , respectively, according to exemplary embodiments. As shown, the elbow section  345  of the overflow drain assembly  840  may be coupled to either of covers  865 ,  875  via one or more coupling components  890 ,  895 ,  900 . As shown, one or more sealing members  850  may be disposed between the bathtub  210  and the elbow section  345  to prevent water leakage therebetween. 
     In yet other embodiments, the overflow drain assembly  840  may be coupled to an elongated drain cover.  FIGS. 112-113  show cross-sectional (taken along lines  92 - 92  and  93 - 93 , respectively) views and  FIGS. 14-116  show side views of an elongated overflow drain cover  903 , according to exemplary embodiments. As shown in  FIGS. 114 and 115 , the drain cover  903  may have a contoured body  905  with a curved outer edge  910 . As shown, the cover  903  may include one or more mounting portions  907 , which facilitate coupling to the overflow drain assembly  840 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the overflow drain covers (e.g., covers  865 ,  875 ,  885 ) having different aesthetic designs may be coupled to the same “internal” portion of the overflow drain system  215  (or  810 ). Stated another way, the overflow drain system (e.g., system  215  or  815  via the assembly  840 ) may allow for the use of the same internal portion with multiple different user-facing overflow drain covers (e.g., covers  865 ,  875 ,  885 ), which may advantageously allow users/installers to provide a desired aesthetic appearance for the drain cover without having to change or modify the internal portion of the overflow drain system  215  (or  810 ). 
       FIGS. 117-118  show a mounting plate  920  to couple the overflow drain cover  903  to a bathtub  210  (e.g., via assembly  840 ) As illustrated, the mounting plate  920  may include a contoured frame  935  having one or more mounting features or apertures  925 ,  925  to facilitate coupling of the plate  920  to the assembly  840 .  FIGS. 119-123  show various possible configurations for an overflow drain system  950  (similar or equivalent to system  215  and/or  810 ), according to exemplary embodiments. As shown, the overflow drain system  950  may be configured as a modular system, wherein each component within the system may be removable and/or replaceable to accommodate various tub sizes (e.g., bathtub  210 ), design preferences, and/or plumbing configurations. In various embodiments, the system  950  may be configured such that it may be retrofit to various tub (e.g., bathtub  210 ) designs. 
     In various embodiments, the overflow drain system (e.g., system  215 ,  810 ,  950 ) may be couplable to one or more power supply devices to enable automatic operation of the drain system.  FIGS. 124-126  show various power supply devices  1000  to enable operation of a drain system  215  (and/or systems  810 ,  950 ), according to exemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, at least one of the motor  260 , pressure sensor  670 , thermistor  605 , or one or more controllers coupled to the system (e.g., system  215 ,  810 ,  950 ) may draw power via devices  1000 . 
     In various embodiments, the overflow drain system (e.g., system  215 ,  810 ,  950 ) may be couplable to a controller, such as controller  1005  as shown in  FIG. 127 , to control one or more operations thereof (e.g., method  100 ), wherein the controller may be a non-transitory computer readable medium or processor having computer-readable instructions stored thereon that when executed, cause the controller to carry out operations (e.g., operations  105 - 130  of method  100 ) called for by the instructions. In various embodiments, the controller may be a thermostat or other computing device. In yet other embodiments, the controller may be configured as part of a data cloud configured to receive commands from a user control device and/or a remote computing device. The controller may include a power source (e.g., similar or equivalent to devices  1000 ), a memory, a communications interface, and a processor. In other embodiments, the controller may include additional, fewer, and/or different components. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the application as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the apparatus and control system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. 
     Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.