Adjustable Sink Insert Plate With Automated Residual Media Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sinks with integrated inserts or plates restrict usability and require manual adjustment, leading to complex designs and limited space utilization, while existing separate inserts need manual attachment and positioning, and residual media accumulation is difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A sink with a separate, vertically adjustable insert plate and an integrated residual media drainage system, featuring electromechanical components for controlled drainage through tilting, rotation, airflow, or vibration, ensuring the insert plate can be positioned at various heights and residual media is efficiently removed without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an integrated plinth is formed with the basin floor, then the plate can be positioned at a fixed height, but the overall design becomes more complex and available space is significantly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The insert plate is separated from the basin structure, allowing independent movement and positioning. The lifting device is divided into discrete components (motor, gear rack, gear wheel) that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The insert plate transitions from a fixed position (integrated plinth) to a dynamically adjustable position via the lifting device. The motor-driven mechanism allows continuous vertical movement along the gear rack, enabling flexible positioning without permanent structural modifications to the basin
2Stability of the object's composition
If a plate is placed on an integrated plinth, then the plate is always at a single height, but manual attachment and removal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device automatically positions and secures the insert plate without manual intervention. The motor-driven mechanism self-adjusts the plate height and maintains stable positioning through the engagement of the gear rack with the gear wheel, eliminating the need for users to manually attach or remove the plate
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical attachment system is replaced with an electromechanical lifting device. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, driving the gear wheel to engage with the gear rack and automatically position the insert plate at the desired height
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate inserts are placed on the upper edge of the basin, then the inserts can be removed by users, but usability is severely restricted and positioning is limited to one specific way
Solution Approach 1:
The insert plate is transformed from a static, fixed-position component to a dynamic element that can move vertically along the lifting device. This enables continuous adjustment of the plate's position within the receiving space, greatly enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device serves multiple functions: it positions the insert plate vertically, maintains stable positioning during use, and enables easy removal when needed. This multi-functional mechanism replaces the need for separate attachment systems, improving both adaptability and ease of operation
4Reliability
If residual media accumulates on the insert plate top surface, then cleaning is required, but manual cleaning effort is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The residual media removal device automatically cleans the insert plate surface without user intervention. The movement unit tilts the plate to drain liquids, the airflow generation unit blows away light debris, and the vibration unit dislodges stuck particles, maintaining plate cleanliness autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration unit generates mechanical oscillations on the insert plate surface to dislodge and remove stuck residual media. This vibrational action effectively cleans difficult-to-reach areas without manual scrubbing, maintaining hygiene while minimizing user effort
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 solution allows for flexible insert positioning and automated residual media removal, enhancing usability and maintaining cleanliness without manual effort, preventing media accumulation and spillage.
Implementation Method 1
the residual media drainage device may include at least one airflow generation unit for blowing residual media from the top of the insert plate
Implementation Method 2
the residual media drainage device may include a vibration unit for vibrating the insert plate to remove residual media from the top
Implementation Method 3
The sink has a lifting device with which the insert plate can be moved relative to the basin
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a sink (1) with a basin (2) which has a base wall (3) and lateral walls (4, 5, 6, 7) adjoining the base wall and which has a receiving area (8) delimited by the walls (4 to 7). The sink (1) has an insert plate (10) which is separate from the basin (2) and which is inserted into the receiving area (8), and the sink (1) has a lifting device (11), by means of which the insert plate (10) can be moved relative to the basin (2), wherein the sink (1) has at least one residual media discharge device (28), by means of which residual media can be discharged from the top (10a) of the insert plate (10).