Collapsible Sink Colander Assembly for Stable Rinsing and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional colanders are difficult to handle and store due to their size and shape, often leading to spills and inefficient use of space, as they require manual balancing or awkward placement on countertops.
Innovation Solution
A removable and collapsible basket device integrated with a sink storage assembly, featuring a flexible base member with suction cups for secure attachment, a locking system for easy detachment, and foldable accordion-like sidewalls for compact storage, allowing the colander to be securely positioned within a sink or collapsed for space-saving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional colander is used, then it can perform rinsing and draining functions, but it is difficult to handle and requires manual balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sink-mounted holder as an intermediary device between the user and the colander. The holder is attached to the sink rim and provides a stable support structure that eliminates the need for manual balancing. The colander is suspended from this holder, allowing hands-free operation and preventing spills while maintaining rinsing and draining functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a stationary support structure (the holder) that replicates the stabilizing function previously requiring active user intervention. Instead of the user continuously adjusting the colander's balance, the holder provides a fixed, reliable support point that mimics ideal balancing conditions without requiring user attention.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional colander is used, then it can be used for rinsing foods, but it consumes large amounts of space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting the holder on the sink rim, allowing the colander to hang downward into the sink basin. This vertical storage approach frees up horizontal countertop space while keeping the colander readily accessible. The colander is stored in the vertical space above the sink, which would otherwise be underutilized.
3Productivity
If a conventional colander is used, then it can drain water from foods, but it may spill contents if balance is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The sink-mounted holder serves as a stable intermediary support that eliminates the need for manual balancing. By suspending the colander from this fixed support structure, the contents remain stable during rinsing and draining operations, preventing spills while maintaining the colander's washing and draining functions.
4Ease of operation
If a conventional colander is used, then it can be placed on the countertop, but it is difficult to store in a compact fashion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions storage from the horizontal countertop surface to the vertical space above the sink by mounting the holder on the sink rim. The colander hangs vertically in this previously underutilized space, making storage convenient and eliminating the need for valuable countertop real estate.
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 provides a stable and space-efficient rinsing and storage solution, preventing spills and optimizing storage by allowing the colander to be securely attached to the sink, easily cleaned, and collapsed for compact storage, enhancing user convenience and sink area utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible base member with suction cups for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A colander assembly having a base member and a basket device removeably connectable to the base member. The basket device includes a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and first and second sidewalls forming a basket or storage area, wherein the bottom wall and first and second sidewalls are positionable between a storage position and an extended or use position.