Convex Basin Bottom Rim to Prevent Debris Build-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metal bottoms for reconstituted stone basins are prone to debris accumulation, difficult to clean, and aesthetically mismatched with the stone walls, compromising functionality, hygiene, and appearance due to flat geometry and material incompatibility with the stone surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A planar bottom with a protruding perimetric rim and radiused surface, featuring a groove along the perimeter for adhesive and screw fixation, made from composite materials using GPS technology, eliminating corner edges and facilitating cleaning and mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flat metal bottom is used in reconstituted stone basins, then the material provides structural support and resistance to thermal shock, but debris and dirt accumulate in the coupling edge between the bottom and walls, making cleaning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by replacing the flat bottom with a convex bottom that has a rounded, dome-like shape. This curvature eliminates corner edges and creates a continuous sloping surface that prevents debris accumulation and facilitates easy cleaning, while maintaining structural integrity through the convex geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of manufacture

If a flat metal bottom is used, then the installation process is simple, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised due to material mismatch with stone walls and visible coupling edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the bottom visible and integrating it aesthetically as a design element rather than hiding it. The convex shape creates a deliberate visual feature that complements the stone basin, transforming the previously problematic visible coupling edge into an intentional aesthetic characteristic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If conventional flat bottoms are used, then the structure is simple, but corner edges create areas where dirt and debris build up, compromising hygiene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiddebris accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The convex bottom design eliminates all corner edges by creating a continuous curved surface. This curvature ensures that water and debris flow smoothly toward the drain without accumulating in corners, completely preventing the hygiene issues associated with flat-bottomed basins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4162850A1Bottom for washbasins and sinks in general
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 ELLECI
  • EP4162850A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4162850A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4162850A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bottom (1) for washbasins and sinks in general, comprising a main body (2) which is substantially planar in shape and is provided with a hole (3) for the coupling by insertion of a drain or the like; the main body (2) comprises a perimetric rim (4) which protrudes in a direction which is normal with respect to its planar extension on the side intended to engage the walls of a basin (5).