Foldable Drainage Hole Structure for Under-Sink Waterproof Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing water leakage under sink cabinets, such as plastic fiber mats and self-adhesive aluminum foil, are inadequate in handling large water leaks and require labor-intensive removal for cleaning, leading to dampness and mold issues.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof pad with a drainage hole and a waterproof fence, made of elastomer material, featuring a convex shape for water reception and a concave shape for drainage, allowing partial removal for efficient water discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional waterproof pads (plastic fiber mats, aluminum foil) are used to prevent water leakage, then waterproofing is improved, but the ability to handle large water leaks and ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof pad is segmented into multiple functional zones: a waterproof base layer, a drainage channel system with multiple drainage holes, and a removable drainage cap. This segmentation allows the pad to simultaneously provide waterproofing while enabling efficient water drainage and cleaning through the drainage holes, resolving the contradiction between waterproofing reliability and ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage function is extracted as a separate removable component (drainage cap) that can be taken off for cleaning. The drainage channels are designed as distinct features within the pad structure, allowing water to be actively removed through the drainage holes rather than being trapped, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining waterproofing.
2Reliability
If traditional waterproof pads are used to contain water leakage, then waterproofing is improved, but the time and labor required for cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pad segments water management into containment (waterproof base layer) and drainage (drainage channels with holes). This allows most water to be automatically drained through the channels during normal use, reducing the amount of water that needs to be manually cleaned up and thereby reducing cleaning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channels and drainage holes enable the waterproof pad to automatically drain water leaks without human intervention. The system serves itself by providing a built-in drainage mechanism that actively removes water, reducing the time and labor required for manual cleaning compared to traditional pads that merely contain water.
3Reliability
If a solid waterproof structure is used to prevent water leakage, then waterproofing is improved, but the ability to drain water efficiently deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof pad segments its structure into a continuous waterproof base layer for containment and integrated drainage channels with multiple drainage holes for efficient water removal. This segmentation allows the pad to simultaneously maintain effective waterproofing while providing high drainage efficiency through the channel system, resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pad have different local qualities: the base layer provides uniform waterproofing, while specific localized areas contain drainage channels and drainage holes optimized for water removal. This local differentiation allows the pad to achieve both effective waterproofing and efficient drainage productivity simultaneously.
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 waterproof pad effectively contains and drains water leaks, preventing cabinet damage and mold, while allowing easy water removal without needing to take out the entire pad, thus saving time and effort.
Implementation Method 1
the waterproof pad is made of an elastomer material such as silica gel
Implementation Method 2
the drainage hole is folded downward to be in a concave shape when draining water
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a waterproof pad and a waterproof structure for a cabinet under a sink. The waterproof pad includes a pad body and a waterproof fence, wherein the waterproof fence is arranged around an edge of the pad body, the pad body is further provided with a drainage hole, and the drainage hole is located close to the waterproof fence; and wherein the drainage hole is in a convex shape when receiving water, and the drainage hole is folded downward to be in a concave shape when draining water. When the drainage hole is in a convex shape, a periphery of the drainage hole is provided with a groove that is recessed and an up-down folding function is embodied through the groove. The drainage hole is hemispherical A height of the drainage hole is at least equal to a height of the waterproof fence.