Foldable Sink Cover Panels for Small Bathroom Counter Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bathrooms with pedestal-type sinks or limited countertop space face challenges in storing and accessing personal hygiene and cosmetic products due to lack of storage and minimal surface area, leading to clutter and risk of damage or wetting of products.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and expandable apparatus made of anti-microbial, heat-resistant plastic panels that can be hingedly or slidably connected to cover and extend the sink surface, providing additional countertop space while being easy to clean, transport, and customize with designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If pedestal-type sinks or smaller sinks are used, then space utilization in small bathrooms is improved, but countertop space for storing personal products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sink cover is designed with hinged panels that can transition between a closed position (covering the sink basin) and an open position (providing additional countertop space). This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to serve dual purposes: protecting the sink when not in use and expanding workspace when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension and the sink basin area to create additional functional surface area. By covering the sink basin with hinged panels, the design converts an otherwise wasted surface (the top of the sink) into usable countertop space, effectively adding area in a different spatial dimension.
2Ease of operation
If personal products are placed on limited countertop space, then accessibility is improved, but product safety deteriorates due to risk of knocking products onto floor or into sink
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged panels create a protected, enclosed space that prevents products from accidentally falling into the sink basin or onto the floor. The structure acts as a preventive barrier before accidents can occur, cushioning against potential damage to personal products.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged panel structure serves as an intermediary barrier between the countertop space and the sink basin. This intermediate structure provides a safe transition zone that prevents direct contact between products and the hazardous environment of the sink or floor.
3Strength
If sink cover apparatus is made sturdy to support products, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but ease of removal and transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged design allows the structure to be dynamic rather than fixed. The panels can be easily folded and collapsed for removal and transport, yet when assembled, they provide sufficient structural support. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sink cover is divided into multiple hinged panels rather than being a single rigid piece. This segmentation allows the structure to be collapsed into a compact form for easy storage and transport, while still providing adequate support when assembled and in use.
4Area of moving object
If hinged panels are used to expand sink surface, then countertop space is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into multiple independent hinged panels that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing of individual components and makes the overall assembly straightforward, despite the increased functional area provided.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use with a sink having a basin. The apparatus includes a plurality of interconnected panels for positioning on a top surface of the sink. The plurality of interconnected panels are configured to be positionable in a first position to cover the sink basin and a second position for storage.