Washbasin Hidden Drain Design With Movable Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washbasins have visible drain holes that accumulate dirt and debris, creating an unappealing appearance and are difficult to clean due to the need for accessing cleaning materials stored far away.
Innovation Solution
A washbasin design with a hidden drain hole and a movable closing element that conceals the drain area while allowing easy access for cleaning, incorporating a compartment for storing cleaning and hygiene products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drain hole is located in central position in the bottom of the washbasin, then the drainage function is efficient, but the drain hole is always visible to the user and creates discomfort due to accumulated dirt and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The drain hole is extracted from the central visible area and relocated to a narrow cavity at the rear of the washbasin bottom, where it is hidden from view. This extraction removes the harmful visual element (dirty drain hole) from the user's field of vision while maintaining drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain hole is moved from the central horizontal plane to a recessed cavity in the rear dimension, creating a hidden space that conceals the drain hole from front viewing angles while preserving access for cleaning operations.
2Ease of operation
If the drain hole is hidden in a narrow cavity at the rear of the washbasin, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the access to the drain hole for cleaning reasons becomes extremely difficult and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is made movable between a closed position (hiding the cavity) and an open position (exposing the cavity for cleaning). This dynamic element allows the system to switch between aesthetic mode and maintenance mode, resolving the contradiction between hidden drain and accessible cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element is divided into a first portion that covers the cavity opening and a second portion that forms a storage compartment. This segmentation allows the cleaning access function to be separated from the aesthetic covering function, with each portion serving its specific purpose.
3Ease of manufacture
If cleaning materials and hygiene products are stored in cabinets or shelves far away from the washbasin, then storage space is organized, but the user must travel to retrieve these items making the cleaning process time consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is merged with the closing element of the hidden cavity, combining the aesthetic cover function with the storage function. Cleaning materials and hygiene products are stored in this integrated compartment, allowing immediate access without traveling to distant cabinets.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element serves multiple functions: it aesthetically conceals the drain hole, provides access to the cavity for cleaning, and stores cleaning materials and hygiene products. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage locations.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 4
AI summary
Washbasin (100) comprising a basin (1) comprising at least one wall (111, 112, 113, 114) and a bottom (12); wherein said bottom (12) comprises a drain area (120) and said bottom (12) is inclined and shaped in such a way to convey the water toward the drain area (120); the washbasin (100) has a drain hole (F) formed in the drain area (120) of the bottom (12); the peculiarity of the washbasin (100) is that it comprises an upper wall (2) projecting from the at least one wall (111) and surmounting the drain area (120) in such a way to define a cavity (V) together with the drain area (120); wherein the washbasin (100) has a closing element (3) that closes the cavity (V) in such a way that the drain hole (F) is not visible.