Kitchen cabinet having a worktop that comprises a sink and an insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of kitchen furniture with recessed sinks requires lifting and transferring a flat work base, such as a cutting board, into and out of the sink for rinsing, leading to inefficiencies and water spillage.
Innovation Solution
A recessed sink with a slanted ramp and an insert featuring a horizontal work surface and subframe that compensates for the ramp's incline, allowing direct water flow from a strategically placed water inlet for full-area rinsing without moving the insert.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional sink with vertical side walls is used, then the sink structure is simple, but the rinsing of flat work bases requires lifting and transferring them in and out of the sink
Solution Approach 1:
The sink side wall is designed as a movable ramp instead of a fixed vertical wall. The ramp can be tilted between a storage position (flush with worktop) and a rinsing position (angled to facilitate water flow), allowing the sink structure to adapt dynamically to different operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp introduces a dimensional change by creating an inclined plane that extends outward from the sink basin. This additional spatial dimension allows water to flow over the ramp surface onto the worktop, eliminating the need to lift work bases out of the sink for rinsing
2Productivity
If the ramp inclination angle is increased to improve water drainage, then drainage efficiency improves, but the adhesion of the subframe on the ramp decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp inclination angle is optimized within a specific range (15°-45°, preferably 25°-35°) to balance two competing requirements: sufficient slope for effective water and waste drainage, while maintaining adequate adhesion force for the subframe. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between drainage efficiency and structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive elements are introduced as an intermediary between the subframe and the ramp surface. These adhesive elements enhance the bonding interface, allowing the subframe to maintain reliable adhesion even at higher inclination angles that would otherwise compromise stability
3Reliability
If the ramp inclination angle is decreased to improve subframe adhesion, then adhesion improves, but water and waste matter drainage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp inclination angle is optimized within a specific range (15°-45°, preferably 25°-35°) to balance two competing requirements: sufficient slope for effective water and waste drainage, while maintaining adequate adhesion force for the subframe. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between drainage efficiency and structural stability
4Ease of operation
If a faucet above the sink is used for rinsing, then water can be directed to the sink, but the work surface must be lifted and transferred to access the water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet is pre-positioned at the upper region of the ramp, which is the optimal location for water to flow directly onto the work surface. This preliminary positioning of the water source eliminates the need to move the work surface to access water, as the water is already delivered to the correct location
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp serves as an intermediary element that bridges the water inlet and the work surface. Water flows from the inlet at the top of the ramp, down along the inclined surface, and directly onto the work base, creating a continuous water path that eliminates the need for manual transfer operations
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
Simplifies the rinsing process by eliminating the need to transfer the work surface in and out of the sink, ensuring a horizontal work surface and efficient water drainage directly into the sink's drain.
Implementation Method 1
water can run directly from the upper side of the ramp over the work surface
Implementation Method 2
the subframe is configured such that it compensates the slant of the ramp to keep the work surface horizontal
Implementation Method 3
at least one adhesive element can be fastened to the lower edges of both webs to increase the friction between the lower edges and the ramp
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a kitchen cabinet having a worktop (10) in which at least one sink (20, 40) embedded, at least one lateral wall of the sink being in the form of an inclined ramp (21, 41). An insert (30) provided on the ramp has a flat work surface (32) and a substructure (33), said substructure being designed such that it compensates for the inclination of the ramp in order to keep the work surface level.