Kitchen Sink Mounting Part with Pivotable Latch Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for mounting kitchen sinks in countertops are cumbersome and costly due to the need for accessible mounting elements from the bottom, requiring extensive production technology and often unreliable adhesive connections.

Innovation Solution

A mounting part comprising a U-shaped rail member with notches, a pivotable latch member, a catch member, and a pull member that allows for secure gripping of the countertop underside, enabling easy installation and removal of the sink without extensive overhang or complex production processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mounting elements are integrated at the edge of the sink using traditional methods (separate parts welded or folds of the rim), then the sink can be securely mounted to the countertop, but the production expense increases and a wide overhang is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidproduction expense

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a rail member with notches that provides the mounting structure, and a latch member that provides the fastening function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies production compared to integrated crimped rims or welded bars.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch member is designed to nest within the rail member structure, with the latch member fitting into the U-shaped rail. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate mounting bars extending from the sink rim, reducing production complexity and material usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If mounting elements are integrated at the edge of the sink using traditional methods, then the sink can be securely mounted to the countertop, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail member and latch member are combined to form an integrated mounting assembly that attaches to the sink rim. The rail member provides structural support while the latch member provides fastening, and together they create a unified mounting system that is simpler than traditional welded bars or crimped rims.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rail member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the latch member movement, and engages with the sink rim. The latch member simultaneously provides fastening and can be operated to release the mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If adhesive connections are used to mount the sink to the countertop, then the production process is simplified, but the mounting reliability deteriorates in the long run

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidmounting durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical adhesive bonding with a mechanical fastening system consisting of the rail member and latch member. This mechanical system provides reliable, reversible mounting without the long-term degradation issues of adhesives, while still maintaining production simplicity through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If mounting elements are arranged around the circumference of the sink with mounting bars extending downward, then the sink can be securely mounted, but the edge overhang must be relatively wide to accommodate the mounting structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidedge overhang

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting mechanism transitions from a horizontal arrangement (mounting bars extending downward from the rim) to a vertical arrangement (latch member moving up and down within the rail member). This dimensional change allows the mounting structure to be more compact and reduces the required edge overhang while maintaining mounting security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10053847B2Kitchen mounting part

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 NINGBO AFA KITCHEN & BATH CO LTD

AI summary

A mounting part for an apparatus to be mounted into a cut-out of a countertop includes a rail member having a front wall with a plurality of notches, and a latch member defining an internal cross-sectional space for receiving the rail member in a manner such that the latch member is able to travel along the rail member. The latch member has a front wall with an extension having a terminal end that extends inwardly towards the rail member and which is adapted to be seated in one of the notches, with the latch member being pivotable with respect to the front wall of the rail member. A catch member is pivotably secured to the latch member, the catch member having an end edge for contacting the underside of a countertop. The mounting part also includes a pull member for pulling the latch member and the catch member upwardly.