Pivotable Sink Insert Plate for Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sinks with integrated cutting boards or inserts are limited in design complexity, restrict the receiving space, and require manual adjustment and positioning, which limits usability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A sink with a separate, adjustable insert plate that can be moved vertically and tilted using a lifting device, allowing for continuous height adjustment and tilting, enabling various positions and independent movement of the insert plate without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated base is formed with the tub bottom, then a cutting board function is provided, but the design becomes complex and storage space is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting board function is separated from the tub structure as a distinct insert plate that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation eliminates the need for integrated bases, simplifying the tub design while maintaining the cutting board functionality through separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert plate serves multiple functions including cutting board, draining board, and storage surface. By making the insert plate universal and interchangeable, the system provides versatility without requiring complex integrated structures for each specific function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plate is attached to an integrated base, then a cutting board is formed, but the plate is restricted to a single height position
Solution Approach 1:
The insert plate is made dynamically adjustable in height through the lifting device, transitioning from a fixed single-position plate to a multi-position adjustable plate. This dynamic positioning capability allows the plate to be raised to various heights including above the tub rim for different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
A lifting device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the insert plate and the tub, enabling height adjustment without requiring a complex integrated base structure. The lifting device mediates the positioning function, providing flexibility while keeping the base structure simple.
3Ease of operation
If inserts are placed on the upper edge of the tub, then storage is enabled, but usability is severely limited and manual attachment/removal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device enables the insert plate to serve itself by automatically raising and positioning the plate to various heights and locations. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual attachment and removal, allowing the insert to position itself optimally for different tasks such as cutting, draining, or storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert plate is moved from the limited two-dimensional surface of the tub upper edge to a three-dimensional space above the tub through vertical lifting. This dimensional transition provides numerous positioning options including heights above the rim, angled positions for draining, and various orientations, greatly expanding placement flexibility.
4Device complexity
If the insert plate is fixed at one position, then结构简单 (structure is simple), but height adjustment and tilting functionality are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and tilting functions are segmented into separate mechanical systems: a lifting device for vertical movement and a tilting device for angular adjustment. This segmentation allows each device to be independently controlled and optimized, providing complex functionality while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a sink (1) with a basin (2) which has a bottom wall (3) and adjoining side walls (4, 5, 6, 7), and the basin (2) has a receiving space (8) delimited by the walls (4 to 7), wherein the sink (1) has an insert plate (10) which is separate from the basin (2) and which is inserted into the receiving space (8), wherein the sink (1) has a lifting apparatus (11) by means of which the insert plate (10) is movable relative to the basin (2), and the lifting apparatus (11) has at least one lifting unit (28) with a lifting device (39) by means of which the insert plate (10) is movable in the vertical direction (y), and the lifting apparatus (11) has a tilting device (57) which makes it possible to perform a tilting movement of the insert plate (10) relative to the horizontal plane.