Sink Accessory Coupling Device for Non-Uniform Height Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sink accessories face challenges in being securely and stably mounted on sinks with non-uniform height levels, particularly when the faucet bank and other sections of the sink rim are at different heights, and when a worktop covers parts of the sink edge, causing height offsets that complicate the connection of accessories.
Innovation Solution
A sink accessory with a coupling device that couples only to a single coupling side wall of the sink, using an inner and outer coupling element, allowing for stable positioning without requiring uniform height levels on opposite side walls or worktops, and enabling movement along the sink's longitudinal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sink accessory is placed on opposite sections of a sink edge or on a rim, then the accessory can be supported, but all support surfaces must be at the same height which limits adaptability to different sink configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device transitions from requiring horizontal support surfaces to coupling with vertical side walls of the basin. The inner coupling element engages with the inner side of the coupling side wall while the outer coupling element engages with the outer side, effectively moving the support from horizontal to vertical dimension, thereby accommodating various height configurations of sink edges and worktops.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary between the sink accessory and the basin, providing a standardized interface that adapts to varying sink configurations. Rather than requiring the accessory to directly contact uniform-height support surfaces, the coupling device mediates the connection by engaging with the vertical side wall at a consistent coupling height, absorbing height variations from the sink edge and worktop.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a sink accessory is coupled to both the inside and outside of a coupling side wall, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner coupling element and outer coupling element are merged into a single integrated coupling device structure. Rather than being separate components, they are combined into one device that simultaneously engages with both the inner and outer sides of the coupling side wall, providing stable positioning while maintaining relatively simple device construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into an inner coupling element and an outer coupling element, each serving a specific function. The inner coupling element engages with the inner side of the side wall while the outer coupling element engages with the outer side, allowing independent optimization of each element's design while working together to provide stable positioning.
3Ease of operation
If a sink accessory is placed on a base area of the sink bowl, then installation is simplified, but stability and functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the accessory directly on the base area, the coupling device creates a copied or replicated mounting interface on the vertical side wall. The inner and outer coupling elements replicate the support function normally provided by horizontal surfaces, but transfer it to a vertical coupling surface, maintaining ease of installation while dramatically improving stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a sink accessory (112) for placement on a sink (108), comprising a docking device (156) for coupling the sink accessory to a docking side wall (122) of a bowl (110) of the sink (108) in an operative position, which can be positioned on the sink in a simple and stable manner, without having to form several horizontal supporting surfaces at the same height level on the sink or on a worktop on which the sink is placed, and without affecting the functionality of the sink accessory or the sink is restricted, it is proposed that the coupling device has an inner coupling element (134) which, in the working position, can be placed against an inner side (186) of the coupling side wall facing the interior (194) of the basin, and an outer coupling element (136) which can be placed in the working position on an outside (188) of the coupling side wall facing away from the interior of the basin, comprising St.