Basin vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sink systems with integrated automatic dryers face issues where high-pressure air streams deflect out of the sink basin, causing discomfort and inconvenience to users due to the deflection of air and water, especially when residual water is present on the sink surface.
Innovation Solution
A sink system design incorporating a vent ring with openings between the sink deck and basin, which redirects high-velocity air streams away from the user by creating a lower pressure zone underneath the sink deck, preventing air and water from being blown back towards the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate automatic dryer is positioned above a sink basin and activated, then hand drying function is provided, but high pressure air stream causes air to deflect out of the sink bowl towards the user causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vent ring with openings positioned between the sink deck and basin, creating a new dimensional pathway for air escape. This allows the air stream to be redirected through a different spatial dimension (through the vent openings underneath) rather than deflecting back towards the user, resolving the harmful air deflection while maintaining drying function
2Speed
If high velocity air is directed into the sink basin, then air stream provides drying force, but the air deflects off the sink basin surface carrying water towards the user causing splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The vent ring acts as an intermediary structure between the high-velocity air stream and the sink basin surface. By providing vent openings, it mediates the air flow path, allowing the air to escape through the openings rather than deflecting off the basin surface, thus preventing water splashing while maintaining the drying air stream's velocity and effectiveness
3Loss of substance
If the sink basin is filled with water and then drains, then water removal is achieved, but residual water remains on the sink basin surface which can be blown towards the user
Solution Approach 1:
The vent ring openings extract the problematic air flow path that would otherwise carry residual water towards the user. By providing an alternative escape route through the vents underneath the sink deck, the system removes the harmful component (water-carrying air stream) from the user-facing direction while maintaining the necessary air flow for drying
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
Effectively prevents the deflection of high-velocity air and water towards the user, enhancing user comfort by ensuring that the air stream is directed away from the user, reducing the risk of splashing and discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
redirects high-velocity air streams away from the user by creating a lower pressure zone underneath the sink deck
Data Source
AI summary
A sink system including a vent for receiving forced air into the sink from a dryer. A vent ring may be located between a sink basin and a sink deck forming the vents. The dryer may be included in a fixture housing with a faucet as a combination. The sink deck may include a vent lip that directs forced air into the vent. The vent lip extends into a basin region beyond the vent. The vent ring may be affixed to the sink deck or to the sink basin.