Sink Drip Element With Offset Drainage for Stable Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing draining elements for sinks do not provide a stable method for storing drained goods or sink accessories, as water often needs to be manually emptied and the design does not allow for secure storage or easy cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A draining element with a drainage channel having an inlet at a distance from the edges, featuring a base body with detachable draining boards and a magnetic or clip-based fastening system, and side rails for supporting a kitchen board, allowing for stable storage and automatic water drainage into the sink.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If water flows to the edge of the draining surface, then drainage is achieved, but stable storage of drained goods and accessories is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage functionVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The draining element is divided into a base body and detachable draining boards. The draining boards can be removed to create stable storage surfaces, while the base body provides drainage functionality through integrated drainage channels with inlets positioned away from edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage channels are positioned at different levels and depths within the base body, creating a three-dimensional drainage system. The inlets are arranged at specific distances from edges to allow water collection without compromising the stability of items placed on the draining surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the draining element has a simple structure, then ease of manufacture is improved, but storage stability and functionality are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The draining element consists of a base body and separate draining boards that can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be produced efficiently while the combination provides stable storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains integrated drainage channels for water management, and offers attachment points for draining boards. This multi-functionality achieves complex functionality without requiring complex manufacturing for each individual component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the draining element allows manual emptying, then water removal is achieved, but productivity and ease of operation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater removalVSAvoiddrainage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage channels are designed to automatically collect and channel water from the draining surfaces to designated outlets. The system serves itself by using gravity and the channel geometry to move water without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both ease of operation and drainage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The drainage channels act as intermediaries between the draining surfaces and the sink or collection point. They automatically transport water through their structured path, eliminating the need for manual emptying while maintaining high drainage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of repair

If the draining element has detachable components, then ease of cleaning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidcomponent assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The draining boards are detachably connected to the base body, allowing them to be separated for individual cleaning. This segmentation provides excellent cleaning accessibility to all surfaces while the simple detachable connection minimizes the complexity of assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between draining boards and base body is designed to be dynamically changeable - easily detachable for cleaning and easily reattachable for use. This dynamic characteristic allows the structure to adapt between cleaning mode and operational mode without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables stable storage of drained goods and sink accessories, automatic water drainage, easy cleaning, and a visually appealing design that combines the benefits of a closed tub with the functionality of a drainer, with the draining element and kitchen board being stackable for enhanced usability.

Implementation Method 1

the fastening device comprises at least one magnetic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2147628B1Combination of a sink and a drip element
Publication Date: 2014.12.31 BLANCO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2147628B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2147628B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2147628B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The drip element (124) comprises a drip surface (202,218) and a drainage device (232). The drainage device comprises a drainage channel with an inlet (230) arranged at a distance from the edges of the drip element. A drip plate (198,214) and the drip surface form an upper surface of the drip element. An independent claim is included for a combination of a drip element and a stackable chopping board.