Movable Sink Insert Plate with Integrated Drain Seal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sinks with integrated stanchions or separate inserts are limited in functionality and usability due to fixed design and height positions, requiring manual adjustment and potential hygiene issues with dirty strainers.

Innovation Solution

A sink with a separate, hole-free insert plate that can be adjusted in height using a lifting apparatus, incorporating a closure apparatus with a seal to prevent media from draining, eliminating the need for manual strainer operation and enhancing hygiene by integrating the closure mechanism into the insert plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an integrated stanchion is provided in the basin, then a plate can be placed at a fixed height level, but the basic design of the basin becomes complex and the receiving area is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of sinkVSAvoiddesign complexity of basin

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sink system is divided into separate components: the basin and the insert plate are independent elements that can be used separately or together. The insert plate with integrated closure apparatus is a self-contained module that can be inserted into or removed from the basin, avoiding permanent structural modifications to the basin itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a cutting board surface, provides a closure apparatus for the drain opening, and can be positioned at different height levels. This single component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate elements (cutting board + strainer/stopper).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate inserts are provided that can be placed on the upper edge of the basin, then different insert configurations are possible, but the usability of the sink is greatly reduced and inserts must be fitted or removed manually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert configuration optionsVSAvoidusability of sink

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insert plate with its integrated closure apparatus automatically performs the closure function when inserted into the basin. The closure apparatus is self-activating based on the insert plate's position, eliminating the need for separate manual operation of strainers or stoppers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a strainer is inserted into the drain opening and adjusted in height, then drainage control is possible, but the strainer must be actuated by a complex guided mechanism or direct contact, requiring users to take hold of dirty strainers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrainage control capabilityVSAvoidhygiene issues with dirty strainers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closure apparatus is extracted from the traditional strainer component and integrated into the separate insert plate. This separates the closure function from the drain opening itself, allowing users to operate the closure by handling the clean insert plate rather than a dirty strainer that contacts waste materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure apparatus is merged with the insert plate to form a single integrated component. The closure apparatus includes a seal that engages with the drain opening when the insert plate is in the lowered position, combining the cutting board function and drainage control function in one element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the insert plate can be adjusted to different height positions, then multifunctionality is enhanced, but a lifting apparatus is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidlifting apparatus requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert plate system transitions from a fixed position to a movable one. The insert plate can be inserted into or removed from the basin and positioned at different height levels, providing dynamic adaptability for different uses (e.g., lowered position for drainage control, raised or removed position for accessing the basin).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11851862B2Sink with basin and separate movable insert plate which seals a drain in the basin

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH

AI summary

A sink includes a basin including a base wall having a drain opening for media to run out of the basin, and lateral walls adjoining the base wall. The basin includes a receiving area which is delimited by the base wall and the lateral walls. An insert plate separate from the basin is inserted into the receiving area and movable by a lifting apparatus relative to the basin. A closure apparatus is arranged on the insert plate and is configured to prevent media in the basin from running to the drain opening.