Automated Sink Insert Plate Positioning via Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sinks with integrated cutting boards or inserts are limited by fixed positions and complex basin designs, restricting usability and requiring manual adjustment by the user.
Innovation Solution
A sink with a separate, non-perforated insert plate and a lifting device, along with an interaction unit that detects user actions and influences to automatically adjust the insert plate's position based on predefined criteria, allowing for multiple vertical positions and intelligent positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated base is attached to the basin bottom to form a cutting board, then a cutting surface is provided, but the basin design becomes complex and the receiving area is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting board function is separated from the basin structure. Instead of integrating the base directly into the basin, a separate insert plate is used that can be placed on the basin bottom, allowing the basin to maintain its simple receiving area while providing cutting functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting board surface is extracted as a separate removable component (insert plate) rather than being permanently integrated into the basin. This allows the basin to remain simple and unobtrusive while the cutting function can be added or removed based on user needs.
2Reliability
If the plate is attached to the basin base, then the cutting board is fixed, but the plate can only be positioned at one height level and requires manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the insert plate position based on detected operating states or user gestures, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The plate moves itself in response to sensor inputs, such as detecting when a user approaches or when the faucet is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated actuation system driven by sensors and motors. The interaction unit detects user intent and triggers the lifting device to move the plate automatically, replacing the need for manual mechanical manipulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various inserts are provided separately from the basin, then functionality is added, but usability is restricted and inserts must be manually attached or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The insert plate automatically positions itself within the basin using the lifting device, eliminating the need for manual installation or removal. The system detects when the plate needs to be positioned and moves it automatically, making the process self-serving rather than requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert plate transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position. The lifting device enables the plate to move vertically along the basin walls, allowing it to adapt its position based on operational needs rather than being fixed at a single location.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the insert plate can be positioned at multiple vertical positions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the lifting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism utilizes the existing vertical space and structural elements of the basin, copying and adapting the basin's own walls and geometry to guide and support the insert plate's movement. This reduces the need for entirely new structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is integrated with the existing basin structure and interaction unit, serving multiple functions: it provides vertical movement, integrates with the detection system, and works within the existing spatial constraints of the basin. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding positioning capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sink includes a basin including a base wall and lateral walls adjoining the base wall, with the basin including a receiving area delimited by the base wall and the lateral walls. An insert plate separate from the basin is inserted into the receiving area and moveable by a lifting device relative to the basin. An interaction unit is provided to detect an influencing factor involving an operating state of the sink, and/or a change in the operating state of the sink, and/or an operating action by a user of the sink, with the lifting device automatically changing a position of the insert plate in response to a detection of the influencing factor by the interaction unit.