Sink Insert Plate Lifting Mechanism with Elastic Sealing Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sinks with integrated cutting boards or inserts are limited in usability due to fixed positions and complex basin designs, restricting the placement of inserts and requiring manual adjustment by the user.
Innovation Solution
A sink with a separate, vertically adjustable insert plate and an elastic sealing sleeve that protects the lifting mechanism from media, allowing continuous height adjustment and preventing media ingress, thus maintaining functionality and user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate insert plate is used instead of an integrated base, then the receiving area is not restricted and usability is improved, but the insert plate can only be positioned at one height level requiring manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The insert plate is equipped with a lifting device that enables automatic vertical movement between different height levels. The lifting device includes a lifting unit with a motor that automatically positions the insert plate, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining the versatility of separate plate insertion and removal
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting device is exposed in the receiving area, then vertical adjustment is enabled, but media in the basin can enter and damage the lifting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing sleeve surrounds the lifting unit and extends into the receiving area. This sealing sleeve is deformable in all spatial directions and prevents media from entering the lifting mechanism while allowing the lifting device to move vertically between different height levels
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the lifting device and the basin media. It protects the lifting unit from harmful media contact while maintaining the functional independence of the lifting mechanism, allowing vertical adjustment without direct exposure to water or other liquids
3Reliability
If the sealing sleeve is made deformable to protect the lifting unit, then media ingress is prevented, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing sleeve is constructed from a flexible material that can deform in all spatial directions to accommodate the lifting unit's vertical movement. This flexibility allows the sealing sleeve to maintain its protective function while adapting to different positions, reducing the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
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
The solution provides a versatile and user-friendly sink with adjustable insert plates, ensuring the lifting device's protection and preventing media from entering the mechanism, ensuring continuous operation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sink has an elastic sealing sleeve which is separate from the lifting unit and surrounds the lifting unit. The sealing sleeve is deformable in all spatial directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A sink includes a basin including a base wall 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 moved by a lifting device relative to the basin. The lifting device includes a lifting unit which is surrounded by an elastic sealing sleeve.