Movable Sink Insert Plate with Passive Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sinks with integrated cutting boards or inserts are complex in design, restrict the receiving area, and limit the insert's position to a single height level, requiring manual adjustment by the user.

Innovation Solution

A sink with a separate, non-perforated insert plate that can be adjusted vertically using a lifting device, allowing for multiple height positions, and incorporates a passive residual media discharge system for efficient liquid removal, including a drainage channel or hydrophobic coating to prevent puddling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an integrated base with plate is used, then the cutting function is provided, but the receiving area is restricted and the design becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting functionVSAvoidreceiving area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting board is separated from the basin as an independent insert plate that can be freely positioned and removed. This segmentation allows the receiving area to remain fully accessible when the insert plate is not in use, while still providing cutting functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting board function is extracted as a separate removable component rather than being integrated into the basin structure. This extraction eliminates the restriction on the receiving area while maintaining the cutting capability through the separable insert plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the plate is fixed at one height level, then the structure is simple, but the usability is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustmentVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert plate is made dynamically adjustable in height along the lateral walls rather than being fixed at a single position. This dynamic positioning capability allows the plate to be moved to different heights as needed, enhancing versatility without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The insert plate's position is extended from a single fixed point to a continuous range along the vertical dimension. This dimensional extension allows height adjustment while maintaining structural simplicity through the guide groove mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If manual attachment and removal is required, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert plate positioningVSAvoidlifting device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device enables the insert plate to be easily raised and positioned without requiring significant manual effort. The guide grooves and lifting mechanism work together to facilitate smooth, effortless positioning and removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If the insert plate is non-perforated, then the structural integrity is maintained, but liquid accumulation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidliquid accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage function is extracted as a separate passive discharge device integrated into the insert plate. This device includes channels and openings that extract accumulated liquid from the plate surface and discharge it into the basin below, preventing puddling while maintaining the plate's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive residual media discharge device acts as an intermediary between the insert plate and the basin. It mediates the liquid discharge process by providing dedicated channels and openings that guide liquid from the plate to the basin without compromising the plate's structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 flexible positioning of the insert plate without manual effort and enhances cleanliness by automatically draining liquids, preventing puddling and ensuring easy access for various tasks.

Implementation Method 1

it may be provided that the residual media discharge device has a hydrophobic coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic coating: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

The automatic discharge of liquid residual media, which thus remain standing or are deposited on the top of the insert plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11851861B2Sink with movable insert plate and passive discharge device for residual media on the insert plate

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH

AI summary

A sink includes a basin including a base wall and lateral walls adjoining the base wall. The basin includes 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 moved by a lifting device relative to the basin. A residual media discharge device discharges residual media from a top of the insert plate.