Sink Insert Channel Structure for Splash-Back Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sink inserts fail to effectively prevent splashing water from returning into the sink, as they often have grid-like structures that refract water jets, leading to significant splash-back.
Innovation Solution
The sink insert features channels beneath the openings that direct water perpendicular to the sink bottom, with a larger cross-section than the openings, causing the water jet to spread and deflect laterally, preventing splash-back, and a smooth top surface minimizes refraction. The channels can be cylindrical, extending to the sink floor for support, and recesses in the channels ensure lateral water flow away from the openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If grid-like web structures are used for water drainage, then drainage function is achieved, but water jets are refracted causing significant splash-back
Solution Approach 1:
The mat element is divided into multiple functional zones: a top surface with openings for water entry, cylindrical channels for vertical water guidance, and support elements for structural stability. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall splash-back
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional grid-like web structure to a three-dimensional structure with cylindrical channels extending vertically through the mat element. This dimensional change allows water to flow through the mat in a controlled vertical path rather than being refracted by planar web intersections, significantly reducing splash-back
2Object-generated harmful factors
If openings with consistent cross-section are used throughout mat thickness, then manufacturing is simple, but water jets maintain axial flow causing splash-back
Solution Approach 1:
The mat element employs different structural characteristics at different locations and depths: the top surface has openings of one cross-sectional size, while the channels beneath have larger cross-sections to accommodate and redirect the water jet. This local variation in geometry optimizes splash-back reduction while remaining manufacturable
3Object-generated harmful factors
If smooth top surface is used, then refraction is minimized reducing splash-back, but water flow distribution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical channels act as intermediaries between the smooth top surface openings and the sink bottom. They receive the water jet from the smooth opening, redirect it vertically downward, and prevent splash-back while maintaining efficient drainage through their larger cross-sectional area and vertical orientation
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
This design significantly reduces splash-back by converting axial water flow into radial flow, keeping water from bouncing back up, and the smooth top surface limits refraction, while the flexible plastic material enhances anti-splash properties and protects dishes during washing.
Implementation Method 1
channels adjoining the top surface are formed below the openings, which direct the water that has already passed through the openings in the direction of the sink bottom, that is, approximately perpendicular to the plane of the top surface
Implementation Method 2
the cross section of the channels mentioned above is larger than that of the openings, so that a jet of water passing through an opening can widen outwards
Implementation Method 3
there are recesses in the wall of the channels mentioned, which ensures that the water flowing into the channels through the openings flows away laterally
Implementation Method 4
the top surface of the mat element can be largely smooth, which largely limits splash-back. In the devices known from the prior art, however, the edges of the webs between the openings form areas in which the impacting water jet is refracted to a large extent
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sink insert comprising a mat element (10) which can be inserted into the sink and is made of plastic, having a top surface (11) with which the water comes into contact, wherein the surface has a plurality of openings (12) for the outflowing water to flow through, wherein the mat element, on the underside, has at least one bearing region formed by bearing elements (13), and wherein the bearing region is spaced apart from the top surface of the mat element. The invention provides for the formation, beneath the openings (12), of channels (14) which adjoin the top surface and by means of which the water which has already passed through the openings is channelled in the direction of the base (15) of the sink, that is to say approximately perpendicularly to the plane of the top surface (11). The advantage of a sink insert according to the invention resides in the fact that the sprayback of water coming into contact with the mat element is reduced in relation to conventional inserts.