Roll-Up Sink Top Mat for Drainable Counter Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bathroom and kitchen sinks often lack sufficient counter space, leading to difficulties in using the sink area effectively, especially in environments with limited or no counter space around the sink.
Innovation Solution
A sink top mat that extends across the sink basin, providing additional counter space and comprising slats connected by living hinges, allowing for flexible use and easy storage, with optional closing mechanisms to secure the mat when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the sink is used to hold multiple items due to limited counter space, then the sink's functionality is compromised, but the counter space remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mat extends into the vertical dimension by covering the sink basin interior surface, transforming the sink from purely a drainage function to a dual-purpose surface that provides additional workspace area without occupying horizontal counter space
Solution Approach 2:
The mat is constructed as a thin, flexible sheet that can conform to the sink basin's curved interior surface, providing a stable working platform while maintaining the sink's drainage functionality through its porous structure
2Strength
If a rigid mat structure is used to provide stable counter space, then the mat provides structural support, but the mat becomes difficult to store when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The mat transitions from a rigid, stable structure during use to a flexible, rollable form for storage, allowing it to adapt between providing structural support on the sink surface and being conveniently stored when not needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mat is constructed with a slatted structure that divides the solid surface into segmented sections, providing structural rigidity and stability during use while allowing the entire assembly to be rolled or folded compactly for storage
3Area of stationary object
If the mat covers the entire sink basin to maximize counter space, then the counter space is increased, but water drainage may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The mat utilizes a porous structure that allows water to pass through while maintaining a solid surface for placing items, enabling simultaneous achievement of extended counter space and preserved drainage functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The mat provides solid, non-porous surface characteristics in the areas where items need to be placed, while incorporating porous or open sections that allow water to drain through, creating different functional zones within the same structure
Data Source
AI summary
A sink top mat, capable of extending over a sink basin, having a plurality of slats, an at least one living hinge, and an at least one slot. The plurality of slots are connected via the living hinge, wherein the living hinge is located between the two adjacent slats. The at least one slot is a channel through a portion of the living hinge, allowing for fluids to pass through the sink top mat. Additionally, the sink top mat may be rolled into a configuration for easy storage when not in use. To maintain the sink top mat in the rolled configuration, the mat may further comprise a closing mechanism.