Sink Disposer Splash Guard with Segmented Ledges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sink disposers are prone to allowing dining utensils to fall into the grinding chamber and do not effectively prevent young children from inserting their hands into the disposer.

Innovation Solution

A removably mounted splash guard with a cylindrical sleeve, central bore, upper and central ledges, and a chute is designed to fit into the sink disposer's neck, blocking utensils and preventing hand entry while making removal difficult for children, and is preferably made from elastomeric materials like rubber or silicone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional sink disposer is used, then it can process food waste, but dining utensils can fall into the grinding chamber and children can insert their hands

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidutensil and hand intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A splash guard is introduced as an intermediary component between the sink opening and the grinding chamber. This guard acts as a protective barrier that allows food waste to pass through while blocking utensils and preventing hand insertion, thus resolving the safety issue without affecting the disposer's primary function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The opening to the grinding chamber is segmented into multiple sections: an upper opening for food waste, a lower opening for the ground material, and a middle section with ledges that create barriers. This segmentation allows different substances to pass through different sections while preventing harmful intrusions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a splash guard with ledges and chute is installed, then utensils and hands are blocked from entering the grinding chamber, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsplash guard structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The splash guard serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks utensils, prevents hand insertion, redirects water flow, and guides food waste into the grinding chamber. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving comprehensive safety and functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the splash guard is made from elastomeric material, then it provides flexibility and safety, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and flexibilityVSAvoidmolded geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The splash guard is manufactured from elastomeric material using molding processes, which allow for precise control of geometric parameters such as ledge heights, chute angles, and wall thickness. This approach enables the production of complex safety features with consistent dimensions while maintaining the flexibility and safety benefits of elastomeric materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11840830B2Sink disposer splash guard

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 SEAMLESS DRAIN LLC

AI summary

A splash guard is adapted to be removably mounted in a neck portion of a sink disposer. The splash guard basically comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve which is sized to slidably fit into the neck portion of the disposer and defines a central bore; an upper ledge partially obstructing an upper portion of the central bore; a central ledge partially obstructing a medial portion of the central bore in opposition to the upper ledge; and a chute extending downwardly from a portion of the sleeve opposite the central ledge and terminating below said central ledge.