Utility Sink Assembly with Integrated Shelf and Permanent Leg Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility sinks lack additional storage options, are difficult to transport, and often compromise structural integrity due to easily removable legs.
Innovation Solution
A utility sink system featuring a basin with a permanently coupled leg and shelf, where the shelf encapsulates a portion of the leg for enhanced structural integrity, along with a tray that supports items and allows liquid to pass through, and adjustable feet for stability on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If legs are made easily removable for transport, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leg assembly is segmented into multiple components: legs, shelf, and basin are separate pieces that can be disassembled for transport but permanently coupled during use. The legs can be removed from the basin and shelf independently, enabling easy transport while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanent assembly to a dynamic configuration that can be disassembled and reassembled. The legs are designed to be permanently coupled to the basin and shelf through integrated features (such as molded-in attachments), providing structural rigidity when assembled while allowing complete disassembly for transport.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional storage features are added, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf serves multiple functions: it provides storage space underneath the basin, acts as a structural support element, and includes integrated leg attachments. The leg assembly similarly serves both structural support and connection functions, reducing the need for separate fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg attachment features are merged directly into the basin and shelf structures during molding, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, screws, or attachment mechanisms. The shelf and legs are designed as integrated components that permanently couple together, simplifying the overall assembly while adding storage functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility sink system can include a basin having a base wall and a sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. A leg can be permanently coupled to the basin. A shelf can be permanently coupled to the leg. The shelf can encapsulate the leg. A kit for a utility sink system can include a basin having a base wall and a sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. A leg can be configured to be permanently coupled to the basin. A shelf can be configured to be permanently coupled to the leg. The shelf can be configured to encapsulate the leg. A method for assembling a utility sink system can include providing the kit. The method can further include coupling the leg to the basin and coupling the shelf to the leg.