Utility Tub Removable Rack for Draining and Drying Items

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Solution Overview

Problem

Utility tubs lack accessories to facilitate draining and drying of items, limiting their functionality beyond basic washing purposes.

Innovation Solution

A utility tub with a removable tray featuring drain holes and an enlarged area with a towel rack, allowing for efficient draining and drying of items, and providing additional support and storage options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If accessories are added to the utility tub to facilitate draining and drying, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The draining and drying function is segmented into a separate removable tray component rather than being integrated into the main tub structure. This allows the tray to be independently manufactured, cleaned, and stored, enhancing functionality without permanently increasing the complexity of the main tub assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tray is designed to serve multiple functions: it can drain water through holes, provide a drying surface, and be removed entirely to restore full sink access. This multi-functionality addresses the versatility enhancement while avoiding the need for multiple separate accessories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a removable tray is added to the sink, then draining and drying capabilities are provided, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the additional component

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedraining and drying capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be easily inserted and removed from the sink based on operational needs. When draining or drying is needed, the tray is in place; when full sink access is needed, the tray is removed. This dynamic adaptability balances functionality enhancement with operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tray is made removable, then the entire open sink area remains available when the tray is not in use, but the stability of the tray position is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesink area availabilityVSAvoidtray position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The separation of the tray from the main tub structure allows the tray to be positioned only when needed for specific functions. The segmentation enables the tray to be stable during use (when placed in the sink) while allowing full sink access when removed, resolving the contradiction between position stability and area availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7854030B2Utility tub with removable rack

Publication Date: 2010.12.21 DELTA FAUCET COMPANY

AI summary

A utility tub is provided with a sink area having support surfaces for removably supporting a tray. The tray may hold items that are drying. In addition, the utility tub may be provided with an enlarged area for supporting other items, and various accessories such as a towel rack or towel pegs.