Wall-Hung Sink Basin Layout to Minimize Splashborne Pathogens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sink designs in healthcare settings, such as hospital rooms, often lead to splashing of water and the spread of bacteria and biofilms, posing a risk of infection to patients due to their shallow basins and direct gooseneck spouts that spray water onto nearby surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A sink design featuring a basin with a sloped surface and a faucet positioned to direct liquid onto the sloped surface before it flows into a transversely offset drain opening, minimizing splashing and reducing the spread of germs and bacteria, with an optional automatic sensor faucet and drain cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a shallow basin with high gooseneck spout is used, then the sink design is simple and space-saving, but water splashing increases and spreads pathogens to nearby surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing a rounded basin bottom instead of a flat one. The curved surface guides water flow smoothly toward the drain, preventing splashing while maintaining a compact basin depth suitable for healthcare settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydrophilic coating as an intermediary layer on the basin surface. This coating modifies water interaction by creating a preferential path for water flow, reducing splashing and directing water toward the drain opening.
2Device complexity
If a flat bottom basin is used, then the sink structure is simple, but water splashing occurs and sprays nearby surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flat bottom with a curved, rounded basin bottom that smoothly directs water flow toward the drain. This curvature design prevents water from splashing onto nearby surfaces while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the basin bottom from flat to curved, creating a smooth transition surface that alters water flow dynamics and eliminates splashing without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Device complexity
If the faucet is positioned directly over the drain, then the design is straightforward, but water pressure causes splashing out of the drain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the faucet asymmetrically, offset from the centerline of the drain opening. This asymmetric positioning, combined with the curved basin bottom, creates a controlled water flow path that directs water into the drain without causing splashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved basin bottom acts as an intermediary surface between the faucet and drain. It receives water from the faucet and guides it smoothly into the drain opening, preventing direct impact and splashing.
4Productivity
If water flows directly into the drain, then the drainage is efficient, but pathogens in water are sprayed onto surrounding areas
Solution Approach 1:
The curved basin bottom creates a smooth, continuous water flow path that maintains drainage efficiency while preventing water from splashing outward. The curvature ensures water follows a controlled trajectory into the drain without dispersing pathogens.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved basin surface serves as a mediator that controls water flow dynamics. It maintains efficient drainage by guiding water into the drain while simultaneously preventing the spray dispersion of pathogens to surrounding areas.
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
The design effectively reduces splashing and the spread of pathogens, enhancing hygiene and infection control in healthcare environments by directing liquid flow into the drain without direct impact, thus minimizing the risk of germ transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the sloped surface portion extends from the back portion of the upper rim into the bottom surface portion; liquid from the faucet member flows onto the sloped surface portion into the bottom surface portion and into the drain opening
Data Source
AI summary
A sink is described herein which includes a basin including an upper rim having a back portion, and an interior surface having a sloped surface portion and a bottom surface portion, wherein the sloped surface portion extends from the back portion of the upper rim into the bottom surface portion; a faucet member extending upwardly from an upper portion of the sloped surface; and a drain opening extending through the bottom surface portion, wherein the faucet member is positioned such that liquid from the faucet member flows onto the sloped surface portion into the bottom surface portion and into the drain opening. A method for preventing splashing of a liquid from a sink is also provided herein.