Wash basin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic washbasins often have a large tolerance range, making it impossible to predetermine the position of a movable panel covering the drain, which is a disadvantage in aligning the panel with the side walls of the washbasin.
Innovation Solution
A washbasin design featuring a panel element that is adjustable relative to a fixed bearing element within the drain chamber, allowing precise alignment with the side walls through multiple adjustable bearing points, including ferromagnetic connections for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling the panel to be pivoted and displaced for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable panel is used to cover the drain, then the panel can be removed for cleaning, but the panel cannot be precisely aligned with the side walls due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed with adjustable mounting points that allow dynamic repositioning. The panel can be mounted at different positions along the side walls using adjustable fasteners or mounting brackets, enabling precise alignment despite variations in ceramic washbasin manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel mounting system is divided into separate adjustable components rather than a fixed rigid structure. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the panel position relative to the side walls while maintaining secure attachment and removability for cleaning purposes.
2Reliability
If the panel is firmly mounted to ensure stability, then the panel cannot be easily removed for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses dynamic fastening mechanisms such as adjustable clips, snap-fit connections, or tool-free fasteners that provide secure holding during normal use but allow easy removal when needed. The connection strength can be designed to be sufficient for stability yet simple to disengage for cleaning maintenance.
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 solution allows for precise alignment of the panel with the washbasin's side walls, ensuring it is securely mounted yet easily removable for cleaning, addressing the issue of tolerance range in ceramic washbasin manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the adjustable bearing points, in particular the first adjustable bearing point and/or the second adjustable bearing point, has ferromagnetic means which attract the diaphragm element to the bearing element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A sanitary article (1), in particular a washbasin, comprises a drain chamber (2) with a drain opening (3) through which water can flow into the drain chamber (2), a cover element (4) inserted into the drain chamber (2) which at least partially closes the drain opening (3), and a bearing element (5) fixedly inserted into the drain chamber (2), wherein the cover element (4) is supported on the bearing element (5) and on at least one surface (6) of the drain chamber (2), and wherein the cover element (4) is supported on the bearing element (5) in such a way that the cover element (4) is adjustable relative to the bearing element (5) and to the drain opening (3), such that the position of the cover element (4) is alignable with respect to the drain opening (3) and/or with respect to the wall areas (28) of the sanitary article (1) that surround the drain opening (3).