Washing table

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washbasin systems with integrated drains are difficult to manufacture due to complex undercuts and require large installation spaces, especially when made of ceramic, and the arrangement of the drain pipe adds to the manufacturing challenges and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A washbasin design featuring a separate insert element with a drain socket connected to the washbasin, allowing for a simpler shape without undercuts and a compact layout, where the drain nozzle is positioned to minimize space usage and avoid obstructing the area below the washbasin, using a plastic insert element with a ceramic washbasin, and a sealing system to ensure tight water sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the washbasin is designed with an integrated drain chamber and pipe bend as in the prior art, then the drainage function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases significantly due to undercuts and the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drain system is segmented into a separate insert element that includes the drain socket and connecting structure. This insert element is inserted into the washbasin body through the drain opening, separating the complex drainage components from the main ceramic washbasin structure. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex undercuts in the washbasin body while achieving the same drainage function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex drain chamber and pipe bend structures are extracted from the integrated washbasin design and replaced by a separate insert element. The insert element contains the necessary drainage components (drain socket, connecting structure) that are taken out as a modular unit, simplifying the main washbasin body to a simple basin shape without undercuts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Area of stationary object

If the drain pipe is arranged in a pipe bend shape as in the prior art, then the drainage function is achieved, but the installation space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddrain arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging the drain pipe in a traditional pipe bend shape that extends outward, the connecting structure of the insert element is designed to extend upward and connect to the drain socket from below. This inverted arrangement allows the drainage path to be achieved within a more compact vertical space rather than requiring horizontal space for pipe bends.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If the washbasin is made of ceramic material, then durability and aesthetics are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the difficulty of forming undercuts in ceramic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial durabilityVSAvoidforming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The design segments the washbasin into a simple ceramic basin body and a separate insert element. The ceramic body is kept simple without undercuts, making it easy to manufacture using traditional ceramic forming techniques. The complex drainage components are placed in the separate insert element, which can be made from different materials and assembled into the ceramic body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3773098B1Washing table
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP3773098B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3773098B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3773098B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wash stand assembly (1) comprises: a wash stand (2) having a wash basin (3) and a drain opening (4) through which water to be drained out of the wash basin (3) can be conducted away, the drain opening (4) leading into an inner chamber (5) which preferably has a larger cross-section than the drain opening (4) as seen in the flow direction (F) of the water, the wash stand (2) having a rear wall (6) with which the wash stand (1) comes into contact with a connection structure on the building side when in the installed position, and the inner chamber (5) being open in the region of a rear wall (6) of the wash stand (2); and an insert element (7) having a drain connection piece (8) for connection to a wastewater pipe on the building side, wherein the insert element (7) is connected to the wash stand (2) such that the inner chamber (5) is sealed watertight and the water can be fed from the drain opening (4) to the drain connection piece (8).