Washstand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washstands lack an efficient mechanism to remove water remaining in the washing bowl, which can lead to scale formation and staining, as conventional ventilation structures are ineffective in directly addressing this issue.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an air-conditioning module with a fan that blows air through a washstand slit to guide water remaining in the washing bowl towards the drain, while a partition and slit cover configuration prevent water from entering the fan and direct it towards the drain flow path, ensuring effective drying and scale prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ventilation structures are used, then general air circulation is achieved, but water remaining in the washing bowl cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into dedicated functional zones: a first ventilation opening specifically for water removal positioned near the washing bowl, and a second ventilation opening for general air circulation. This segmentation allows each opening to perform its specific function effectively, with the first opening directly addressing the water removal problem that conventional unified ventilation systems fail to solve.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the first ventilation opening and the fan. The partition includes a first portion that directs airflow to remove water and a second portion that prevents water from entering the fan while allowing air to pass through. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling effective water removal through the ventilation system while protecting the fan from water damage.
2Reliability
If a partition is added to prevent water from entering the fan, then fan protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it serves as both a water deflection barrier and an air passage. The partition includes a first portion for directing water away from the fan and a second portion that allows air flow while blocking water, combining protection and ventilation functions in one element rather than requiring separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall device complexity. It simultaneously performs water prevention, air circulation, and structural support functions. The partition's ability to block water while allowing air passage makes it a universal component that addresses multiple requirements without adding proportional complexity to the system.
3Productivity
If air is blown directly into the washing bowl to remove water, then water removal efficiency is improved, but water may enter the fan causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The partition structure acts as an intermediary between the fan and the washing bowl, positioned in the airflow path. It includes a first portion that deflects water away from the fan while maintaining the airflow direction for water removal, and a second portion that allows air to pass through to the washing bowl. This intermediary structure enables the system to achieve effective water removal while preventing water from reaching and damaging the fan.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation opening is segmented into a first ventilation opening positioned to facilitate water removal and a second ventilation opening for general air circulation. The partition is also segmented into multiple portions with different functions: a first portion for water deflection and a second portion for air passage. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve water removal efficiency and fan protection by directing airflow and water flow along separate paths.
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 effectively removes water from the washstand, preventing scale formation and ensuring the washstand remains clean and free of stains, while maintaining the functionality of the ventilation system.
Implementation Method 1
an air-conditioning module including a fan configured to blow air toward the washing bowl through the washstand slit
Implementation Method 2
a partition configured to prevent water introduced into the washstand slit from moving to the air-conditioning module
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a washstand including a drying module. The washstand includes a water supply valve, a washing bowl concavely formed to accommodate therein water supplied from the water supply valve and having a washstand slit formed in one side surface of an upper portion thereof, and an air-conditioning module including a fan configured to blow air toward the washing bowl through the washstand slit.