Adapter for Connecting Fluid Reservoir Can to Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of open reservoir cups for mixing fluids in fluid applicators leads to unnecessary costs and waste, as the cups are not reusable and excess fluid must be disposed of after application, posing environmental and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an adapter that connects a closed fluid reservoir can to a fluid applicator, featuring an internally-threaded inlet port and externally-threaded outlet port, allowing for the direct supply of premixed fluid from the reservoir can to the applicator, reducing waste and costs by eliminating the need for open reservoir cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open reservoir cups are used for mixing fluids, then fluid can be supplied to the applicator, but the cups are not reusable and excess fluid must be disposed of, resulting in waste and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component that connects the closed reservoir can to the applicator, enabling fluid transfer without requiring open reservoir cups. The adapter's tapered central section creates a fluid flow path that allows gravity-fed flow from the closed can directly to the applicator, eliminating the need for disposable cups and reducing fluid waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables recovery and reuse of excess fluid by maintaining a closed reservoir can that can be reused across multiple application sessions. The adapter allows the same closed can to be connected to different applicators or used repeatedly, preventing the need to discard remaining fluid after each use, thereby reducing material loss and operational costs.
2Ease of operation
If open reservoir cups are used, then fluid mixing can be performed, but the cups are costly and not reusable, increasing operational expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a reusable intermediary device that enables fluid transfer from closed reservoir cans to applicators without requiring open reservoir cups. This eliminates the need to continuously purchase disposable cups, reducing operational expenses while maintaining the ability to mix and apply fluids effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system promotes recovery and reuse of resources by allowing closed reservoir cans to be reused across multiple application sessions. The adapter enables this by providing a compatible connection interface that works with both closed cans and applicators, eliminating the need to discard cups after each use and reducing long-term operational costs.
3Productivity
If open reservoir cups are used, then fluid can be delivered to the applicator, but disposal of remaining fluid and containers becomes necessary, adding operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a reusable intermediary that enables efficient fluid delivery from closed reservoir cans to applicators without requiring disposal processes. The tapered central section creates an effective fluid flow path that maintains productivity while eliminating the complexity of disposing of remaining fluid and disposable cups after each use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables recovery and reuse of closed reservoir cans across multiple application sessions, eliminating the need for disposal processes. The adapter provides a compatible connection that allows the same closed can to be used with different applicators or reused after cleaning, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining fluid delivery efficiency.
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
This solution minimizes waste and operational costs by allowing the reuse of fluid in the reservoir can, preventing mixing errors, and ensuring efficient fluid application while avoiding the disposal issues associated with open reservoir cups.
Implementation Method 1
The tapering central section fluidly couples the internal diameter of the inlet port to the internal diameter of the outlet port and creates a fluid flow path there between
Implementation Method 2
The fluid applicator can be a gravity fed fluid applicator, such that the fluid is delivered to the fluid applicator from the reservoir cup positioned above the fluid applicator using the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for communicating a fluid from a fluid reservoir can to a fluid applicator is disclosed. The adapter includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a tapering central section. The inlet port includes an internally-threaded hollow cylindrical structure. The outlet port includes an externally-threaded hollow cylindrical structure coupled to and in fluid communication with the inlet port. An internal diameter of the inlet port is larger than an internal diameter of the outlet port. The tapering central section fluidly couples the internal diameter of the inlet port to the internal diameter of the outlet port and creates a fluid flow path there between. The inlet port is adapted to be fluidly coupled to an externally-threaded cap of the fluid reservoir can and the outlet port is adapted to be fluidly coupled to an internally-threaded fluid intake port of the fluid applicator.