Aerosol Spray Can Shaker with Oscillating Motion for Uniform Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spray cans require shaking to mix contents, which can be difficult for individuals with dexterity issues, and result in uneven application if not properly mixed, especially for spray paint.

Innovation Solution

A spray can shaker with a carrier secured to guides on a stationary base, featuring a manual or motorized power supply for oscillating motion, adaptable to various can sizes and shapes, replicating hand-mixing motions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual shaking is used to mix spray can contents, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with dexterity issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical shaking action with an automated oscillating mechanism. The device uses an oscillating arm mounted on a pivot point to mechanically agitate the spray can contents, eliminating the need for manual hand shaking while achieving thorough mixing. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by providing reliable mixing without requiring user dexterity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables the spray can to mix its own contents through automated mechanical oscillation. The oscillating arm transfers motion to the can, causing it to agitate and mix its contents without human intervention. This self-service approach maintains mixing effectiveness while removing the operational burden from users with dexterity issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If vigorous shaking is used to mix stored spray cans, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device is segmented into distinct functional components: an oscillating arm for generating motion, a pivot point for rotation, a mounting structure for stability, and an adapter for can attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of shaking the can directly in hand, the device inverts the approach by mounting the can on a stationary structure and bringing the oscillating motion to the can through the arm. This inversion simplifies the device by providing stable mounting points and allowing the oscillating mechanism to remain external to the can, reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a fixed shaking device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different can sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates dynamic adaptability through an adjustable oscillating arm that can accommodate different can sizes and weights. The arm's oscillation characteristics can be adjusted based on the specific can being used, allowing the same device to effectively mix various spray can types while maintaining ease of operation through a single automated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillating arm mechanism serves multiple functions: it can accommodate different can sizes, provide consistent oscillating motion, and work with various spray can types. This universal design allows a single device to handle diverse applications, improving adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through the standardized oscillating mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively agitates and mixes spray can contents, ensuring uniform application, particularly beneficial for those with dexterity issues and stored cans.

Implementation Method 1

A manual power supply is illustrated herein having a crank handle connected to a gear box and a flywheel with a counterweight that causes the carrier to replicate an up-and-down and turning motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

A manual power supply is illustrated herein having a crank handle connected to a gear box and a flywheel with a counterweight that causes the carrier to replicate an up-and-down and turning motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

A manual power supply is illustrated herein having a crank handle connected to a gear box and a flywheel with a counterweight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS12403432B1Shaker for aerosol spray cans

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 HEDRICH JEFFREY A

AI summary

A device for shaking aerosol spray cans (2) and spray paint containers that agitate and thoroughly mixes the contents contained therein by replicating the up-and-down and back-and-forth spinning motions an individual normally performs with his or her hand to shake a spray can. The spray can shaker (1) of the present invention is adaptable to multiple sizes and shapes and spray cans.