Shaking Adapter for Aerosol Can Mixing with Reciprocating Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol can mixing devices are either too costly for frequent use, require excessive storage space, or fail to securely attach to both drill and reciprocating tools, leading to inefficiencies in mixing aerosol can contents.
Innovation Solution
A tool adapter with multiple fingers and tabs that securely grasp the aerosol can's rim, combined with a mechanical actuator for quick attachment and detachment, allowing efficient mixing with either a drill or reciprocating saw by utilizing a shank to transmit motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cradle with straps is used to secure the aerosol can, then the can is securely held during mixing, but the device becomes large in size and requires more storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cradle and straps from the device, extracting only the essential can-holding function. The fingers directly grasp the can rim without requiring a separate cradle structure, eliminating unnecessary components and reducing device volume while maintaining securing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers are designed with flexible bias springs that allow them to conform to and grasp the can rim. This flexibility provides secure holding without requiring rigid cradle structures, achieving reliable can securing with minimal device volume
2Reliability
If multiple fingers with straps are used to hold the aerosol can, then the can is securely attached, but the attachment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates straps and complex fastening mechanisms, retaining only the essential grasping function. The fingers with bias springs automatically engage the can rim through simple insertion, enabling quick attachment while maintaining secure holding
Solution Approach 2:
The bias springs on the fingers provide automatic engagement with the can rim. When the can is inserted, the springs naturally compress and lock onto the rim without requiring user manipulation of straps or fasteners, enabling rapid attachment and detachment
3Device complexity
If friction fit alone is used to hold the can in the fingers, then the device structure is simple, but the can may slip out during reciprocating motion
Solution Approach 1:
The fingers are designed with curved surfaces that conform to the cylindrical can rim. This curvature increases the contact area and mechanical interlocking between the fingers and can, preventing slippage during reciprocating motion while maintaining simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The bias springs on the fingers provide flexible contact with the can rim, allowing the fingers to conform to the can shape and maintain constant gripping force. This flexibility ensures reliable can holding without requiring complex rigid structures
Data Source
AI summary
The adapter connects an aerosol or similarly shaped can to a power tool for the purpose of mixing the contents within the can. The adapter preferably connects a reciprocating power tool, such as a reciprocating saw, to a spray paint can that is necessarily shaken before use. To secure the can to the power tool, the adapter has multiple fingers that grasp the end of an aerosol can with respective tabs. The tabs catch on a ring on the topside of the spray paint can to prevent it from breaking away from the reciprocating tool during operation. To secure the adapter to the can, the fingers and tabs have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the can rim but deform into an oblong arrangement to receive the can before returning to the circular arrangement and locking the can in place. To deform the adapter, an actuator is connected to the side of the cylindrical body and the can is held in place until the actuator is actuated and the tabbed fingers can be pulled away from the can.