Portable Aircraft Paint System with Gravity Feed and Accumulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial painting systems are cumbersome and difficult to transport, especially for use inside aircraft due to strict regulations regarding pressure vessels and power requirements, necessitating the need for a portable and efficient painting solution.

Innovation Solution

A portable painting system comprising a compressor with an accumulator, a precision manometer, a hose, a replaceable paint bottle, and a paint spray gun, where the accumulator provides energy, the manometer regulates spray pressure, and a filter prevents paint bottle contents from clogging the spray gun, allowing for efficient and safe operation within aircraft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a commercial painting system with compressor and pressure pump is used, then painting function is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidsystem weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the pressure pump from the system and replaces it with a gravity-fed paint bottle design. The paint bottle is positioned higher than the spray gun, allowing paint to flow downward through gravity alone, eliminating the need for mechanical pressurization equipment and significantly reducing system weight while maintaining painting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the paint bottle's own weight and gravitational force to provide the necessary pressure for paint flow, rather than requiring an external power source or pump. The accumulator also stores compressed air to provide pressure when needed, making the system self-sufficient without heavy external equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a pressure pump is used to provide continuous pressure, then spray performance is improved, but energy consumption increases and painting time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepainting timeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous pump operation, the system uses periodic compression from the accumulator that was pre-charged. The compressor runs intermittently to refill the accumulator, and the stored compressed air provides pressure during painting operations, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate spray performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The accumulator is pre-charged with compressed air before painting operations begin. This preliminary action stores energy in advance, allowing the system to operate without continuous power input during the actual painting process, thereby extending painting time and reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a filter is added to prevent ball clogging, then spray gun reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray gun reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A filter element is introduced as an intermediary component between the paint bottle and spray gun. This simple mesh or screen filter intercepts balls and debris before they can reach and clog the spray gun nozzle, significantly improving reliability while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system is compact, energy-efficient, and easy to handle, enabling extended painting times and reduced administrative burdens, suitable for 'smart repairs' or 'spot repairs' without the need for external power sources or pressure vessels, ideal for aircraft use.

Implementation Method 1

The paint bottle (5) contains at least one ball (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing: Stirring

Implementation Method 2

A filter (10) is arranged between the paint bottle receptacle (8) and the paint bottle (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical blocking: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

By supplying compressed air, the paint is atomized and a spray mist is applied to the area to be painted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

an accumulator is connected to the compressor, which provides the energy for the compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Accumulator (energy)

Data Source

PatentEP3108965B1Portable paint system
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
  • EP3108965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3108965B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Portable painting system (1) for painting work inside an aircraft, comprising the following parts: a) a compressor (2), b) a pressure gauge (3), c) a hose (4), d) a replaceable paint bottle (5), e) a paint gun (6), wherein an accumulator (7) is connected to the compressor (2) which provides the energy for the compressor (2), the paint gun (6) has a receptacle (8) for the replaceable paint bottle (5), the receptacle (8) for the paint bottle (5) is designed to fit the paint bottle (5), the pressure gauge (3) is arranged between the compressor (2) and the hose (4), the paint gun (6) is arranged at the end of the hose (4) that is furthest from the compressor (2), the paint bottle (5) contains at least one sphere (9) and a filter (10) is located between the receptacle (8) for the paint bottle (5) and the paint bottle. (5) is arranged.