Applicator storage box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Floor finish applicators become unusable due to drying and hardening within 24-48 hours, leading to frequent replacements, which is costly for professionals.

Innovation Solution

A wet storage box with a watertight design that allows for the suspension of used applicators in a liquid solution, extending their lifespan indefinitely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If applicators are used for floor finishing, then the finishing work can be performed, but the applicators harden and become unusable within 24-48 hours requiring frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator usage durationVSAvoidapplicator usability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the applicator by submerging it in water, transforming it from a dry, hardening state to a wet, flexible state that can be reused. The water saturation prevents the finishing product from drying and hardening the applicator material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance between the applicator and the hardening finishing product. This water layer acts as a barrier that prevents the finishing product from causing the applicator to harden, enabling repeated use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If applicators are frequently replaced, then fresh applicators are always available, but the cost increases significantly for professionals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator availabilityVSAvoidnumber of applicators needed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the applicator to serve itself by being regenerated through water saturation. Instead of requiring replacement, the applicator can be restored to its usable state by being submerged in water, making the system self-sustaining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent recovers the applicator from its discarded hardening state by submerging it in water, restoring its flexibility and usability. This recovery process eliminates the need to discard and purchase new applicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If applicators are stored dry, then they are ready for immediate use, but they harden quickly and cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator readinessVSAvoidapplicator lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary saturation of the applicator with water before use. This pre-treatment ensures the applicator remains flexible and reusable throughout the working period, preventing premature hardening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic re-saturation of the applicator in water during storage periods. By periodically submerging the applicator in water between uses, the flexibility is restored and maintained over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10687682B2Applicator storage box

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 PETIT BRENDAN

AI summary

A floor finish applicator storage box includes a main body having an open top end, a closed bottom end and a plurality of sides that define a watertight interior space. A lid having an applicator attachment mechanism extending outward from the bottom surface is removably secured to the main body via connectors. The box including a shape and dimension that is suitable for receiving a floor finish applicator that is secured to the lid, and for suspending the applicator within a solution contained within the main body.