Brushless Liquid Application Apparatus for Elongated Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for applying liquids to elongated objects, such as lumber, are inefficient and environmentally harmful due to the use of brushes, limited color options, and the creation of toxic waste and atomized clouds.

Innovation Solution

A portable apparatus with multiple stations that uses waterfalls and pools to apply liquids and a gas current to evenly distribute and remove excess liquid, eliminating the need for brushes and reducing environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If brushes are used to apply liquid to lumber, then liquid application is achieved, but toxic chemicals are required for cleaning and brushes create physical waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid application capabilityVSAvoidtoxic chemicals and waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes brushes from the liquid application system entirely. Instead of using brushes to apply liquid to lumber, the invention uses a non-contact method where liquid is applied through a series of waterfalls and pools that the lumber passes through, eliminating the need for brush cleaning and disposal of toxic chemicals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical brush-based application system with a gravitational flow system. Liquid flows over the lumber through controlled waterfalls and pools, using gravity and the natural flow of liquid rather than mechanical brushing action, thereby eliminating the need for toxic cleaning chemicals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If atomization method is used to apply liquid, then rapid application is achieved, but clouds of liquid travel to unintended surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication speedVSAvoidatomized liquid clouds

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of breaking liquid into fine atoms that disperse through the air (atomization), the invention uses the opposite approach by allowing liquid to flow in large, controlled streams over the lumber. The liquid is applied through waterfalls and pools that maintain coherent flow patterns, preventing atomization and the resulting harmful clouds while still achieving rapid application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If large pools of liquid are used for dipping, then complete coverage is achieved, but liquid consumption is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage uniformityVSAvoidliquid consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a liquid recovery system where liquid that flows over the lumber through the waterfalls and pools is collected in troughs and channels below. This recovered liquid is then pumped back through the waterfalls and pools for repeated use, dramatically reducing liquid consumption while maintaining complete and uniform coverage of the lumber surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enables efficient and environmentally friendly liquid application to elongated objects without brushes, reducing waste and the use of toxic chemicals, while allowing for on-site treatment and reuse of liquids, thus minimizing environmental impact and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

The second station is brushless, and applies a liquid using waterfalls and pools

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The third station applies a current of gas to evenly apply and remove excess liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentUS8720364B2Apparatus and process for applying liquid to an object

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 MASSEY MICHAEL

AI summary

A portable machine and process is described for covering all sides of an elongated object with a liquid without the use of brushes. The machine is particularly useful with manufactured building products such as a fence picket, trim, molding, or any other type of board. The machine generally has four stations, an entry station that drives the object down a track, a liquid application station where the object is covered by liquid that is poured over the object, a blower station where the fluid is spread evenly over the object and excess fluid is blown off, and an exit station that continues to pull the object down the track and directs the object as the object leaves the exit station. Finally, the object may enter a releasably attached drop track.