Bucket Implement Coupler with Debris Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
In various applications involving buckets, such as painting or grout application, implements like scraper bars often leave debris on the bucket sides, which dries and contaminates the wet material, causing adhesion issues and inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A bucket implement coupler that detachably attaches to the bucket's top rim, featuring a scraper bar extending across the opening with a debris aperture, a rim extension with a curved slot matching the bucket's curvature, and a magnetic coupler for secure attachment, allowing debris to fall back into the bucket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the implement is inserted into the bucket to place material on the implement and scrape off excess material on the side of the bucket, then the material can be applied efficiently, but the dry material sticks to the side of the bucket and falls into the wet material causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (dry material debris) from the bucket interior by providing a debris collection chamber that captures falling debris before it contaminates the wet material. The scraper bar directs debris into this separate chamber, effectively removing the contamination pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (debris collection chamber with aperture) between the bucket interior and the wet material. This intermediary captures and isolates the harmful debris, preventing direct contact with the clean material while still allowing the scraping operation to proceed.
2Ease of manufacture
If a scraper bar is used to remove debris from the implement, then the implement can be cleaned effectively, but the scraper bar and attachment mechanism increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scraper bar, debris collection chamber, and attachment mechanism into a single integrated coupler assembly that attaches to the bucket rim. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining cleaning functionality, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the scraper bar for cleaning the implement, collects debris in a separate chamber, and attaches to the bucket rim. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
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
Prevents contamination by ensuring debris falls back into the bucket, maintaining the integrity of the wet material and improving application consistency.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic coupler may comprise one or more magnets that are configured on the top of the rim extension
Implementation Method 2
A debris aperture is configured between the scraper bar and the rim extension to allow debris to fall therethrough down into the bucket
Data Source
AI summary
A bucket implement coupler is detachably attachable to a top rim of a bucket by an attachment flange that snaps down under a rim flange of the bucket when the bucket implement coupler is aligned over the top rim of the bucket and pressed down. The attachment flange may be configured proximal to the ends of the rim extension of the bucket implement coupler and an end slot may extend inward along the top of the rim extension to allow the interior and/or exterior flange of the rim extension to expand the rim slot and allow the attachment flange to slide down over the rim flange. The attachment flange extends inward into the rim slot from the exterior flange. Any number and type of implement may be attached to the bucket via the bucket implement coupler.