Can Wiper Ring Structure for Cleaner Applicator Withdrawal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of applying product from containers with built-in applicators for fusing polymer sections is time-consuming, messy, and wasteful due to excess product dripping and the need for wiping the applicator before each use.

Innovation Solution

A can wiper is inserted into the container opening, featuring an outer rim and a lower wiper ring to scrape excess product from the applicator as it is removed, minimizing waste and mess.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the applicator is saturated with liquid product from the container, then the applicator can effectively apply product to sections, but excess product drips off the applicator causing waste and mess

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct application effectivenessVSAvoidproduct waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A wiper ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the container and the applicator. The wiper ring is positioned on the applicator and serves as a mediator to control product distribution, allowing the applicator to remain saturated while preventing excess product from dripping during handling and application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper ring is pre-positioned on the applicator before the applicator is removed from the container. This preliminary setup ensures that as the applicator is pulled from the container, the wiper ring immediately begins controlling product distribution, preventing excess product from dripping during the removal and positioning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of substance

If the applicator is wiped around the inside of the container opening to remove excess product, then product waste is reduced, but the process becomes time-consuming and slows down the larger project

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct wasteVSAvoidwiping time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper ring is attached to the applicator itself, making the applicator self-regulating. As the applicator is removed from the container, the wiper ring automatically performs the wiping function by contacting the container opening, eliminating the need for the user to manually wipe the applicator and significantly reducing the time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wiping function is merged with the applicator by attaching the wiper ring directly to it. This combination means that the single component (applicator with wiper ring) performs both the product application function and the excess product control function simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate wiping actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the applicator is moved between the container and the project sections, then product application is enabled, but product falls off the applicator causing mess and waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct application capabilityVSAvoidproduct dripping

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper ring acts as an intermediary control mechanism that remains attached to the applicator during movement. It continuously regulates product distribution as the applicator is moved between the container and application points, preventing product from dripping during transitions while maintaining application capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12473121B1Can wiper

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SMITH LARY C

AI summary

An exemplary can wiper that may be inserted into the opening of a container of product, which allows excess product to be removed from an applicator as the applicator is pulled from the container through the can wiper.