Dual Reservoir Coating Applicator with Segmented Brush and Point Tips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional precision coating applicators are inadequate for accurately applying coatings to narrow areas, such as scratches, due to their broad application capabilities, and existing solutions for narrow areas are not versatile enough for both broad and narrow surface applications.

Innovation Solution

A dual precision coating applicator device with a first reservoir for a color coating composition, including a primer or touch-up paint, and a second reservoir for a clear top coating, featuring a point applicator and a brush applicator, allowing for precise application to both broad and narrow surfaces with a bulbous second reservoir design to prevent spillage and a deformable agitator for mixing the coatings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a small brush is used for applying coating, then the applicator is desirable for broad area application, but it is not accurate enough for narrow area application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication areaVSAvoidapplication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into two separate applicator tips: a brush tip for broad area application and a needle tip for narrow area application. This segmentation allows each tip to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between broad coverage and precision application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single applicator device incorporates multiple functions by including both brush and needle tips, along with two reservoirs for different coating compositions. This multi-functionality allows the same device to handle both broad and narrow area applications, eliminating the need for separate tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a precision applicator with needle or elongated tube is used for narrow areas, then application precision is improved, but versatility for broad area application is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication precisionVSAvoidapplication versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator incorporates two distinct tip types (brush and needle) that can be interchanged, allowing the user to select the appropriate tip for the specific application task. This segmentation maintains precision for narrow areas while adding versatility for broad areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-tip design with both brush and needle applicators in a single device provides universality, enabling the same applicator to perform both precision narrow area work and broader coverage applications, thus resolving the versatility limitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single reservoir design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to hold different coating compositions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcoating composition versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reservoir system is segmented into two separate reservoirs: a first reservoir for color coating composition and a second reservoir for clear coat composition. This segmentation allows each reservoir to be dedicated to a specific coating type, preventing contamination while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second reservoir is designed with a bulbous shape that nests within or alongside the first reservoir structure. This nesting arrangement accommodates two reservoirs in a compact configuration, minimizing device complexity while enabling storage of different coating compositions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Object-generated harmful factors

If the second reservoir has a larger diameter than the body, then spillage prevention is improved, but device dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespillageVSAvoiddevice dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bulbous second reservoir is nested within the overall applicator structure, with its larger diameter portion contained within the body housing. This nesting allows the reservoir to have sufficient volume for spillage prevention while keeping the external device dimensions compact and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The second reservoir utilizes a bulbous three-dimensional shape rather than a simple cylindrical form. This dimensional change allows the reservoir to maximize internal volume for spillage prevention while maintaining a compact external profile that fits within the applicator body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2683491B1Coating applicator and method of using the same
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 SWIMC LLC
  • EP2683491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2683491B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2683491B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An applicator for applying a coating composition to a substrate is provided. The applicator includes a point applicator and a brush applicator connected to a body having a first reservoir containing a first coating composition. The applicator further includes a removable second reservoir containing a second coating composition. A second applicator is connected to the body for applying the second coating composition.