Finger-Mounted Caulking Tool With Convex Spreader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing caulking tools often result in uneven distribution, direct skin contact with caulk, fingerprints, and potential health hazards due to manual application and spreading methods.

Innovation Solution

A caulking tool with a convex caulk spreader and a frusta-conic finger tube that attaches to the user's finger, allowing for smooth and even distribution of caulk between surfaces, reducing direct contact and incorporating a notch for specified thickness and stiffeners for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user directly applies and spreads caulk with their finger, then the application process is simple, but the user experiences direct skin contact with caulk causing fingerprints, uneven distribution, and potential health hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of application processVSAvoiddirect skin contact with caulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a finger insert as an intermediary device between the user's finger and the caulk. This insert allows the user to maintain simple manual application while eliminating direct skin contact with the caulk, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and harmful skin contact effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The finger insert is designed as a separate, removable component that segments the application system into three parts: the user's finger, the insert tool, and the caulk. This segmentation enables the user to benefit from simple manual application while the insert acts as a protective barrier against direct caulk contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the finger tube is closed at the second longitudinal end, then the structure is simpler, but users with small fingers or long fingernails cannot properly engage their finger with the tube

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of finger tubeVSAvoidaccommodation of different finger sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of closing the finger tube at the second longitudinal end for structural simplicity, the patent inverts the design by leaving it open. This allows the tube to be inserted over the finger from the first longitudinal end, accommodating various finger sizes and shapes while maintaining structural integrity through the tapered design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the spreader surface is made pliable to conform to wall surfaces, then the spreader can adapt to irregular surfaces, but the spreader surface may bend longitudinally reducing control precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformity to wall surfacesVSAvoidcontrol over caulk distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spreader structure by adding longitudinal stiffeners that divide the pliable spreader surface into controlled sections. This segmentation allows the spreader to conform to wall surfaces through its pliability while the stiffeners prevent excessive longitudinal bending, maintaining control precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader is designed with non-uniform properties: the spreader surface is pliable in the lateral direction to conform to walls, while longitudinal stiffeners provide rigidity in the longitudinal direction. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between adaptability and control precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The tool ensures a smooth, even surface with reduced direct contact and improved hygiene, allowing for precise control over caulk thickness and distribution, enhancing both usability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The finger tube in one example having an inner surface configured to frictionally engage the outer surface of a user's finger. Thus, as a user places their finger into the finger tube, their finger frictionally engages the inner surface of the finger tube and is attached thereto.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11426757B1Caulking tool

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 ZAMARRIPA JAVIER MORA

AI summary

A caulking tool configured to be frictionally attached to a user's finger during use. The caulking tool in one example having; a convex caulk spreader comprising a pliable spreader surface configured to spread caulk smoothly between a first wall surface and a second wall surface to which the caulk is adhered. In one example junction between a first wall surface and a second wall surface will be in a corner junction between the two wall surfaces. In one example the caulking tool comprises a finger tube fixed to the caulk spreader. The finger tube may be cast with the spreader surface and thus forms a monolithic, single component without seams therebetween. The finger tube in one example having an inner surface configured to frictionally engage the outer surface of a user's finger. In one example the inner surface of the finger tube is tapered from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end.