Flexible Corner Spatula for Smoothing Pasty Masses

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional corner spatulas leave grooves or patterns when smoothing pasty or pulpy masses due to their rigid design, and existing solutions either require complex adjustments or use multiple materials, increasing cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A corner spatula with tapered, flexible wings and a triangular base plate, featuring a hinge connection and ergonomic handle, designed to minimize contact with the mass and prevent imprinting, using a thin, elastic sheet metal for the blade and adjustable angles to optimize corner fitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid rectangular blades with high material thickness are used, then structural strength is improved, but grooves and patterns appear in the pasty mass during smoothing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsurface smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using thin, flexible blade material (0.2-0.8mm thickness) that can conform to the corner geometry and smooth pasty mass without creating grooves or patterns. The flexibility allows the blade to adapt to the work surface while maintaining sufficient strength through the triangular geometric configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by rounding the outer edges and tips of the blade wings. This curvature prevents the sharp edges from pressing into the pasty mass and creating unwanted grooves or patterns, while still allowing effective smoothing action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable angle mechanisms are added to corner spatulas, then adaptability to different corner shapes is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner shape adaptabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by making the blade flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different corner geometries through elastic deformation. This eliminates the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining versatility for different corner types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by changing the material properties of the blade (using flexible, elastic material with specific thickness) to enable geometric adaptation. The blade can change its effective shape through elastic deformation rather than requiring mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple materials with different properties are used in the blade, then performance for different applications is improved, but manufacturing cost and recycling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a single homogeneous material (flexible, elastic sheet metal or plastic) for the entire blade. This simplifies manufacturing to a single material specification and process, while the flexible nature allows the blade to adapt to different applications through geometric configuration rather than material variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 spatula effectively smooths out pasty masses without leaving grooves or patterns, is easy to handle, and reduces material costs by using a single flexible material, enhancing user comfort and tool stability.

Implementation Method 1

The two wings (22) are made of an elastic material and are tapered outwards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3617420B1Hand tool for distributing and / or smoothing pasty and viscous masses in inner or outer corners

Publication Date: 2021.06.16 UZIN UTZ TOOLS GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a hand tool (10) for applying, spreading, and/or smoothing pasty and slurry-like masses, comprising a handle (40) to which a blade (20) for processing the corresponding pasty or slurry-like mass is attached. The blade (20) is mirror-symmetrical and angled at least in some areas along its axis of symmetry (21), thus forming two wings (22). The invention proposes that the wings (22) each taper outwards to a point and have a rounded tip (23) at their outer ends opposite the axis of symmetry (21), and are made of a thin, flexible material. The outer tips (23) of the wings (22) each have a chamfer (24) facing outwards away from each other or inwards towards each other, depending on whether the hand tool (10) is designed for an area with an inside corner or an outside corner.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a hand tool (10) (Fig. 1).