Grease Applicator Tow Ball Concave Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying grease to trailer hitch tow balls are inefficient, often resulting in grease permeation through applicator materials and subsequent hand and clothing contamination, requiring additional protective measures and material disposal.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly comprising an upper and lower housing with a concave surface and apertures, designed to conform to the tow ball, allowing controlled grease application with minimal leakage and easy cleaning, featuring a seal to prevent contamination and recyclable materials for environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cloth, rag, paper towel, sponge or other applicator material is used to transfer grease from a squeeze tube to the tow ball, then grease can be applied to the tow ball, but the grease permeates the applicator material and contaminates the hands and clothing of the person applying the grease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reusable grease applicator device as an intermediary between the grease tube and the tow ball. This device includes a container holding grease and an applicator mechanism that transfers grease to the tow ball without direct hand contact. The applicator can be a ball-shaped element or cloth-covered component that is manipulated within the container to dispense grease, thereby preventing grease from permeating through to the user's hands and clothing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a disposable grease applicator system where the entire applicator assembly (container with grease and applicator mechanism) is designed to be discarded after use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and reuse, ensuring that grease contamination does not transfer to the user's hands or clothing, and the contaminated applicator is simply thrown away after completing its function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the applicator material is discarded after use, then hand contamination is prevented, but material waste and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable applicator design where the entire grease application device is intended for single use and then discarded. This approach prioritizes preventing hand and clothing contamination over material conservation. The applicator container and mechanism are designed to be easily disposed of after use, accepting that some material waste is necessary to achieve the primary goal of preventing grease contamination to the user.
3Reliability
If high-quality grease is applied sufficiently to the tow ball, then proper lubrication is achieved, but the grease application process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates grease pre-filled into the applicator container during manufacturing, eliminating the need for users to manually load grease. The applicator is prepared in advance with the appropriate amount of grease, and the user simply needs to manipulate the applicator mechanism to transfer grease to the tow ball. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the time and complexity of the grease application process while ensuring adequate lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The grease applicator is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The container holds the grease and the applicator mechanism automatically transfers it to the tow ball when manipulated by the user, without requiring external tools or complex procedures. The device serves itself by containing and dispensing the grease it needs, making the application process quick and straightforward while maintaining high lubrication quality.
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed invention relates to a container assembly for applying grease to the ball of a trailer hitch. Specifically, the grease applicator comprises a lower housing with an upper concave surface and an upper housing with an upper concave surface further comprising at least one aperture. Grease is introduced between the upper concave surface of the lower housing and the upper concave surface of the upper housing such that when the two surfaces are pressed together grease is emitted from the at least one aperture in the upper concave surface.