Powered Mud Pumping Apparatus for Viscous Material Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying viscous materials like joint compound or mastic are difficult to master, messy, expensive, and inefficient, often requiring manual handling and gravity-dependent systems.

Innovation Solution

A mud pumping apparatus that can be removably coupled to a standard-sized container, using a powered auger or suction mechanism to convey the material through a feed tube and applicator head, allowing for adjustable power and viscosity control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual handling and gravity-dependent systems are used to apply viscous materials, then the equipment cost is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment costVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual handling and gravity-dependent mechanical systems with a powered pump system that actively conveys viscous materials through hoses to the applicator head, eliminating the need for manual positioning and gravity-dependent flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system allows the material to be automatically delivered to the applicator head without requiring the operator to manually handle or position the material, with the system self-regulating the material flow based on pump operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual handling methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a powered pump system that automatically conveys materials through hoses, replacing manual handling methods and significantly increasing the speed and efficiency of material application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system enables continuous material delivery from the container through the hose to the applicator head, eliminating interruptions and maintaining steady workflow, thereby increasing overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If gravity-dependent systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidapplication precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces gravity-dependent material delivery with an actively controlled pump system that can precisely regulate material flow rate and delivery timing, enabling accurate application positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system allows for controlled operation where material flow can be regulated and adjusted based on application needs, providing better control over placement precision compared to uncontrolled gravity-dependent flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of substance

If manual handling methods are used, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial wasteVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual handling with a closed-system pump and hose configuration that contains the material throughout the delivery process, preventing spills and waste that occur with manual transfer methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous enclosed flow path from container through pump and hose to applicator head prevents material exposure and spillage, reducing loss compared to manual handling where material is exposed during transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables efficient, controlled application of various viscosities of mud-like materials directly from their original containers, reducing mess and expense, and allowing for storage and reuse of the material.

Implementation Method 1

using a powered auger or suction mechanism to convey the material through a feed tube and applicator head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAuger mechanism: Archimedes Screw

Implementation Method 2

using a powered auger or suction mechanism to convey the material through a feed tube and applicator head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS11047140B2Mud applicator

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 PONTECORVO GARY J

AI summary

A mud pumping apparatus that can be removably coupled to a container the mud was originally provided in when first obtained by the user. The mud may be mastic, mortar, grout, joint compound, spackle, or the like. The apparatus may be sized to be used with various standard sized containers, and adjustably powered and controllable to be used with different types, consistencies, and viscosities of spreadable material.