Paint Brush Case with U-Shaped Sidewalls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cases for protecting paint brush bristles during shipping often damage the bristles due to clamping issues and are costly to manufacture, with previous solutions not providing a reliable airtight seal.
Innovation Solution
A case design featuring U-shaped sidewalls matching the ferrule's curvature, with internal ribs engaging the ferrule's grooves for a secure, airtight seal without clamping the bristles, allowing for easy insertion and low-cost manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional case with U-shaped channel and shoulder is used to protect bristles, then bristles are protected from damage during shipping, but the bristles may be clamped and damaged when closing the case due to the shoulder structure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the case shoulder clamp down on the bristles, the invention inverts the approach by having the sidewalls curve inward to embrace the ferrule, with the bristles extending freely beyond the case. This reverses the clamping action to a supporting action that protects rather than damages the bristles.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is divided into a base section with upstanding sidewalls and a separate removable lid. This segmentation allows the bristles to extend beyond the base without being clamped, while the lid provides protection without interfering with the bristle tips.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cellophane is used to cover bristles, then bristles are protected from soiling, but the cellophane may be damaged during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a rigid plastic case with a flexible seal between the lid and base, replacing the fragile cellophane wrapping. The case provides durable protection that cannot be easily damaged during shipping while still preventing soiling of the bristles.
3Reliability
If a case with discontinuous exterior wall and sealing member is used, then bristles can be protected, but the manufacture requires effort and is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The case is formed as a single molded piece with an integral hinge connecting the lid to the base. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate sealing members and complex assembly operations, reducing manufacturing effort and cost while maintaining protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous exterior wall of the case serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the bristles, and integrates the hinge mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a case is designed to provide airtight seal, then bristles can be kept wet during storage, but the case structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The case is pre-formed with an integral hinge and continuous wall structure during molding, creating the airtight seal configuration before use. This preliminary formation of the sealing structure eliminates the need for complex assembly steps or additional sealing components, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a case (1) for covering the bristles of a paint brush where the bristles are fixed at a handle of the paint brush by a ferrule (7), the case (1) having a bottom (2, 11b, 12b) an outer circumference of which corresponds to the circumferential edge of the ferrule (7) and a sidewall (3, 11 a, 12a) upstanding from the bottom (2, 11b, 12b), wherein the case comprises a first case section (11) and a second case section (12), the first (11) and the second case sections (12) being connected by an hinge (13), and wherein the first case section (11) comprises a first bottom section (11b) being connected with a first sidewall section (11a), and the second case section (12) comprises a second sidewall section (12a), and the first (11 a) and the second sidewall sections (11b) each being formed with a U-shaped curvature corresponding to a further U-shaped curvature of the ferrule.