Disposable Paint Mixing Cup With Integrated Stirrer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paint mixing methods, particularly in small bodyshops, suffer from inefficiencies such as manual mixing leading to contamination, spillage, and increased complexity, which affect product quality and workspace cleanliness, while automatic mixers are expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A disposable paint mixing container with a rotatable mixing element and actuator-driven mixing mechanism, designed for efficient, homogeneous mixing without spillage, compatible with spray guns, and made from low-cost materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual mixing is used to mix paint components, then working time is consumed and workspace contamination occurs, but the mixing process is simple and requires no additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The paint mixing container performs the mixing function automatically through its integrated mixing element that rotates to blend paint components, eliminating the need for manual mixing by the painter and thereby preventing workspace contamination from manual mixing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is extracted from the manual operation and integrated into the container itself through a dedicated mixing element, separating the mixing task from the painter's workflow and containing all mixing activities within the container to prevent external contamination
2Productivity
If automatic dispensing machines and mixers are used to mix paint components, then mixing efficiency and homogeneity are improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element is merged directly into the paint mixing container structure, combining the mixing function with the container to create an integrated, simple device that achieves automatic mixing without requiring separate complex mixing machinery
Solution Approach 2:
The paint mixing container with its integrated mixing element is designed as a disposable, low-cost solution that provides automatic mixing functionality without the high cost of permanent automatic mixing systems, suitable for single-use applications in bodyshops
3Stability of the object's composition
If tumbling mixers with oblique drive shaft are used to mix paint components, then mixing homogeneity is improved, but paint spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an oblique drive shaft that hurlsthe paint upwards, the mixing element uses a vertical or horizontal shaft configuration that rotates to gently blend the paint components, inverting the mixing approach to prevent spillage while achieving homogeneity
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing element acts as an intermediary between the paint components and the container walls, providing a controlled mixing action that prevents direct contact between the paint and container edges, thereby eliminating spillage risk
4Loss of substance
If paint mixing container is closed with a cap during mixing, then paint spillage is prevented, but paint components may stick to cap parts and mixing homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element is extracted from the cap structure and positioned within the container body, allowing the cap to remain simple and open during mixing while the mixing element performs its function without interfering with paint flow or creating sticking issues
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing element is positioned and configured in advance within the container to ensure proper paint flow paths are established before mixing begins, preventing paint from contacting cap surfaces that could cause sticking and maintaining mixing homogeneity
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, homogeneous mixing of paint components with minimal spillage and contamination, maintaining workspace cleanliness, and is cost-effective for mass-market use.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable mixing element disposed in the receptacle volume, and a coupling means for operatively connecting the rotatable mixing element to an actuator configured to drive the rotatable mixing element
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a container (1) for mixing paint comprising a paint cup (2) comprising a base portion (3) and sidewall portions (4) enclosing a receptacle volume (5), and having an opening (6) opposite to the base portion (3); a rotatable mixing element (17) disposed in the receptacle volume (5); and a coupling means (19) for operatively connecting the rotatable mixing element (17) to an actuator (30) configured to drive the rotatable mixing element (17). A paint mixing apparatus (26) comprising one or more ports (27) configured to accommodate such paint mixing container (1) and comprising an actuator (30) configured to drive the rotatable mixing element (17) and a process for mixing paint making use of such paint mixing container (1) are also disclosed.