Integrated Paint Lid Strainer with Movable Cover

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paint straining solutions require the removal and reinstallation of a separate strainer, complicating the process of straining and storing paint, as they do not integrate a strainer directly into the lid of a paint container.

Innovation Solution

A combined lid and strainer device with a movable cover that exposes a perforated straining area, allowing for strained pouring without needing to remove the lid, and includes a peel-off sealing membrane for air-tight storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate strainer is used that attaches to the container rim, then paint can be strained during pouring, but the lid must be removed and reinstalled, increasing device complexity and operational inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of straining and storing paintVSAvoidnumber of separate components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lid and strainer into a single integrated unit. The strainer is permanently attached to the lid, eliminating the need for separate strainer installation and lid reinstallation. This merging of functions directly resolves the technical contradiction by reducing device complexity while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated lid-strainer unit performs multiple functions: it seals the container when closed and strains paint when open. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate straining devices, resolving the contradiction between operational convenience and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the straining area is always exposed, then paint can be poured through the strainer, but paint is exposed to air and contaminants when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of paint pouringVSAvoidpaint exposure to air and contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic control of the straining area exposure. When pouring, the cover is open for quick access; when storing, the cover closes to protect paint. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between pouring speed and paint protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable cover acts as an intermediary element that controls access to the straining area. It allows rapid opening for pouring while providing immediate protection when closed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and protection from harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a movable cover is added to protect the straining area, then paint freshness is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaint freshness and seal integrityVSAvoidnumber of moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is integrated into the lid-strainer assembly as a unified component rather than a separate attachment. This merging approach maintains paint freshness while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the cover is part of the existing lid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies the straining process by integrating the strainer into the lid, eliminating the need for separate strainer installation and reinstallation, while maintaining paint freshness through air-tight sealing.

Implementation Method 1

a straining area having perforations therein that penetrate fully through said straining area from a topside thereof to an opposing underside thereof to enabling strained pouring of paint from the paint through said perforations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a movable cover selectively movable between a closed position overlying the straining area at the topside thereof in fully obstructing relation to the perforations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier sealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11446956B1Combined lid and strainer device for a paint container

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 BOYCE DAVID JAMES

AI summary

A combined lid and strainer device for a paint container features an outer mounting rim configured for mated fitting onto a rim of the paint container. Within a central circular area surrounded by the rim, there is a perforated a straining area through which paint is pourable. A movable cover is selectively movable between a closed position overlying the perforated straining area, and open positions withdrawn therefrom to allow strained pouring of the paint therethrough. Raised features on the cover are used to secure the cover closed when the lidded container is placed in a paint shaker. A sealing membrane is used, at least initially, seal the perforated area in air-tight fashion to maintain paint freshness. Securement features are usable to secure the flap in both closed and open positions.