Pivotable Tray Pounding Station for Paint Mixer Stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paint mixer systems require a dedicated 'pounding station' for reclosing one-gallon paint containers, which occupies counter space and is inefficient, especially when multiple mixers are used, as they necessitate manual pounding and lack vertical stacking solutions that still require a surface for lid resealing.
Innovation Solution
A vertical stacking paint mixer stand with a pivotable tray that serves as a pounding station, allowing the tray to rotate out of the way for access to lower mixers, be stored using magnets or other mechanisms, and fold for reduced shipping volume, enabling convenient resealing of paint containers without occupying additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated pounding station is provided for reclosing paint containers, then lid resealing can be performed conveniently, but counter space is occupied and the system becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pounding station function with the paint mixer support structure by integrating a tray into the stand that can be positioned at an intermediate height. This merging eliminates the need for a separate dedicated pounding station while maintaining the lid resealing function, directly resolving the space occupation problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting paint mixers at vertical stacking positions and providing a tray that functions as a pounding station for lid resealing. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to fulfill both mixing and reclosing operations, improving space utilization.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple mixers are stacked vertically to save floor space, then floor space efficiency improves, but access to lower mixers is blocked and a separate pounding station is still needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the support structure into a third dimension by adding a tray that protrudes from the stand at an intermediate height. This dimensional extension provides access to the lower mixer while simultaneously offering a surface for lid resealing, solving both problems of access and reclosing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed to be foldable or movable, allowing it to be positioned as needed. This dynamic characteristic enables the tray to provide support and pounding surface when required, and to be moved out of the way when access to the lower mixer is needed, accommodating both operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed tray is provided for pounding, then lid resealing is convenient, but the tray obstructs access to lower mixers and increases shipping volume
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with movable or foldable characteristics, allowing it to transition between different positions. It can be extended to provide a pounding surface when needed and retracted or folded to clear the path to the lower mixer and reduce shipping volume, directly addressing the obstruction problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed as a separate, detachable component from the main stand structure. This segmentation allows the tray to be independently positioned, moved, or stored, providing flexibility to clear obstructions when needed while maintaining the pounding function when required.
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
The solution provides a space-efficient pounding station integrated with a vertical stacking paint mixer stand, allowing for convenient resealing of paint containers, reduced storage and shipping volume, and compatibility with various paint mixer types, enhancing operational efficiency and storage utilization.
Implementation Method 1
which, in one embodiment may be at least one magnet to hold the tray in a folded-up condition, through attraction between the magnet on the tray and a front (ferromagnetic) panel on an upper mixer on the stand
Data Source
AI summary
A paint mixer support and tray apparatus providing a pounding station for reclosing a paint container having friction fit lid. The support allows for vertically supporting up to two paint mixers, each supported on a separate horizontal plate. The tray is movable between a horizontal operating position wherein the paint container may be placed on the tray and the lid pounded down against the container, and a vertical storage position wherein the tray is pivoted up out of the way, where it may rest against a paint mixer, retained there by magnets. In the absence of an upper paint mixer, the tray may be further pivoted to rest against the upper plate resulting in a shipping position for the tray and stand. The tray may have a pair of arms in contact with the stand to support the tray in the operating position.