Paint Mixing Cup Indentation for Chaotic Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paint mixing solutions, particularly for use with spray guns, face challenges such as manual mixing inefficiencies, paint loss, workspace contamination, and incomplete homogenization of paint components, especially when dealing with solid particles like effect pigments.
Innovation Solution
A paint mixing container with a cup design featuring at least one elongate indentation with a curved cross-section, which creates chaotic turbulence during mixing, ensuring efficient and homogeneous mixing of paint components without spillage or contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual mixing is used, then simplicity and low cost are maintained, but mixing efficiency is low and workspace contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vibrational mixing mechanism where the mixing cup is subjected to controlled vibrations that generate chaotic turbulence within the paint components. This vibrational approach eliminates manual mixing inefficiencies and contamination while achieving homogeneous mixing of paint and solid particles without requiring complex mechanical agitation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing cup design enables self-mixing capability through its geometric features (curved bottom, specific aspect ratio) that work synergistically with vibrational input to generate internal turbulence. The system uses the paint's own properties and the cup's geometry to create mixing flow patterns, eliminating the need for external mixing devices or manual intervention
2Extent of automation
If tumbling mixer with oblique drive shaft is used, then automatic mixing is achieved, but paint components splash from the cup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the oblique drive shaft tumbling mechanism with a vibrational mixing approach. The mixing cup receives controlled vibrations that generate internal chaotic turbulence without the violent hurling motion that causes splashing. This maintains automatic mixing capability while preventing paint loss through a gentler, more controlled mixing action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mixing mechanism parameters from high-speed tumbling with oblique shaft to controlled vibration with specific frequency and amplitude. This parameter change allows automatic mixing to occur without exceeding the paint's containment threshold, preventing splashing while maintaining automation
3Loss of substance
If cap is closed to prevent spillage, then paint loss is reduced, but paint components stick to cap and homogenization is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrational mixing mechanism generates chaotic turbulence that permeates the entire paint volume including areas near the cup walls and cap interface. This turbulence prevents paint components from sticking to the cap while maintaining the closed system, achieving both spillage prevention and complete homogenization through sustained vibrational energy distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mixing approach from mechanical agitation that creates stagnant zones to vibrational energy that distributes uniformly throughout the paint. The vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) are optimized to ensure complete paint component suspension and distribution without causing splashing or sticking
4Productivity
If mechanical agitation with mixing blades is used, then mixing action is provided, but rotational speed gradients and calm areas cause inhomogeneous distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces blade-based mechanical agitation with vibrational mixing that generates chaotic turbulence throughout the entire paint volume. This vibrational approach eliminates rotational speed gradients and calm areas by distributing mixing energy uniformly across all paint components, achieving homogeneous distribution of solid particles and liquid paint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical blade agitation system with a vibrational energy-based mixing mechanism. This substitution eliminates the inherent problems of blade systems (rotational gradients, calm zones) by using vibrational waves that propagate through the entire paint volume, ensuring uniform mixing without mechanical contact points that create flow patterns
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 enables efficient, automatic, and homogeneous mixing of paint components, reducing paint loss and workspace contamination, while ensuring excellent homogenization of paint ingredients, including solid particles.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one elongate indentation has a curved cross-section and is configured to create chaotic turbulence during mixing
Implementation Method 2
The at least one elongate indentation has a curved cross-section and is configured to create chaotic turbulence during mixing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a paint mixing container comprising a cup comprising a base portion and a sidewall portion and having an opening opposite to the base portion, the opening being surrounded by a rim formed by the end of the sidewall portion distal from the base portion. The sidewall portion comprises at least one elongate indentation extending through and from the base portion towards the rim. The present disclosure also relates to a paint mixing device comprising at least one port configured to accommodate a paint mixing container, at least one guide element, wherein the at least one port is movably connected to the at least one guide element to allow for a translational movement of the accommodated paint mixing container, at least one drive unit operationally coupled to the port, wherein the drive unit is configured to (i) rotate the port or the paint mixing container accommodated therein and (ii) move the port in a translational movement along at least a portion of the at least one guide element. The present disclosure further relates to a mold for forming said container by injection-molding, a method of forming said container by injection-molding, and a method for mixing paint.