Quick Release Mechanism for Paint Sprayer Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paint sprayers require complex and often two-handed processes to disconnect and reconnect the wet and dry housing portions, making it difficult to change paint and clean the reservoir without exposing the sprayer body and pump to the cleaning process.

Innovation Solution

A sprayer design featuring a quick release mechanism with a solenoid motor, arm member, catch member, and piston member that allows the wet housing portion to be easily disconnected from the dry housing portion, enabling single-handed operation and preventing exposure of the dry components to cleaning fluids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex housing separation process is used, then the wet and dry housing portions can be disconnected, but the process requires two hands and is difficult to perform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disconnectionVSAvoidcomplexity of separation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into wet housing portion and dry housing portion that can be separated, allowing the reservoir to be removed for cleaning while keeping the pump and motor (in dry housing) protected from water

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catch member is spring-loaded to automatically engage with the channel member when the wet housing is inserted, providing self-aligning and self-locking connection without requiring manual manipulation or two-handed operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If the housing portions are disconnected, then the reservoir can be cleaned, but the sprayer body and pump are exposed to cleaning fluids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidexposure to cleaning fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into wet and dry portions, enabling selective disassembly to clean the reservoir while the dry housing (containing pump and motor) remains protected from water exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catch member acts as an intermediary locking mechanism that secures the wet housing to the dry housing, preventing separation during operation and ensuring the pump remains protected from cleaning fluids

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a quick release mechanism is implemented, then single-handed operation is enabled, but additional components (solenoid motor, arm member, catch member) are added

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-handed operationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid motor, arm member, and catch member are merged into an integrated quick-release mechanism that operates as a single unit, allowing one-handed activation while providing automated locking and unlocking functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical locking system is replaced with a solenoid-actuated mechanism that uses electromagnetic force to control the catch member's engagement, enabling automated single-handed operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates efficient and user-friendly disconnection and reconnection of the wet and dry housing portions, allowing for easy cleaning and paint changes while maintaining the integrity of the sprayer components.

Implementation Method 1

A solenoid motor is contained in the dry housing portion. The solenoid motor is operable to move the arm member relative to the dry housing portion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS9149822B2Quick release mechanism for paint sprayer

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 BLACK & DECKER CORP

AI summary

A sprayer generally includes a tool housing have a wet housing portion that disconnects from a dry housing portion. A solenoid motor is contained in the dry housing portion. An arm member is connected to the dry housing portion. The solenoid motor is operable to move the arm member relative to the dry housing portion. A spray nozzle is connected to a chamber member in the wet housing portion. A piston member extends from the wet housing portion and terminates with a tip portion operable to engage the arm member. A catch member is movably connected to the dry housing portion having an extended condition and a retracted condition. The catch member in the retracted condition is operable to release the wet housing portion from the dry housing portion and disconnect the piston member from the solenoid motor. The catch member in the extended condition is operable to lock the wet housing portion to the dry housing portion and keep the piston member engaged with the arm member.