Paint Tray Liner Segmentation for Overnight Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a solution that allows for the efficient storage and use of paint, including overnight storage, while also accommodating tools like rollers and brushes, without coating the paint tray or bucket with paint, and providing an elevated work surface.

Innovation Solution

A paint tray system that includes a paint tray and liner, where the tray can serve as a lid for a 5-gallon paint bucket, providing an elevated work surface and storage for tools, and the liner helps in keeping the tray clean by preventing paint from adhering to it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a paint tray is used without a liner, then the work surface is available and tools can be placed on it, but the paint tray becomes coated with paint reducing its lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifespan of paint trayVSAvoidavailability of work surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The paint tray system is segmented into two functional components: a reusable paint tray and a disposable liner. The liner can be removed, allowing the tray to serve as a work surface without paint contamination, while the liner protects the tray during paint storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The paint tray is designed to serve multiple functions: it can hold paint with the liner installed for protection, or the liner can be removed to provide a clean work surface and tool placement area, making the tray versatile for different stages of the painting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If a disposable liner is used, then cleanup time is reduced and the tray is protected, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanup timeVSAvoidcomplexity of paint tray system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A disposable liner is introduced that can be used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning the paint tray after use. This simple disposable component significantly reduces cleanup time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the paint tray is used as a lid for paint bucket, then overnight storage is enabled, but the tray may become contaminated if liner is not properly managed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovernight storage capabilityVSAvoidpaint contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liner is designed to be removable from the tray, allowing users to keep the liner in place when storing paint overnight to prevent contamination, or remove it when the tray needs to serve as a clean work surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The paint tray system accommodates different usage scenarios: with the liner installed for paint storage and protection, or with the liner removed for clean work surface and tool placement, providing flexibility for different needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11485167B2Paint tray and paint tray liner

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 THE SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO

AI summary

A paint tray includes a paint tray having a paint receptacle and a roller area, with two paint troughs positioned adjacent the sides of the roller area. The troughs are slanted such that the troughs are in fluid communication with the paint receptacle. A tool receptacle is positioned in the at least one of the troughs for holding a paint tool away from, but adjacent to, the paint receptacle and the roller area.