Roller-ball paint marker with compressible body and one-way valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marking instruments lack a efficient and versatile mechanism for delivering paint to outdoor surfaces, particularly in a way that allows for free movement and refilling of paint without suction issues.
Innovation Solution
A roller-ball marking instrument featuring a compressible plastic body with a fibrous, spherical roller ball and a plastic retaining ring, allowing the roller ball to rotate freely and enabling the transfer of paint from a refillable reservoir to the surface, with a one-way valve to prevent suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional marker design is used, then the structure is simple, but the freedom of movement and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The roller ball is designed to rotate freely in multiple directions within the retaining ring rather than being fixed in a single orientation. This dynamic configuration allows the user to mark surfaces in various directions without rotating the entire marker body, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker is divided into distinct functional components: a compressible body for paint storage and delivery, a retaining ring for structural support, and a roller ball for paint application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enhancing versatility without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If a non-compressible body is used, then the structure is rigid and stable, but the paint delivery mechanism is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The body material parameter is changed from rigid to compressible, allowing the body to be squeezed and pressurized for efficient paint delivery. The compressible nature enables control over paint flow rate by varying the compression force, improving productivity while the retaining ring and cavity structure provide sufficient stability to contain the paint reservoir.
3Ease of operation
If a refillable reservoir is added, then the versatility and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible body serves multiple functions: it stores paint in its cavity, allows refilling through its opening, provides structural support, and enables paint delivery through compression. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation with refilling capability while avoiding additional complex mechanisms, as the body itself performs all reservoir-related functions.
4Reliability
If suction is allowed to build, then the paint can be drawn into the reservoir, but the operation becomes problematic and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve is installed to prevent suction from building within the body as paint is dispensed. By blocking the reverse flow path, the valve preliminarily prevents the harmful suction effect before it can interfere with operation, ensuring reliable and smooth paint flow control without additional operational complexity.
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
Enables efficient and flexible painting across various directions without the need for rotating the marker, while allowing for easy refilling and preventing suction, enhancing user experience and surface coverage.
Implementation Method 1
when a user squeezes the body of the roller-ball marking instrument, the paint may be pressurized slightly and transferred from the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
A one-way valve may be included on the body of the marking instrument to allow air to be drawn into the reservoir to prevent suction from building within the body
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a roller ball marking instrument for use with paint, a method for assembling the roller ball marking instrument, and a system for delivering paint. The body of the marking instrument includes a reservoir for storing paint. The body is coupled to a fibrous roller ball via a retaining ring. The roller balls sits within a partially-enclosed cavity in the center of the retaining ring. A least part of the roller ball protrudes through an opening in the retaining ring. Paint in the reservoir moves first through an opening at one end of the body and then through an open center of the retaining ring. The paint is transferred to the roller ball. The roller ball rotates freely within the cavity of the retaining ring and transfers the paint to a writing surface.