Spray Gun Quick-Fit Reservoir Connector Without Thread Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray guns face issues with thread damage and blockage due to mis-use, requiring costly replacements and involving solvent-based cleaning, which is hazardous and inconvenient, especially when adapters or spare guns are not available.
Innovation Solution
A spray gun with an integral non-threaded connector for a quick-fit connection to a reservoir, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without the need for additional components, reducing the risk of spillage and thread damage, and enabling use with disposable reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw threaded connection is used between spray gun and reservoir, then the reservoir can be securely mounted and detached, but the threads are susceptible to damage from mis-use and require careful cleaning to prevent blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded connection components (threads on gun and reservoir) entirely, replacing them with a smooth-bore socket that receives the reservoir outlet. This extraction of the problematic threaded elements eliminates the source of damage and blockage while maintaining secure connection through friction and geometric engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the smooth-bore socket in the gun body, the transition piece with annular flange, and the reservoir outlet. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without the complexity and vulnerability of threaded engagements.
2Productivity
If adaptor is introduced to enable quick-fit connection, then connection speed is improved, but the adaptor itself can be damaged by mis-use requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adaptor function directly into the gun body by providing a smooth-bore socket that is an integral part of the gun structure. The transition piece with annular flange combines the connection and sealing functions in a single robust component that cannot be damaged in the same way as separate adaptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The smooth-bore socket design provides universal compatibility with reservoirs having outlet bores of appropriate size, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adaptors. The connection system serves multiple functions: mechanical support, fluid sealing, and rapid engagement/disengagement.
3Reliability
If traditional screw threaded connection is used, then secure mounting is achieved, but considerable time and dexterity are required to engage fully the threads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables rapid engagement by skipping the multi-turn threading process entirely. The reservoir is quickly inserted into the smooth-bore socket and secured by simple geometric engagement and friction, allowing connection in a single motion without the time-consuming rotation required for threaded connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical threading system is replaced with a simpler friction-based retention system. The annular flange and socket geometry provide mechanical engagement that secures the reservoir without requiring the user to perform multiple rotational movements.
4Reliability
If cleaning of threads is performed to prevent blockage, then connection reliability is maintained, but solvent use is required which poses health and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threaded surfaces from the connection system, eliminating the crevices and threads where liquid can accumulate and harden. The smooth-bore design prevents liquid retention, making cleaning unnecessary and eliminating the need for hazardous solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The smooth-bore socket and outlet design is inherently resistant to blockage due to its geometry, which prevents liquid accumulation. The system is self-cleaning in operation as liquid flows through without stagnating, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations with harmful chemicals.
Data Source
AI summary
A spray gun and a detachable liquid reservoir releasably attached to the spray gun by engagement of mateable, non-threaded formations provided on the spray gun and the reservoir. The spray gun has an integral connector boss with a socket for reception of a connector tube of the reservoir. The boss has an external flange at the distal end and the reservoir has hook members separate from the connector tube. The hook members are co-operable with the flange when the connector tube is received in the socket to secure releasably the reservoir to the spray gun. In another arrangement, the connector tube is an interference friction-fit in the socket to secure releasably the reservoir to the spray gun. In yet another arrangement, the connector tube has bayonet lugs co-operable with bayonet grooves in the wall of the socket when the connector tube is received in the socket to secure releasably the reservoir to the spray gun. In a still further arrangement, the reservoir has an integral spout received in the socket integral with the spray gun and provided with a helical projection co-operable with the underside of a radial lug externally of the socket to secure the reservoir.