Universal Hand-Held Spreader Base for Interchangeable Hoppers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hand-held spreaders are limited in their ability to effectively distribute different types of particulate materials due to differences in size, requiring separate designs for each material, such as seeds and salt, which increases complexity and reduces versatility.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held spreader with a universal base that can be attached to various hoppers of different configurations, each with a bottom opening sized for specific particulate materials, and an optional sealing mechanism for secure storage, allowing for easy adaptation to spread different materials like seeds, salt, or other particulates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate spreader designs are used for different particulate materials (seeds, salt, etc.), then each material can be spread effectively, but device complexity and the number of required devices increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to spread different particulate materialsVSAvoidnumber of different spreader designs required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal base unit with standardized attachment mechanisms that can accommodate multiple hopper types through a single interface design. The base includes a common discharge mechanism and impeller system that works with various particulate materials, while hoppers are designed with standardized connection features allowing them to be interchangeably mounted on the same base, enabling one base to perform multiple functions with different materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single spreader design is used for all particulate materials, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to properly spread different materials (seeds, salt, etc.) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of different spreader designsVSAvoideffectiveness for different particulate materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader system is divided into separable functional modules: a universal base unit containing the discharge mechanism and impeller, and interchangeable hopper units containing the particulate material. This segmentation allows the base to remain simple and standardized while hoppers can be optimized for specific materials (seeds, salt, etc.), with each hopper type designed to work effectively with its intended material while maintaining compatibility with the universal base

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If hoppers are designed with different configurations for different materials, then material-specific spreading effectiveness is improved, but the ease of attachment to a common base deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial-specific optimizationVSAvoidease of attachment to base

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment interface is designed with universal features including standardized opening dimensions, matching latching mechanisms, and aligned discharge apertures that work across all hopper types. Each hopper, regardless of its specific configuration for different materials, incorporates these universal attachment features, allowing simple tool-free attachment and detachment from the common base without requiring complex alignment or adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 versatile distribution of various particulate materials using a single spreader design, accommodating different sizes and types of materials while maintaining a common mechanism for spreading, thus simplifying usage and reducing the need for multiple spreader designs.

Implementation Method 1

particulate material which falls onto a rotating impeller that discharges such particulate material away from the spreader

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

one or more latching members each engage into an opening, where such latching member(s) are along one of the selected hopper or base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11483965B2Hand-held spreader having a base attachable to a plurality of different hoppers

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 CHAPIN MFG INC

AI summary

A hand-held spreader is provided having a base with a mechanism for spreading particulate material response to turning a hand crank. The base is universally attachable to hoppers of different types which provide particulate material to the base for spreading. Different types of hoppers when attached to the base can adapt the spreader to spread different particulate material, such as of seed or salt. Teeth may be provided along upper edge of the hopper for use in scooping up particulate material into the hopper. Another type of hopper which can be attached to the base has a closed top end to provide a sealed container of particulate material, and has a sealing member releasable from the hopper to allow flow of particulate material from the hopper to the attached base.