Vented Collapsible Paint Container for Consistent Upside-Down Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery systems for spray guns, particularly in the collision repair industry, face challenges in maintaining consistent flow rates and allowing upside-down spraying while being economically viable.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting, thermo/vacuum formed polymeric container with integrated vents and a valve assembly that collapses during dispensing, ensuring consistent flow rates and enabling upside-down spraying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collapsible container is used to maintain consistent flow rates, then flow consistency is improved, but the container cannot be used upside down due to collapse issues
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple segments or sections with internal partitions that maintain structural integrity while allowing controlled collapse. This segmentation enables the container to retain its shape when inverted while still collapsing in a controlled manner during dispensing to maintain consistent flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates three-dimensional structural elements such as ribs, flanges, and multi-layer walls that provide strength in multiple directions. These dimensional features allow the container to resist collapse when upside down while still permitting the necessary collapse for flow control during normal operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid non-collapsible container is used to spray upside down, then upside-down spraying capability is improved, but flow rate consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that adapts its rigidity based on orientation and usage. The container maintains rigidity when inverted to prevent collapse, but allows controlled collapse during dispensing to ensure consistent flow rates, thus combining benefits of both rigid and collapsible designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If a disposable liner system is used to improve ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but flow rate consistency and upside-down capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a disposable container design that is economical to manufacture while incorporating integrated structural features for flow control and multi-position usage. The container is designed to be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex reusable components while maintaining reliable flow consistency and upside-down spraying capability through its molded-in structural features.
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
The solution provides consistent fluid flow rates from start to finish and allows for upside-down spraying, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet of polymeric (e.g., thermoplastic) material is heated to a softened condition (e.g., to its thermoplastic softening point) and formed into a desired shape
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum is produced on one side of the sheet to assist in forming it into the required shape
Implementation Method 3
the application of a differential air pressure is used to assist in forming the material into the required shape
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid delivery assembly for a spray gun, the assembly comprising a container for holding paint. The container is self-supporting and configured to collapse as fluid is dispensed via the spray gun, wherein the container comprises at least one vent. The invention further relates to a spray gun including such fluid delivery assembly, a method of forming the container and a thermo/vacuum forming tool to be used in such method.