Vessel Connector Seals Solvent to Prevent Brush Hardening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for cleaning paint brushes involve harsh chemicals that lead to pollution and damage the brushes, as they require repeated solvent exposure and drying, which impairs their functionality.

Innovation Solution

A vessel connector system that seals two vessels together, using an annular ring with a flange and a support membrane with perforations to hold the brush in place, allowing it to remain wet and reducing solvent evaporation, while minimizing VOC exposure and solvent usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional solvent cleaning methods are used with repeated wetting and drying, then paint and stains are removed from brush bristles, but the brush begins to harden which impairs its function and harmful chemicals evaporate causing pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrush functionalityVSAvoidchemical exposure and brush hardening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a sealed environment containing the brush and solvent, isolating the system from the external atmosphere. This prevents harmful chemical vapors from evaporating into the air and eliminates the need for repeated drying cycles that cause brush hardening. The brush remains in a controlled, inert-like environment where it stays wet and functional without exposing users to harmful fumes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of solvent evaporation into a beneficial sealed environment. Instead of allowing harmful chemicals to escape into the air, the system captures and contains them, transforming a pollution problem into a controlled cleaning system that maintains brush functionality while eliminating harmful emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If multiple vessels are used to contain solvent and brush, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for sealing and support mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated connector component. The connector simultaneously provides sealing between vessels, structural support for the brush, and positioning features. This merging of functions reduces the overall number of separate components needed while maintaining cleaning effectiveness and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: sealing the connection between vessels, supporting the brush structure, positioning the brush correctly, and maintaining the sealed environment. This universal design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the brush is allowed to dry out between cleaning sessions, then storage is simplified, but the brush begins to harden which impairs its function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoidbrush functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed vessel system creates a protective environment that prevents the brush from drying out during storage. By maintaining a controlled atmosphere inside the vessel that prevents evaporation, the brush remains in its optimal wet state without requiring special storage conditions, thus maintaining functionality while simplifying storage procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 system enables efficient and consistent paintbrush cleaning with reduced solvent usage and pollution, maintaining brush functionality by keeping it wet and sealed within the solvent environment.

Implementation Method 1

The vessel connector is then attached onto the vessel in a manner that causes the annular ring's flange to compress the support membrane against the vessel's lip creating a seal between the vessel and the vessel connector's flange

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

A support membrane having at least one perforation which is sized to support and locate an object passed through the perforation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical support through perforation:

Implementation Method 3

allowing it to remain wet and reducing solvent evaporation, while minimizing VOC exposure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation prevention through sealing: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11485556B1Vessel connector

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 BRENNER VINCENT CHARLES

AI summary

The invention described herein provides a method and apparatus for supporting an object inside a vessel. The device comprises a vessel connector 20 having an annular ring 32, with an internal flange 38, and preferably a first 34 and second 36 set of threads. The vessel connector 20 supports and locates a support membrane 58 having a perforation 66 into which an object 28, such as a paintbrush 30 is inserted. The support membrane 58 locates a portion of the object internal to a connected vessel 22 which may be filled with solvent 54 thereby allowing the object 28 to be cleaned while limiting harmful chemicals from entering the environment through evaporation.