Water-Based Gel Preserving Agent for Paint Brushes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for temporarily storing used paint application tools, such as paint brushes, are inefficient and environmentally harmful, as they often lead to paint residue drying out, liquid absorption damaging the brushes, and require extensive cleansing, resulting in waste and pollution.
Innovation Solution
A water-based gel is used to preserve the paint application tools, which prevents paint residue from drying out, is non-invasive to the brush material, and allows for easy removal of residues, while being environmentally friendly and not requiring additional fastening means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brushes are immersed in liquid for storage, then paint residue does not dry out, but the brush absorbs liquid which damages the brush and requires difficult removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the preserving medium from liquid to gel. The gel has a three-dimensional network structure that restricts molecular mobility, allowing it to maintain paint residue moisture without being absorbed by the brush hairs like liquids do. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing moisture retention without liquid absorption damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel comprises a composite structure with a three-dimensional network of polymer chains forming junction zones creating meshwork structures. This composite material combines the moisture-retaining properties of liquids with the structural stability of solids, preventing both drying out and excessive absorption by the brush.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If brushes are wrapped in foil for storage, then paint residue is protected from environment, but drying out still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The gel acts as an intermediary substance between the brush and the environment. Unlike foil which provides only physical barrier protection, the gel actively maintains moisture through its gel structure while also protecting from environmental factors. It mediates between the need for environmental protection and moisture retention.
3Ease of operation
If brushes are rinsed with cleansing liquid, then paint residue is removed, but substantial amount of cleansing liquid waste is formed causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleansing function from the storage process itself. The gel provides a preserving environment that prevents paint residue from drying and hardening, eliminating the need for subsequent cleansing operations. The harmful cleansing liquid waste generation is completely removed by taking out the cleansing step.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel creates a self-maintaining storage environment where the paint residue remains in its original state without requiring external intervention for cleansing. The brush preserves itself in the gel without needing subsequent cleaning operations, making the system self-sufficient.
4Device complexity
If brushes are stored without fastening means, then storage is simple, but brushes come to rest on bottom causing permanent deformation of hairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems with a gel-based suspension system. The gel's viscosity and gel structure provide mechanical support to suspend brushes in an upright position without requiring clips, racks, or other fastening devices. This substitution maintains both simplicity and brush shape integrity.
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 water-based gel effectively maintains the usability of paint brushes for extended periods without intermediate cleansing, reduces environmental impact, and prevents mold formation with the inclusion of biocides, ensuring the brushes remain functional and clean.
Implementation Method 1
the preserving agent is a water based gel
Implementation Method 2
with suitable selection of the viscosity of the gel the brushes will be suspended in the gel and will not come to rest on the bottom of the container
Implementation Method 3
the preserving agent further contains a biocide. Hereby it is avoided that in time the formation of mould or other degeneration of the gel can occur
Data Source
AI summary
Use of a preserving agent for temporarily storing used paint application tools, in particular paint brushes and paint rollers, by immersing at least the paint containing portion of the paint application tool therein, whereby the preserving agent is a water based gel, an electrolyte for breaking up the gel afterwards, the water based gel clearly intended for use as a preserving agent, a device for temporarily storing used paint application tools, and a composite kit, comprising the device, the water based gel, and the electrolyte.