Agitator Shaft Clamping Fixture for Precise Tank Opening Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temporary fixtures for fixing rotary shafts of agitators in tanks are time-consuming, imprecise, prone to contamination, pose safety hazards, and are costly, making them inefficient and unsafe for use.

Innovation Solution

A shaft fixture arrangement using two or more fixture elements with inwardly facing circumferentially extending shaft clamping surfaces and inclined opening abutment surfaces to securely clamp the rotary shaft, engaging protrusions and recesses to counteract movement along the axial direction, ensuring firm fixation irrespective of orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a temporary fixture built from planks is used to fix the rotary shaft, then the shaft can be fixed in relation to the tank, but it is time-consuming to build and results in significant labor costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft fixation reliabilityVSAvoidfixture construction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture elements are designed with pre-formed engagement features (protrusions and recesses) that enable quick assembly without time-consuming construction. The elements can be rapidly positioned and secured to fix the shaft, eliminating the need to build fixtures from scratch each time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture is divided into multiple separate fixture elements that can be independently positioned and secured around the shaft. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly by simply placing and securing the elements rather than constructing a complete fixture structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a temporary fixture built from planks is used to fix the rotary shaft, then the shaft can be fixed in relation to the tank, but the fit is imprecise resulting in wrongful positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft fixation reliabilityVSAvoidshaft positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each fixture element has specifically designed engagement features (protrusions and recesses) that provide precise local contact points with the shaft. This ensures accurate positioning and orientation of the shaft relative to the tank opening, eliminating the imprecision of plank-based fixtures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the rough mechanical assembly of planks with precisely engineered fixture elements featuring complementary protrusions and recesses. This mechanical interface substitution ensures accurate shaft positioning through designed-fit engagement rather than approximate placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a temporary fixture built from planks is used to fix the rotary shaft, then the shaft can be fixed in relation to the tank, but it risks contaminating the tank and shaft requiring cleaning and disinfection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft fixation reliabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture elements are designed as disposable or easily cleanable components made from materials suitable for hygienic applications. Rather than using planks that cannot be properly sanitized, the invention employs elements that can be discarded after single use or thoroughly cleaned and disinfected for reuse, eliminating contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If a temporary fixture built from planks is used to fix the rotary shaft, then the shaft can be fixed in relation to the tank, but it represents a safety hazard for personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft fixation reliabilityVSAvoidsafety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture elements feature curved or rounded contact surfaces that distribute forces evenly and prevent sharp edges or protruding plank ends that could injure personnel. The smooth, contoured design of the engagement surfaces eliminates safety hazards while maintaining secure shaft fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4711035A1Shaft fixture arrangement, system and method for releasably fixing a rotary shaft of an agitator system

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 ALFA LAVAL CORP AB

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4C

AI summary

The present invention relates to a shaft fixture arrangement (100) for releasably fixing a rotary shaft (12) of an agitator system (10) in relation to an opening (52) in a vessel (50). The shaft fixture arrangement (100) comprising: two or more fixture elements (102) configured to jointly fix the rotary shaft (12) in relation to the opening (52) by engaging the rotary shaft (12) such that the rotary shaft (12) is clamped between the two or more fixture elements (102). Each fixture element (102) comprising, an inwardly facing circumferentially extending shaft clamping surface (104) configured to abut an outer circumferentially extending surface portion (12a) of the rotary shaft, and an outwardly facing circumferentially extending opening abutment surface configured to abut an inwardly facing surface portion (52a) surrounding the opening. A system (20) and a method of for releasably fixing a rotary shaft (12) of an agitator system (1) are also provided.