Calorimetry Sample Mixing with Dual-Axis Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for analyzing binder compositions in the construction industry are time-consuming, require significant material and financial resources, and suffer from low sample throughput, inaccuracies, and poor reproducibility due to manual sample preparation and stabilization delays in calorimetric measurements.

Innovation Solution

A mixing device with a frame, receiving device, and pneumatically operated vibrators generating horizontal and vertical vibrations, along with vibration dampers and temperature control, to automate sample preparation and handling, ensuring accurate and reproducible calorimetric measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sample preparation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sample throughput is low and measurement accuracy is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample throughputVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanical vibration through a vibrator that generates oscillations to mix the sample material with the excitation liquid in the container. This vibration mechanism automates the mixing process, significantly increasing sample throughput while maintaining measurement accuracy through consistent mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing operations with an automated vibrator system. The vibrator substitutes for manual mixing actions, enabling automated sample preparation that increases productivity while maintaining controlled mixing conditions for accurate measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual sample preparation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reproducibility are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrator generates controlled mechanical vibrations that consistently mix the sample material with the excitation liquid, ensuring uniform distribution and reproducible mixing conditions. This automated mechanical mixing eliminates the variability introduced by manual preparation, significantly improving measurement precision and reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing device performs self-service by automatically mixing the sample material with the excitation liquid through the vibrator. The system requires no manual intervention for the mixing process, ensuring consistent and reproducible conditions for each measurement, thereby improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If manual operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but time consumption increases due to stabilization delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization delayVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrator rapidly mixes the sample material with the excitation liquid through mechanical oscillations, significantly reducing the time required to achieve stable mixing conditions. This automated rapid mixing eliminates the prolonged stabilization delays associated with manual preparation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The vibrator provides continuous mechanical mixing action throughout the measurement process, ensuring that the sample material remains uniformly mixed and stable. This continuous automated mixing eliminates the interruptions and delays inherent in manual operation, reducing overall time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enhances sample throughput and measurement accuracy by automating the preparation and handling of sample materials, reducing manual errors and stabilization delays, and enabling rapid determination of reactivity.

Implementation Method 1

at least two vibrators being provided, one of which is configured to generate a horizontal vibration and the other of which is configured to generate a vertical vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a vibration damper is installed between the receiving device and the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4217697B1Mixing device for preparing a sample
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 THYSSENKRUPP POLYSIUS GMBH
  • EP4217697B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4217697B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mixing device (10) for preparing a sample material for a calorimetric measurement, comprising a frame (18) and a holding apparatus (12) for holding a container filled with the sample material, which holding apparatus is connected to the frame (18), wherein the holding apparatus (12) is connected to a vibrator (20, 22) for vibrating the holding apparatus (12), and a vibration damper (24, 26, 28, 30) is mounted between the holding device (12) and the frame (18).