Cartridge Mixer Interface Segmentation for Mixing Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for connecting cartridges and mixers often require individual design modifications for each type, leading to high production costs and a risk of mix-ups that result in unsatisfactory mixing results due to incorrect mixer assignments.
Innovation Solution
Designing the interface between cartridges and mixers with identical inlet and outlet nozzle sizes, and incorporating guide projections that differ in cross-section to ensure correct mixer-cartridge pairing, allowing for standardized production and preventing unsuitable mixer usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual design modifications are made for each cartridge-mixer type, then mixing precision is ensured, but production costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into a standardized base portion (identical for all types) and a distinctive guide projection portion (different for each type). This segmentation allows the majority of the interface to be manufactured using identical standardized components, reducing production costs, while the guide projection provides type-specific identification to ensure precise matching between cartridges and mixers.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide projection is designed with local quality variations (different cross-sectional shapes such as square, rectangular, or triangular) at a specific location of the connection interface. This localized differentiation ensures that each cartridge type can only be connected to its corresponding mixer type, maintaining mixing precision without requiring modifications to the entire interface design.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual design modifications are made for each cartridge-mixer type, then mixing precision is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is divided into a simple standardized base portion that is identical for all types and a distinctive guide projection portion. This segmentation maintains low overall device complexity while the guide projection provides the necessary type-specific identification features.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide projection is designed with asymmetric cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular) that are specific to each cartridge type. This asymmetry ensures that only the correct mixer type can be connected to a given cartridge, preventing mismatches and ensuring mixing precision without complicating the overall interface design.
3Ease of operation
If color coding is used to identify mixer types, then mixer assignment is simplified, but reliability decreases due to potential confusion and accidental mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through the guide projection mechanism, which automatically prevents incorrect mixer-cartridge pairings. The geometric shape of the guide projection acts as a mechanical barrier that only allows the correct mixer type to connect to the corresponding cartridge type, eliminating the need for user interpretation of color codes and preventing accidental mismatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the color-coding visual identification system with a mechanical identification system using guide projections with different cross-sectional shapes. This mechanical system provides more reliable and unambiguous type identification, as the physical geometry inherently prevents incorrect connections rather than relying on user interpretation of visual cues.
Data Source
Figure 1a~3a
Figure 3b~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a system consisting of various types of cartridges(1a, 1b; 21a, 21b) and several different types of mixers (11a, 11b, 11c, 20a, 20b) which can be connected thereto. Said cartridges are double cartridges comprising two containers (2, 3) which are interconnected. Each container is associated with an outlet opening or nozzle (5, 6). Said mixers each comprise two inlet openings or nozzles (24, 25) which can be coupled to the outlet openings or nozzles (5, 6). The size of the inlet openings or nozzles and the size of the outlet openings or nozzles is the same for each type of mixer and each type of cartridge. In order to associate one type of mixer with one type of cartridge, guiding projections (13a, 13b, 13c; 23) are provided on the mixers and cartridges are provided with corresponding openings (10a, 10b; 22).