Clamp for Agitating Fluid Containers with Elongated Necks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand motion shakers are unable to effectively agitate fluid containers with elongated necks, such as volumetric or round-bottom flasks, as current clamps cannot properly brace these containers, leading to potential cracking or breaking during agitation.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with a high friction base and adjustable grip system that securely attaches to both the neck and bulbous portion of flasks, allowing for attachment to a hand motion shaker, and optionally supporting multiple flasks for simultaneous agitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clamp is used to attach flasks with elongated necks to a hand motion shaker, then the clamp structure is simple, but the flask cannot be properly braced and may crack or break during agitation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate gripping elements: a first grip that attaches to the elongated neck portion and a second grip that attaches to the bulbous portion. This segmentation allows each grip to be optimized for its specific attachment point, providing comprehensive support without requiring a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary device between the hand motion shaker and the fragile flask. By introducing this intermediate structure with multiple support points, the direct stress concentration on the flask neck is eliminated, distributing forces safely throughout the container.
2Productivity
If a clamp supports multiple flasks for simultaneous agitation, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design with dual grips creates a universal attachment system that can accommodate various flask sizes and configurations. The same basic clamp structure can hold one flask or be configured to support multiple flasks simultaneously, providing multi-functionality without requiring entirely different devices for different productivity levels.
3Reliability
If the grip attaches tightly to the flask neck, then the attachment is secure, but the neck portion may crack or break due to alternating bending moments
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the attachment points into two locations (neck and bulbous portion), the clamp distributes the securing force across multiple points rather than concentrating it at the vulnerable neck region alone, reducing bending moments while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp structure is designed beforehand to provide structural support and cushioning to the flask neck region. The rigid clamp framework absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses before they can concentrate on the fragile glass neck, preventing crack initiation during reciprocating motion.
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 clamp provides a secure and stable attachment for fluid containers with elongated necks, preventing breakage during agitation and enabling efficient mixing by transferring the mechanical agitator's motion effectively, while also accommodating various standard sizes and types of flasks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one base comprising a high friction portion configured to contact a bottom portion of the fluid container
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a clamp and method of use thereof for agitating, mixing, or shaking a fluid container using a mechanical agitator, such as a hand motion shaker. The clamp includes: at least one grip adapted to attach to at least a portion of a fluid container; at least one base comprising a high friction portion configured to contact a bottom portion of the fluid container; a supporting member extending between the grip and the base; and a mounting structure for connecting the support member to a mechanical agitator. The fluid container may be a flask including an elongated narrow neck portion extending from a bulbous portion, which has a larger inner diameter than the narrow neck portion. A method of clamping a fluid container and an assembly including a clamp and a mechanical agitator are also provided.