Eccentric Actuator Mixing Device with Multi-Element Spring System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixing technologies for pharmaceutical preparations and other applications are inefficient and labor-intensive, often requiring manual mixing that can lead to inconsistent results, sterility issues, and prolonged mixing times, especially for 'just-in-time' drug reconstitution, which can compromise the efficacy and safety of medicinal preparations.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device utilizing a rotating actuator with an eccentric load and a multi-element spring system that induces dynamic flexing motions to create a swirling and vortex-like motion within a container, allowing for controlled energy delivery to ensure thorough mixing, while maintaining sterility through seal penetration and minimizing human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual mixing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing consistency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating actuator with eccentric load that generates controlled vibrations and oscillations in the mixing container. This mechanical vibration approach automates the mixing process while maintaining relatively simple device structure, achieving both consistency and simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing system is designed to perform mixing automatically once initiated, with the actuator self-regulating through its eccentric load mechanism. This reduces the need for complex control systems while ensuring reliable, consistent mixing without continuous human intervention
2Productivity
If automated mechanical mixing systems are used, then mixing efficiency is improved, but sterility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical stirrers or rods that physically contact the mixture with a vibration-based mixing mechanism. The rotating actuator with eccentric load generates oscillations that mix contents through container movement rather than direct mechanical contact, maintaining sterility while achieving rapid mixing
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing container acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the mixture. The actuator vibrates the container, which in turn mixes the contents without the actuator directly contacting the sterile mixture, thus preserving sterility while enabling automated mixing
3Device complexity
If manual mixing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating actuator with eccentric load generates periodic vibrations and oscillations in the mixing container. This periodic mechanical action rapidly mixes contents through repeated cycles of motion, achieving fast mixing while keeping the device structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled mechanical vibrations from the eccentric actuator to accelerate the mixing process. These vibrations create turbulent motion in the mixture, dramatically reducing mixing time compared to manual methods without requiring complex device architecture
4Speed
If high energy is applied to accelerate mixing, then mixing speed is improved, but mixing homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system uses dynamic, oscillating motions rather than static or purely rotational movements. The eccentric actuator creates varying vibration patterns that adapt during mixing, enabling both rapid mixing and thorough homogenization through changing motion characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes mixing parameters dynamically through the rotating actuator's eccentric load, which generates varying amplitude and frequency vibrations during operation. This parameter variation enables the system to achieve both high mixing speed and uniform homogeneity by adapting the mixing intensity throughout the process
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 device achieves rapid and consistent mixing of pharmaceuticals and other substances, reducing mixing time significantly and ensuring homogeneity, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of medicinal preparation while maintaining sterility and reducing the risk of human error.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating actuator with an eccentric load that induces dynamic flexing motions to create a swirling and vortex-like motion within a container
Implementation Method 2
create a swirling and vortex-like motion within a container
Implementation Method 3
A mixing device utilizing a rotating actuator with an eccentric load and a multi-element spring system that induces dynamic flexing motions
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing device comprising a multi-element spring system in which an eccentric load, coupled to a rotor of a motor, is located towards a first end of a first beam realising a backbone for the mixing device. One or more connections interconnect the backbone respectively to one or more other beams to produce the multi-element spring system. A load, such as a vial or other container in which is located a diluent, is located remotely from the motor. As such, the spring system supports two independent but complementary eccentric load generating subsystems arising from, respectively, the controlled rotation of the rotor (and its eccentric load) and then, in response to rotation of the connected eccentric load on the rotor, swirling of the diluent in the vial/container. Both these eccentric loads contribute to a complex multidirectional flexing of the multi-element spring system relative to a fixed anchor point, with this multidirectional flexing working to induce a swirling motion in the contents of the container.