Eccentric Mixing Paddle for Animal Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal food preparation systems primarily offer food in solid form, which may not be suitable for all animals, and existing mixing blades for preparing dehydrated food with liquids often complicate the apparatus and do not efficiently mix or expel ingredients.
Innovation Solution
A mixing blade with eccentric arms that rotates around a horizontal axis, allowing for both axial and radial movement of ingredients, effectively mixing and expelling dehydrated food with liquids without increasing the complexity of the preparation apparatus. The blade has a first portion inclined relative to the axis of rotation for axial movement and a second portion for radial expulsion, with a flexible section to prevent jamming and a radial tab to limit deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mixing paddle with eccentric arms is used to mix dehydrated feed with liquid, then mixing efficiency and ingredient distribution are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing paddle is segmented into multiple arms (at least two) arranged radially around the rotation axis, with each arm having specific geometric features. This segmentation allows different portions of the paddle to perform different functions (mixing, scraping, expelling) simultaneously, improving overall mixing efficiency without requiring multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle arms are designed with asymmetric geometry relative to the rotation axis, with specific portions positioned at defined angles (e.g., 45-135 degrees from the horizontal plane). This asymmetric arrangement creates directional movement patterns that enhance mixing effectiveness and ingredient expulsion while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Productivity
If the mixing paddle rotates in both directions to move and expel ingredients, then ingredient distribution and expulsion efficiency are improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing paddle operates with periodic direction changes, alternating between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation in defined cycles. During one direction, ingredients are moved axially along the chamber; during the opposite direction, ingredients are expelled radially through openings. This periodic bidirectional operation achieves efficient ingredient distribution and expulsion using a single motor with reversible rotation control
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle design incorporates dynamic functionality where the same physical structure performs different functions based on rotation direction. The geometric configuration of the arms ensures that depending on which direction the paddle rotates, different portions of the arms engage with ingredients to produce axial movement or radial expulsion, eliminating the need for mechanically different components for each function
3Reliability
If the second portion has a flexible cross-section to prevent jamming, then reliability is improved, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle arm structure implements local quality variation where different sections have different cross-sectional properties. The first portion (for axial movement) has a rigid structure for strength, while the second portion (for radial expulsion) has a flexible cross-section to accommodate ingredient variability and prevent jamming. This localized flexibility-strength differentiation allows the paddle to handle diverse ingredient conditions without compromising overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the paddle arms incorporates flexible material or flexible cross-sectional geometry that can deform elastically during operation. This flexibility allows the paddle to adapt to variations in ingredient consistency and volume, preventing jamming and blockages while the overall arm structure maintains sufficient strength through its connection to the rigid central hub and first portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a mixing paddle (100) that is designed to rotate about a horizontal rotation axis and comprises at least one eccentric arm (110, 120) which comprises: - a first portion inclined with respect to a plane containing the rotation axis (150), so as to cause the ingredients contained in the mixing chamber to move in a first axial direction when the mixing paddle (100) rotates in a first direction of rotation, - a second portion having a cross section oriented radially with respect to the rotation axis (150) in order, when the mixing paddle (100) rotates in a second direction of rotation, to bring about a radial movement of the ingredients towards the outside of the mixing chamber.