Eccentric Load Mixing Device with Multi-Element Spring System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixing technologies for pharmaceutical preparations, particularly for reconstituting powdered drugs, are inefficient and labor-intensive, often requiring manual shaking which can lead to inconsistent mixing, repetitive strain injuries, and sub-optimal dosing due to subjective techniques and the need for trained personnel, especially in just-in-time scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device featuring a rotating actuator with an eccentric load and a multi-element spring system that induces chaotic motion and high-speed swirling, controlled by a parameter-controlled motor to ensure complete dissolution or suspension within a sealed vial, maintaining sterility and reducing mixing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual shaking is used to mix pharmaceutical preparations, then mixing can be performed without complex equipment, but mixing time is prolonged and mixing consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through an eccentric rotating mass that generates oscillatory motion in the vial contents. This vibration mechanism rapidly mixes the pharmaceutical preparation by creating turbulent flow patterns, achieving both high mixing speed and consistent homogeneity without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical shaking system with an automated electromagnetic actuation system. The controller-driven eccentric mass rotation substitutes human hand movements, providing repeatable, consistent mixing forces that eliminate variability while maintaining mixing effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If manual mixing is performed by trained personnel, then mixing can be completed, but labor intensity increases and risk of repetitive strain injury occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is designed to be self-operating once the vial is placed in position. The controller automatically activates the eccentric mass rotation and controls the mixing process without requiring trained personnel to perform manual shaking actions, eliminating labor intensity while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated mixing system between the user and the mixing task. The controller and eccentric mass mechanism serve as intermediaries that perform the mixing function, freeing trained personnel from repetitive manual actions while ensuring consistent, efficient mixing results
3Manufacturing precision
If prolonged mixing is required to achieve complete dissolution, then mixing thoroughness is improved, but mixing time increases and risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-frequency vibration generated by the eccentric mass creates intense turbulent mixing that rapidly breaks up aggregates and promotes complete dissolution of the pharmaceutical preparation. This achieves thorough mixing in significantly reduced time compared to manual shaking, minimizing contamination risk
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic on/off cycles of the eccentric mass rotation during the mixing process. These periodic activation patterns optimize dissolution by alternating between high-intensity mixing phases and brief intervals, achieving complete dissolution faster while reducing overall mixing time and contamination exposure
4Productivity
If automated mixing systems are used to optimize agitation, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a relatively simple mechanical vibration mechanism consisting of an eccentric mass mounted on a rotating shaft. This straightforward mechanical design achieves automated mixing without requiring complex multi-component systems, maintaining ease of manufacturing while providing efficient mixing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing device is designed with universal applicability to work with various vial sizes and pharmaceutical preparation types. The single eccentric mass actuation mechanism serves multiple mixing functions across different applications, reducing the need for additional specialized components and simplifying the overall system structure
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 pharmaceutical preparations, reducing mixing time from minutes to seconds, improving efficacy and safety by ensuring complete dissolution without the need for manual labor, and maintaining sterility throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating actuator with an eccentric load and a multi-element spring system that induces chaotic motion and high-speed swirling
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing device of FIG. 1b comprises 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.