Agitators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agitators face challenges in effectively mixing powdered food supplements and liquids, as powders tend to clump and stick to container walls, resisting mixing by simple shaking, and struggle to mix multiple liquids efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An agitator with adjustable compressed and expanded configurations, capable of fitting through a container neck in a compressed state and expanding within the container to prevent exit, utilizing a frame structure and retainer mechanisms to facilitate mixing by altering dimensions and shape in response to external forces or liquid contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the agitator is made large enough to effectively mix materials, then mixing efficiency is improved, but the agitator cannot fit through the container neck for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator employs a dynamic structure that allows it to change size between compressed and expanded configurations. The frame members are designed to be flexible or collapsible, enabling the agitator to compress to a small size for insertion through the container neck, then expand to a large size for effective mixing of materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator's frame members are configured to nest within each other or collapse into a compact arrangement, similar to nested dolls. This allows the agitator to reduce its overall dimensions for insertion through the container neck while maintaining the capability to expand to full mixing size once inside the container.
2Ease of operation
If the agitator is made small enough to fit through the container neck, then ease of insertion is improved, but mixing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator transitions from a compressed small configuration for easy insertion through the container neck to an expanded large configuration for effective mixing. The dynamic structure allows the agitator to adapt its size to the operational requirements at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator is inserted in a preliminary compressed state through the container neck, then subsequently expanded to its full mixing configuration once inside the container. This preliminary action of insertion in compact form enables the agitator to reach its operational position before activating its full mixing capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the agitator structure is made rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to compression and expansion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator employs dynamic frame members that can flex, collapse, or expand while maintaining structural integrity. The frame is designed with controlled flexibility, allowing compression and expansion movements while preserving the overall structural stability needed to perform mixing functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator's frame members incorporate flexible elements or thin-walled structures that can deform during compression and expansion while maintaining sufficient structural strength. These flexible components allow the agitator to adapt its configuration without compromising the structural stability required for mixing.
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 agitator ensures complete dispersion of clumps and efficient mixing of powders with liquids, and multiple liquids, by expanding within the container to prevent retraction and ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more members are adjustable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An agitator may include one or more members adjustable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration. When the one or more members are in the expanded configuration, the agitator in a first set of two orthogonal dimensions is larger than an opening having a predetermined size. When the one or more members are in the compressed configuration, the agitator in a second set of two orthogonal dimensions is smaller than the opening having the predetermined size. The one or more members are biased to the expanded configuration in absence of external force applied to the one or more members. In use, the agitator may be inserted into a container through a neck of the container in the compressed configuration. The agitator may expand within the container so that the container does not fit through the neck of the container.