Flash Point Apparatus Selective Stirring Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flash point determination methods lack flexibility in sample stirring and lid management, leading to potential contamination and increased cleaning complexity, as well as inefficiencies in sample throughput and vapor protection.
Innovation Solution
A flash point determination apparatus with a stirring device that can be selectively coupled or decoupled from a drive device, allowing for intuitive operation modes where the lid and stirring device can be removed together or remain on the container, ensuring torque transmission and easy cleaning while preventing vapor exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stirring device is firmly attached to the drive device, then torque transmission is ensured, but the cleaning process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring device is divided into separable components: the stirring means (stirrer) and the drive device. The coupling device allows selective connection between these components, enabling the stirring means to be removed for cleaning while the drive device remains in place. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing firm attachment during operation for reliable torque transmission, while enabling separation during cleaning to reduce complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is removed together with the stirring device, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but the risk of vapor exposure and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid removal process is segmented into two independent actions: removing the drive device from the lid, and separately removing the lid from the container. This allows the lid to remain on the container during stirring device cleaning, protecting against vapor exposure, while still providing accessibility to the stirring means for cleaning purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism that decouples the drive device from the stirring means. This intermediary allows the drive device to be removed from the lid without necessarily removing the lid itself, providing a controlled intermediate state that reduces vapor exposure risk while maintaining cleaning accessibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the stirring device remains attached to the lid, then vapor protection is maintained, but sample throughput efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the drive device and stirring means is made dynamic rather than static. The coupling device can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing the system to switch between different operational modes: keeping the stirring device attached for vapor protection during storage, or separating it for faster cleaning and next-sample preparation, thereby improving overall sample throughput.
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
This solution enhances the reproducibility and accessibility of flash point determinations, reduces contamination risks, and simplifies the cleaning process, while allowing for flexible operation modes that improve sample throughput and environmental protection.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling device for coupling the stirring device to the drive device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a stirring apparatus (100) for stirring a sample (106) in a container (104), which can be sealed by means of a lid (102), for a flash point determination test and/or combustion point determination test, wherein the stirring apparatus (100) comprises: a stirring device (108), at least part of which can extend through the lid (102) for stirring the sample (106) located in the container (104); a drive device (110), at least part of which is to be arranged outside the lid (102) for driving, in particular rotationally driving, the stirring device (108); a coupling device (112) for coupling the stirring device (108) to the drive device (110); and an actuating device (114) which can be actuated, in particular for adjusting the coupling device (112), in such a way that, selectively, the lid (102) together with the stirring device (108) can be removed from the container (104) in a first actuating position (197) when the drive device (110) is raised, or, in a second actuating position (199) when the drive device (110) is raised, the drive device (110) can be removed from the container (104), and the stirring device (108) and the lid (102) remain on the container (104).