Battery-Powered Fluid Mixing Device with Rack and Pinion Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid mixing devices are complex, leave traces when switching between mixtures, and do not allow independent treatment of base and additive fluids, making them difficult to use and clean.
Innovation Solution
A portable, battery-operated fluid mixing device that uses independent containers with a mechanical extrusion system to mix fluids without leaving traces, featuring a rack and pinion mechanism and electronic container level detection for easy operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical extrusion system with independent containers is used, then fluids can be treated independently and mixed without traces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid storage and dispensing system into separate independent containers for base fluid and additive fluids. Each container has its own extrusion mechanism, allowing independent treatment and control of each fluid type before mixing. This segmentation enables trace-free operation when switching between different fluid combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical extrusion system is designed with universal components that can handle different types of fluids through the same basic mechanism. The extrusion heads and containers are designed to work with various fluid viscosities and properties, making the complex system adaptable to multiple fluid types without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each.
2Adaptability or versatility
If containers are made interchangeable for different fluids, then versatility is improved, but traces from previous fluids may remain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mixing and dispensing function from the container itself, using separate disposable or removable containers that are emptied completely through mechanical extrusion. This separation allows the container to be fully emptied without residual traces, while the permanent device housing remains clean and ready for the next fluid combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to completely discard the fluid contents of interchangeable containers through full mechanical extrusion, ensuring no traces remain. The containers can be discarded after use or recovered and refilled, while the device itself maintains a clean state ready for the next fluid combination, eliminating cross-contamination.
3Measurement precision
If electronic container level detection is implemented, then monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical level sensing mechanisms with electronic detection systems. Simple electronic sensors (such as capacitive, resistive, or optical sensors) are integrated into the container or device housing to detect fluid levels, providing precise monitoring without the mechanical complexity of float mechanisms or mechanical gauges.
4Ease of operation
If the device is made portable and battery-operated, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption becomes a constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical extrusion system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The containers are extruded completely over a set period, and the system remains idle between cycles. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption compared to continuous operation, making battery operation feasible for portable use.
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
Enables instant, personalized mixing of cosmetic creams or other fluids with no residual traces, allowing for easy interchange of containers and real-time level monitoring, ensuring efficient and clean operation.
Implementation Method 1
a rack and pinion mechanism
Implementation Method 2
mechanical extrusion system to mix fluids
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid mixing device which mixes a base fluid with one or more additive fluids coming from respective containers, said device being characterised in that it is quick and easy to use and in that no traces are left between uses. The device comprises a first module (1) for extracting at least one first fluid contained in at least one base fluid container (23), a drag, extrusion and discharge mechanism (2), a second module (3) for extracting one or more second fluids or additive fluids from one or more additive containers (24), a mixing tank (4) provided with a hole for the discharge of the final mixture, a battery-powered electronic control board (27), wherein a single stepper motor is used for applying pressure to the base fluid container and the additional fluid container(s), and the drag, extrusion and discharge mechanisms (2) are actuated.