In-Cup Mixer Shield and Interlock for Clean High-Speed Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional commercial mixers for consumable materials are often inefficient, unsafe, and unsanitary due to human error and contamination risks during rapid operation, and existing automated systems are slow and complex.
Innovation Solution
An automated mix-in-cup apparatus with a frame supporting a stepper motor-driven carriage, a mixing motor, and a splash shield that allows for in-cup mixing without transferring contents, featuring a reciprocally movable mixing blade and splash shield, and a self-cleaning mechanism using fluid injection and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional blenders are used to mix consumable materials, then mixing function is achieved, but multiple transfer steps are required and cleaning is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing blade assembly is integrated directly into the cup holder, combining the mixing function with the cup positioning structure. This eliminates the need for separate transfer vessels and reduces the number of operational steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing blade assembly is positioned within the cup space, with the blade extending into the cup when lowered. The splash shield is nested within the cup opening, creating a contained mixing environment without requiring external transfer containers.
2Ease of operation
If manual cup handling is used during mixing, then mixing control is possible, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated mixing control through the motor-driven blade assembly, eliminating the need for manual cup manipulation during mixing. The splash shield automatically contains the consumable material, preventing contamination without requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The splash shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the mixing blade and the external environment, containing the consumable material during mixing. This mediator prevents direct contact between the user and the consumable material, reducing contamination risk.
3Productivity
If mixing blade speed is increased for faster mixing, then productivity improves, but splashing and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The splash shield is positioned to engage the cup opening before high-speed mixing begins, creating a pre-contained environment. This preliminary protective action prevents splashing from occurring even at high mixing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The splash shield forms a flexible barrier that contains the consumable material during high-speed mixing. The shield can accommodate the dynamic movement of the consumable material while maintaining containment, preventing splashing without restricting mixing effectiveness.
4Reliability
If automated mixing systems are implemented, then operational safety improves, but cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing blade assembly can be removed from the cup holder, separating the mixing component for independent cleaning. This extraction allows the blade to be cleaned separately from the main apparatus, simplifying the overall cleaning procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing system is divided into separable components: the blade assembly, the splash shield, and the cup holder. This segmentation allows each component to be cleaned independently, reducing the complexity of cleaning the entire system compared to an integrated design.
5Manufacturing precision
If cup is manually moved during mixing for even distribution, then mixing quality improves, but safety and sanitation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing blade is designed to move dynamically within the cup during operation, adjusting its position to achieve even distribution of the consumable material. This automated dynamic movement replaces manual cup manipulation, maintaining mixing quality while improving safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. The apparatus further comprises a well with an inlet manifold and a drain and a fixed but removable cup-receiving holder. The shield can include a magnetic portion that is detected by a first sensor on the apparatus. A safety interlock prevents the actuation of the mixing blade in the event that the magnetic portion is not proximate to the first sensor. Overall, the apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.