Lift-Element Conversion for Pivoting Mixer Closure Covers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In rotating systems, achieving a pivotal movement about a pivot axis without extending or being parallel to the axis of rotation poses design challenges, particularly in mixers where the closure cover needs to end flush with the container bottom for efficient mixing, but this configuration complicates the drive mechanism and guidance of the closure cover.
Innovation Solution
A conversion device that converts linear movement in a stationary system into rotary movement using a lift element with two portions connected by a rotary bearing, allowing the lift element to be linearly reciprocated and rotated, enabling the closure cover to pivot about a pivot axis without rotating the drive mechanism, which is positioned in the stationary system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closure cover is moved linearly downward to open the emptying opening, then the closure cover can be opened, but the mixing material flows over the edge surfaces and contaminates the drive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the closure cover linearly downward to open it, the invention inverts the approach by using a pivotal rotation movement about a pivot axis. The closure cover is rotated from a closed position (flush with container bottom) to an open position, allowing material to be discharged without flowing over edge surfaces and contaminating the drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the closure cover movement from the rotating system and places the drive mechanism in the stationary system. The closure cover pivots about an axis that is stationary relative to the container, separating the driving function from the rotating mixing container, thus preventing contamination of rotating components.
2Ease of operation
If the closure cover is laterally pivoted out of the emptying opening, then the closure cover can be opened, but this is not possible by virtue of the substantially cylindrical or frustoconical contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by using a pivot axis that extends through the center of the notional sphere defined by the curved edge surfaces of the closure cover. This allows the closure cover to pivot laterally out of the emptying opening while maintaining proper contact with the container bottom, making lateral pivoting possible despite the cylindrical or frustoconical contact surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the closure cover is designed to rotate relative to a carrier arm, then the closure cover can be opened, but the drive has to be moved into the rotary system with disadvantages
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the drive mechanism from the rotating system and positions it in the stationary system. The closure cover is pivoted about a pivot axis that is stationary relative to the container, with the drive mechanism located in the stationary system, thereby eliminating the need for complex balancing elements and power supply arrangements that would be required if the drive were placed in the rotating system.
4Productivity
If the closure cover ends flush with the container bottom, then efficient mixing is achieved, but the drive mechanism and guidance become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the drive mechanism from the rotating system and positions it in the stationary system. The closure cover pivots about a stationary pivot axis, allowing it to end flush with the container bottom for efficient mixing while simplifying the drive and guidance mechanism by eliminating the need for rotating drives and complex balancing arrangements.
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 the closure cover to be easily opened and closed about a pivot axis without contaminating the mixing material, maintaining a flush configuration with the container bottom and preventing material leakage, while keeping the drive mechanism in the stationary system, thus simplifying the design and operation of the mixer.
Implementation Method 1
the two lift element portions are connected together by way of a rotary bearing in such a way that the first lift element portion can be rotated about the axis of the rotary bearing relative to the second lift portion
Data Source
AI summary
A conversion device for converting linear movement in a stationary system into rotary movement about a pivot axis in a system which rotates about an axis of rotation that is not identical or parallel to the pivot axis. The conversion device has a lift element and a lift device with which the lift element can be moved with translatory movement relative to the stationary system. The lift element has first and second lift element portions connected together by a rotary bearing so that the first lift element portion can be rotated relative to the second lift element portion about the axis of the rotary bearing. The first lift element portion is connected to the lift device and the second lift element portion is connected to the conversion device. The conversion device is connected to a shaft positioned on the pivot axis so that a linear movement of the second lift element portion is converted into a rotary movement of the shaft about the pivot axis.