Locking Coupling for Contamination-Free Stirring Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting stirring tools to agitators in the production of diagnostic reagents risk contamination due to metal shavings and corrosion, and pose safety hazards due to accidental detachment and damage to equipment.
Innovation Solution
A detachable, non-positive coupling mechanism with a locking device that prevents accidental disconnection and ensures a torsion-proof connection between the agitator and stirring tool, reducing abrasion and contamination risks, and allowing for ergonomic assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If key drill chucks or keyless chucks are used to connect stirring tools to agitators, then the connection can be established, but metal shavings are created due to abrasion which contaminate the product
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful metal-to-metal contact interface by replacing the traditional chuck mechanism with a coupling system where the stirring tool shaft connects directly to the agitator shaft through a non-positive connection interface. This eliminates the drill chuck components that generate metal shavings during connection and disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling acts as an intermediary component between the stirring tool and agitator, providing a controlled connection interface that prevents direct metal-to-metal abrasion. The coupling system with its specific geometric interface (circular cylindrical recess with polygonal shaft end) mediates the power transmission while minimizing contaminant generation.
2Ease of operation
If drill chucks are used for connection, then stirring tools can be attached, but the chucks corrode quickly due to rising vapors and aerosols becoming dirty and unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the drill chuck component entirely from the system, replacing it with a coupling mechanism that has a sealed or minimized exposure interface to vapors and aerosols. The coupling design with its precise geometric fit reduces surface area exposed to corrosive environments while maintaining tool attachment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional chucks are used, then stirring tools can be connected, but tools can unintentionally detach causing damage to the bottom of the boiler or tank
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct components (coupling, shaft with geometric interface) that work together to provide both ease of tool changes and secure connection. The segmented design allows for simple attachment/detachment operations while the geometric interlocking features prevent accidental detachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design incorporates preliminary anti-action by creating a geometric interface (circular cylindrical recess with polygonal shaft end) that inherently prevents detachment before it can occur. The shape-complementary fit and locking mechanism are designed to counteract any forces that might cause unintentional separation during the stirring process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If stirring tools are frequently changed using traditional methods, then different tools can be used for different tasks, but mechanical operations create metal shavings and increase contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful mechanical operation interface (drill chuck) from the tool changing process. The new coupling system allows for tool interchangeability through a simple geometric fit that requires minimal mechanical operation, thereby eliminating the source of metal shavings and contamination during tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical chuck system with a simpler geometric interface system. The connection is achieved through shape complementarity (circular cylindrical recess with polygonal shaft end) rather than through mechanical gripping and clamping operations, substituting a clean geometric interface for a contaminating mechanical interface.
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 solution significantly reduces contamination and safety risks during long stirring processes, enhances product safety, and extends equipment lifespan by preventing accidental detachment and corrosion, while allowing for easy and secure connection of stirring tools across various sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The means for locking comprise a locking device with a convex structure for engaging in the circumferential recess in the first shaft end of the adapter inserted into the coupling in order to prevent it from accidentally falling out of the coupling
Implementation Method 2
The means for locking further comprise at least one locking bolt, the locking bolt being arranged along the second longitudinal axis in the second region of the first shaft end of the adapter when it is inserted into the coupling and in a locked state can establish a connection between the coupling and the adapter which is rotation-proof
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention comprises a coupling (1) having a first receptacle (3) for a shaft of a stirrer for force-fit connection of the coupling (1) with the shaft and a second receptacle (4) for an adapter (2) for a stirring tool for a detachable, force-fit connection of the coupling (1) with the adapter (2), wherein the adapter (2) can be force-fitted to or is connected to a stirring tool, wherein the second receptacle (4) comprises a circular cylindrical recess with a first longitudinal axis into which a first shaft end (7) of the adapter (2) can be inserted in a form-fit manner in the direction of the first longitudinal axis and wherein the coupling (1) comprises means for locking the first shaft end (7) inserted into the second receptacle (4).