Magnetic Coupling for Flexible Container Mixer Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible disposable containers with internal mixers face complications due to the need for sealed connections between the mixer shaft and container wall, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential weak points in the sealing process.
Innovation Solution
The mixer shaft is placed inside the container wall with its second end facing away from the mixing element and is fixed magnetically on the outside using a coupling piece connected to a force-introducing device, eliminating the need for an aperture in the container wall and allowing for a simpler, reliable, and economical mixing solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the mixer shaft is led through the container wall to connect the internal mixer with the external drive, then the mixing function is achieved, but sealing problems and increased device complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three separate components: the internal mixer assembly (mixing element and shaft), the container wall, and the external drive assembly. The magnetic coupling acts as a non-contact interface between these segments, eliminating the need for physical penetration and sealing through the container wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the internal mixer shaft and the external drive. Instead of direct mechanical contact requiring seals, the magnetic field transmits rotational force and motion across the container wall boundary without physical penetration.
2Reliability
If a fixed sealed connection is created between container wall and mixer shaft, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical sealing system (gaskets, welds, threaded connections) is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic field provides the coupling force without requiring mechanical penetration or sealing structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mixer shaft is anchored to the container wall, then structural stability is improved, but rotational speed and mixing volume are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling provides a dynamic connection that allows the mixer shaft to rotate freely at high speeds without mechanical constraints. The magnetic field maintains axial positioning stability while permitting unrestricted rotational motion, enabling higher mixing speeds and larger volumes compared to anchored systems.
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 approach eliminates sealing problems, reduces fabrication costs, and provides a more effective mixing process by allowing the mixer to be introduced during container production without complex internal connections, enabling efficient mixing without the limitations of rotational speed or volume restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
the mixer shaft with the mixing element can be fixed magnetically on the outside of the container wall
Data Source
AI summary
A container has flexible walls defining an interior. A mixer is arranged in the interior of the container and includes a mixer shaft with opposite first and second ends. A mixing element is mounted to the first end of the mixer shaft. The second end of the mixer shaft is fixed magnetically to a coupling piece disposed on the exterior of the flexible wall of the container. The coupling piece is connected operatively to a force introducing device that generates movement of the mixer.