Magnetic Stirrer Layout for Uniform Liquid Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges in preventing nonuniform concentration distribution of liquids due to caking and inefficient stirring, particularly with pigments having high specific gravity, which can lead to apparatus complexity and damage when using magnetic stirrers.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge apparatus with a magnetic stirrer that is rotated by an external magnetic force, guided by a secured plate to prevent contact with the liquid storage, ensuring smooth stirring without damaging the storage and maintaining uniform liquid concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a magnetic stirrer is used to prevent nonuniform concentration distribution, then liquid mixing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases and damage risk to liquid storage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid concentration uniformityVSAvoidstirring mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stirrer with a magnetic field-based stirring mechanism. A magnetic stirrer (without mechanical contact) is actuated by a magnetic field generator to rotate and mix the liquid, eliminating the need for mechanical transmission components inside the liquid storage and reducing device complexity while maintaining effective mixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transmit rotational motion from the magnetic stirrer to the liquid. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that can penetrate the liquid storage boundary without mechanical contact, enabling stirring functionality while preventing damage to the liquid storage container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a magnetic stirrer is used to stir the liquid, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging liquid storage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid concentration uniformityVSAvoidliquid storage integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-based mechanical stirring with a magnetic field-based stirring system. The magnetic stirrer is actuated by an external magnetic field generator, eliminating the need for mechanical connections between the stirrer and the liquid storage container, thus preventing physical damage to the storage while maintaining effective mixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transmits rotational force without physical contact. This allows the stirrer to rotate and mix the liquid effectively while the magnetic field itself protects the liquid storage from mechanical damage, as the magnetic field can penetrate through the storage boundary without exerting damaging forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual stirring is performed to prevent caking, then user control over mixing is improved, but user burden and operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over mixingVSAvoidstirring process automation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated stirring system where the magnetic field generator automatically actuates the magnetic stirrer to mix the liquid at predetermined intervals or continuously, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system performs self-service stirring to prevent caking, reducing user burden while maintaining effective liquid mixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic automated stirring cycles where the magnetic stirrer is activated at predetermined time intervals to mix the liquid and prevent caking. This periodic action maintains liquid uniformity automatically without requiring continuous user intervention, balancing automation with effective mixing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 apparatus effectively prevents stirring-related damage to the liquid storage while ensuring uniform liquid distribution, simplifying the design and reducing user burden by automating the stirring process.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic force applicator applies a magnetic force to the stirrer from an outside of the liquid storage to rotate the stirrer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12496831B2Liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharger, a liquid storage, a stirrer, a plate, and a magnetic force applicator. The liquid discharger discharges a liquid. The liquid storage stores the liquid. The stirrer is rotatable in a stirring region in the liquid storage to stir the liquid in the liquid storage. The stirrer has a magnetism. The plate is secured to the liquid storage to define the stirring region. The magnetic force applicator applies a magnetic force to the stirrer from an outside of the liquid storage to rotate the stirrer.