Mixer Container Holder With Pneumatic Pressure Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for containers on mixers, particularly in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, face challenges in securely holding large containers during stochastic mixing, often requiring manual effort to prevent slipping and shifting, which complicates automation and handling.

Innovation Solution

A holding device equipped with pressure devices that press the container against stops, combined with pneumatic clamping devices and a safety bolt, ensures secure non-slip positioning and automatic handling by maintaining the container's position during rotation, eliminating the need for manual securing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual securing methods are used to prevent container slipping, then container stability is improved, but device complexity and manual effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidholding device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure device automatically presses the container against the stop using pneumatic or hydraulic actuation, eliminating the need for manual securing operations. The system serves itself by using automated actuators rather than requiring human intervention to prevent container slipping during mixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical securing operations are replaced with automated pressure devices that use pneumatic or hydraulic systems. This substitution transforms the holding mechanism from manual adjustment to automated force application, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual securing operations are required, then container positioning is achieved, but productivity and automation capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer positioning precisionVSAvoidhandling process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure device is pre-positioned and automatically actuates to press the container against the stop before mixing begins. This preliminary automated action ensures precise container positioning without requiring subsequent manual adjustments, thereby maintaining both positioning precision and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated pressure device performs the positioning function independently without human intervention. The pneumatic or hydraulic actuator self-regulates to apply the necessary force to secure the container, eliminating manual operations and enabling continuous automated handling processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If additional securing devices are added to prevent slipping, then container retention is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer retentionVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure device combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it applies force to prevent slipping, positions the container against the stop, and secures the container during mixing. This merging of functions improves retention while maintaining ease of operation by eliminating the need for multiple separate securing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure device serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a positioning mechanism, a securing device, and a stabilization system. This multi-functionality ensures reliable container retention while simplifying the overall operation, as a single automated component performs what would otherwise require multiple manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively prevents unwanted slipping and shifting of containers during mixing, enabling automated handling and secure retention of both small and large containers, even under varying tolerances and during intense mixing processes.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure device can comprise several pressure elements, for example pneumatically operated rams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP1719577B1Holding device for a container and method of using same
Publication Date: 2008.12.31 GLATT SYSTTECHN
  • EP1719577B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1719577B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Holder for a container (10) in a mixer, comprising retaining strips (11) lying on support strips (8, 9) and a device (13) for tensioning the retaining strips with the support strips, includes a pressure device (14) for forcing the container via the retaining strips against stops (15) within the holder. An independent claim is also included for using a holder as above by placing the container on the support strips, forcing the container via the retaining strips against the stops by means of the pressure device, and them tensioning the retaining strips with the support strips by means of the tensioning device.