Pivot-Mounted Mixer Drive for Accurate Torque Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixers face challenges in providing a precise and cost-effective method for monitoring torque applied during mixing operations, with indirect methods being imprecise and direct methods using strain gauges being expensive.
Innovation Solution
A mixer design where the mixing device drive is pivotably mounted within the housing and supported against rotational directions, utilizing a measuring device with force sensors to detect reaction forces and indirectly determine torque based on the principle of 'action equals reaction'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect torque measurement via power consumption is used, then the measurement system is simple and inexpensive, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reaction arm as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits the torque reaction force from the mixing device drive to the force sensor. This mediator enables precise torque measurement by converting the rotational torque into a measurable linear force at a distance from the pivot axis, resolving the contradiction between simple system design and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges on driven shaft are used for torque measurement, then the measurement precision is high, but the system cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical strain gauge measurement system with a mechanical force transmission system using a reaction arm and force sensor. This substitution maintains high torque measurement precision while reducing system cost and complexity by using straightforward mechanical leverage principles instead of expensive electrical sensing on the driven shaft.
3Measurement precision
If the mixing device drive is pivotably mounted with force sensor support, then the torque measurement becomes accurate and cost-effective, but the housing design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pivot mounting function and the force sensing function into a single integrated housing structure. The housing simultaneously serves as the pivot support and the force sensor mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall design complexity despite the advanced measurement capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mixing device drive is supported against both rotational directions, then torque can be measured in both directions, but the measuring device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric support surfaces on the reaction arm that are differently oriented to engage with corresponding features on the housing for each rotational direction. This asymmetric design enables bidirectional torque measurement while maintaining a relatively simple structure, as each direction has its own optimized support geometry rather than requiring a completely dual-sided symmetric system.
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 design allows for accurate and cost-effective torque measurement, with a compact and robust mixer that can determine torque in both rotational directions, enhancing handling and reducing engineering complexity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a measuring device with force sensors to detect reaction forces and indirectly determine torque based on the principle of 'action equals reaction'
Implementation Method 2
A1 with a force sensor (6) with which the reaction force of the at least one support can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
A mixer (1) having a measuring device (5) for determining a torque which can be applied using a mixing device drive (3) of the mixer to a medium to be mixed. The mixing device drive (3) is mounted to pivot within the housing (2) of the mixer (1) and is supported at least indirectly against at least one rotational direction of its two rotational directions. With the aid of the measuring device (5), a reaction force of this at least one support can be detected and from this, the torque applied by the mixing device drive can be determined.