Portable Mixer Handle Height Adjustment Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixers for construction materials do not accommodate users of varying heights, leading to inadequate handling postures and inefficiencies, as standard sizes do not adjust to the operator's height, and previous solutions like interchangeable rods or adjustable extensions are either economically unfeasible or time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A portable mixer design featuring a handle that can be longitudinally displaced and locked at various heights on the mixer body, using a threaded pressure knob and ring-like protrusions for secure grip, allowing easy adjustment to fit different user statures without the need for multiple rods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard-sized mixers are used, then manufacturing and design are simplified, but the mixer does not accommodate users of varying heights leading to inadequate handling postures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different user heightsVSAvoidhandle adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is made dynamically adjustable in height along the longitudinal axis of the mixer body. The guide rails allow the handle to move vertically to different positions, and the blocking means (threaded pressure knob) lock the handle at the desired height. This dynamic adjustment enables the mixer to adapt to users of different heights without requiring multiple fixed-size models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: guide rails for movement, blocking means for positioning, and a threaded pressure knob for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall adjustment mechanism relatively simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable mixing rods of different lengths are provided, then users can select the appropriate length, but this solution is economically unfeasible and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment to user heightVSAvoidtime for rod substitution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The single mixer body with its adjustable handle serves multiple functions by accommodating users of different heights. Instead of requiring different mixing rods or multiple mixer models, this universal design allows one mixer to adapt to various user needs through handle height adjustment, eliminating the need for users to purchase and swap multiple rods.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The handle height is adjusted preliminarily before use, allowing the user to set the optimal handling position in advance. The blocking means with threaded pressure knob enable quick locking at the desired position, so when the mixer is ready for operation, the handle is already at the correct height, eliminating time loss during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the handle height is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but taller operators must lower themselves and shorter operators must raise their hands excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic handlingVSAvoidadjustable handle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle position parameter (height) is made changeable along the longitudinal axis of the mixer body. The guide rails enable smooth vertical movement, and the blocking means with threaded pressure knob allow the handle to be positioned at different heights corresponding to different user statures. This parameter adjustment ensures ergonomic handling for both tall and short operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If multiple blocking means are used for handle fixation, then the handle can be securely locked at various positions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle fixation securityVSAvoidblocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means is designed as a self-service mechanism where the user operates the threaded pressure knob to simultaneously achieve both release and locking functions. By simply rotating the knob, the user can release the handle for adjustment or lock it at the desired position, eliminating the need for separate release and locking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient and ergonomic operation by allowing the handle to be set to a comfortable height for each user, reducing operator strain and eliminating the need for multiple mixing rods, thus improving handling efficiency and reducing setup time.

Implementation Method 1

some means for blocking the handle on the external surface of the body, at a variable height in respect to the mixer head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The means for blocking the handle located on the external surface of the body of the mixer have a threaded pressure knob radially assembled in respect to the guide for the handle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2886278B1Portable mixer with height-adjustable handle
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 GERMANS BOADA SA
  • EP2886278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2886278B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2886278B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Portable mixer for construction materials, of the type used for mixing various materials and comprising: a supporting housing, an electric motor, a handle for gripping and holding the mixer, and a mixer head provided with a rod for coupling to the electric drive motor. The portable mixer also comprises an outer surface of the housing, on which the handle is mounted in such a way that it can move longitudinally with respect to the geometric axis of the rod of the mixer head, and means for locking the handle on the outer surface of the housing, at a variable height from the mixer head.