Mixer Shaft Alignment Diaphragm for Low-Noise Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mixer household appliances emit significant noise due to misalignment between the rotor shaft and the drive shaft, which existing solutions have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A mixer design featuring a flexible diaphragm made from an elastomer that supports a bearing member, allowing the rotor shaft to be aligned with the drive shaft, reducing noise by creating a direct and stable connection through a coupling arrangement with minimal radial and axial play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid coupling arrangement is used between the drive shaft and rotor shaft, then the connection stability is improved, but misalignment between shafts causes noise and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane (thin film structure) as the coupling arrangement between the drive shaft and rotor shaft. This membrane is capable of bending and deforming to accommodate misalignment between the shafts while maintaining a secure connection, thereby eliminating noise without compromising connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the coupling material from rigid to flexible. By using a material that can change its deformation characteristics, the system adapts to shaft misalignment dynamically, preventing noise while maintaining reliable power transmission
2Device complexity
If a two-piece shaft assembly with spline connection is used, then the need for accurate bearing alignment is reduced, but misalignment is not fully prevented and noise remains
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane coupling completely eliminates the need for precise bearing alignment by accommodating misalignment through its bending capability. This single-piece flexible coupling is superior to two-piece rigid shaft assemblies with spline connections, as it fully prevents noise rather than merely reducing the alignment requirement
3Reliability
If a bearing with bearing liner is used to support the knife shaft, then the shaft support is improved, but noise emission is not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane coupling provides both shaft support and noise reduction by combining structural support with misalignment accommodation. Unlike rigid bearing arrangements that support the shaft but generate noise from misalignment, the flexible membrane simultaneously achieves both objectives
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 alignment of the rotor and drive shaft via the flexible diaphragm significantly reduces noise emission during operation, providing a quieter mixing experience.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible diaphragm manufactured from an elastomer provides flexibility in a direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis such that the bearing member is displaceable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis to align the rotor shaft with the drive shaft along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixer household appliance (2) comprising a base unit (4) and a container unit (6) is disclosed. The base unit (4) comprises an electric motor (52) with a drive shaft (53). The container unit (6) comprises a container (8) and a rotor (20) comprising a rotor shaft (22) and a rotor element (24). A coupling arrangement (40) forms a connection between the drive shaft (53) and the rotor shaft (22)when the container unit (6) is connected to the base unit (4). A longitudinal axis (34) extends through the drive shaft (53), the coupling arrangement (40), and the rotor shaft (22). The container unit (6) comprises a bottom portion (18). The bottom portion (18) comprises a flexible diaphragm (26) and a bearing member (28). The bearing member (28) is supported by the flexible diaphragm (26) and the rotor shaft (22) extends through the bearing member (28). The flexible diaphragm (26) provides flexibility in a direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (34) such that the bearing member (28) is displaceable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (34) to align the rotor shaft (22) with the drive shaft (53) along the longitudinal axis (34) when the container unit (6) is connected to the base unit (4).