Dynamic Mixer Shaft Alignment for Direct Torque Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of aligning the rotor shaft and drive shaft of a dynamic mixer is laborious and time-consuming, leading to idle rotations and torque loss during the mixing process, particularly in dental applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for congruent alignment of polygonal multi-edge geometries between the rotor shaft and drive shaft using an orientation template or optical sensor to ensure precise rotational positioning, allowing for direct sliding without further adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment of hexagonal geometries is used, then the dynamic mixer can be inserted into the mixing apparatus, but the process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A drive shaft extension is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive shaft and the rotor shaft. This extension features a polygonal cross-section that engages with both the drive shaft's polygonal geometry and the rotor shaft's polygonal geometry, serving as a mediator that facilitates automatic congruent alignment and eliminates manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft extension is pre-configured with specific polygonal geometries that correspond to both the drive shaft and rotor shaft interfaces. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the components are assembled, the alignment is automatically achieved without requiring subsequent manual adjustment or positioning
2Reliability
If manual alignment is performed, then connection can be made, but idle rotations and torque loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft extension acts as a mechanical intermediary that ensures direct, congruent engagement between the drive shaft and rotor shaft polygonal geometries. This eliminates idle rotations and ensures immediate torque transmission without energy loss during the connection process
Solution Approach 2:
The polygonal geometries (e.g., hexagonal) provide asymmetric engagement surfaces that prevent rotational misalignment. The specific shape ensures that only one rotational position is valid, eliminating the possibility of idle rotations and ensuring direct torque transmission from the drive shaft to the rotor shaft
3Device complexity
If the drive shaft is covered by the dynamic mixer and cartridge, then the assembly is compact, but alignment becomes difficult to reach and see
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft extension serves as a visible and accessible intermediary component that protrudes or is positioned such that the alignment operation can be performed easily. It provides a clear interface that is reachable and observable, eliminating the difficulty of aligning components that are deeply concealed within the assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft extension changes the spatial dimension of the alignment interface. Instead of requiring alignment at a deeply concealed location, the extension brings the alignment interface to a more accessible position, allowing users to perform the alignment operation easily while maintaining the compact overall structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) for congruent alignment of a first polygonal multi-edge geometry (2) of a rotor shaft (3) of a dynamic mixer (4) with a second polygonal multi-edge geometry (5) of a drive shaft (6) of a motor (7) of a mixing apparatus (8), and optionally insertion of the second polygonal multi-edge geometry (5) of the drive shaft (6) of the motor (7) of the mixing apparatus (8) into or onto the first polygonal multi-edge geometry (2) of the rotor shaft (3) of the dynamic mixer (4), as well as a dynamic mixer for use in the method as also use of the mixer in the method.