Mixer Housing Engagement Surface Undercut for Axial Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixers for two-component cartridges face difficulties in easy removal due to high friction forces and adhesive properties of the components, requiring significant force to separate the mixer from the cartridge, and engagement features intended for rotational movement hinder axial removal.
Innovation Solution
The mixer incorporates an engagement surface forming an undercut pointing towards the upstream end, allowing for high axial forces to be applied for removal, while regular engagement means like ribs support rotational movement without compromising axial traction, and features like protrusions and recesses enhance grip and prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tight sealing connection is achieved between mixer inlet section and cartridge outlets, then sealing reliability is improved, but removal difficulty increases due to high friction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are divided into two functional zones: a first region with engagement features for rotational connection, and a second region with an engagement surface for axial removal. This segmentation allows each region to specialize in its respective function without interference, enabling both tight sealing and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surface is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, creating an engagement direction that is transverse to both the rotational movement and the axial removal direction. This dimensional approach allows forces applied in the transverse direction to be effectively transferred for axial removal without interfering with the rotational engagement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If engagement means are provided on the outer surface for rotational movement, then connection stability is improved, but axial removal is hindered due to lack of traction
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are segmented into a first region for rotational engagement and a second region for axial removal. The first region includes engagement features that extend in the axial direction to provide rotational stability, while the second region includes an engagement surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to provide axial removal traction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the engagement means have different local qualities: the first region has engagement features optimized for rotational movement with axial extension, while the second region has an engagement surface optimized for axial removal with perpendicular orientation. Each local region is specifically designed for its designated function.
3Ease of operation
If engagement surface is positioned close to the upstream end for force application, then removal efficiency is improved, but rotational engagement is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are divided into two distinct regions along the longitudinal axis: a first region closer to the downstream end for rotational engagement, and a second region closer to the upstream end for axial removal. This spatial segmentation allows both functions to coexist without compromising each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surface in the second region is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, creating a transverse engagement direction. This dimensional change allows the engagement surface to be positioned optimally for force application during removal without interfering with the rotational engagement features in the first region.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~10
Figure 11~14
AI summary
A mixer (11) for mixing together at least two components is described. The mixer (11) comprises a mixer housing (12) having a longitudinal axis, an upstream end (14) and a downstream end (13), a mixing element (17) arranged at least partly within the mixer housing (12) and a mixer inlet section (19) having at least two inlets (20) provided at an input side and at least two outlets (22) provided at an output side. Each of the at least two inlets (20) is in fluid communication with one of the at least two outlets (22). The outlets (22) are in fluid communication with the mixing element (17). The inlets (20) are adapted to be sealingly connected to corresponding exit openings of a cartridge comprising the at least two components. The mixer housing (12) comprises connection means for connecting the mixer (11) to the cartridge by a rotational movement around the longitudinal axis. Engagement means are provided at an outer surface (26) of the mixer housing (12) which are accessible from the outside when the mixer (11) is connected to the cartridge. The engagement means comprise an engagement surface (28) being spaced apart from the upstream end (14) of the mixer housing (12) in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The engagement surface (28) points in the direction of the upstream end (14) of the mixer housing (12) thereby forming an undercut.