Ergonomic Portable Mixing Apparatus with Stabilizing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixing devices for cement and concrete are inefficient, causing strain on operators, leading to back injuries and incomplete mixing, and result in erratic movement, splashing, and potential motor overheating due to their design and lack of stability.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with an elongate shaft and multiple paddles with notched connecting members and cross members, designed to minimize operational force and ensure uniform mixing, featuring a stabilizing ring for reduced vibration and efficient material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional attachment-type mixers with short shafts are used, then the device can be operated with a hand-held power drill, but the operator must bend over the container which places strain on the lower back and positions the face within the splash area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the mixer shaft vertically upward from the container rather than horizontally across it. This dimensional change allows the operator to stand upright and operate the mixer from above, eliminating the need to bend over the container and exposing the face to splashing materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional attachment-type mixers are used without anchoring, then the device can be freely positioned, but the mixer bounces around and has erratic movement during mixing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mixer shaft with a stabilizing ring that anchors the mixer to the container. This merging of the mixing function with the stabilizing function eliminates erratic movement and bouncing during operation while maintaining adaptability through the adjustable ring position.
3Device complexity
If conventional attachment-type mixers with short shafts are used, then the device structure is simple, but the container holding the material moves and spins due to the rotation of the mixer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the shaft vertically upward from the container center rather than keeping it short and horizontal. This vertical extension provides a stable anchor point that prevents the container from moving or spinning during mixing operation.
4Ease of operation
If conventional attachment-type mixers are used with hand-held drills, then the device is portable and easy to set up, but the drill motor overheats and may lead to premature and permanent failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixing function from the drilling function by using a separate mixing motor mounted on the extended shaft. This separation allows the use of a dedicated mixing motor with appropriate torque and thermal characteristics rather than relying on a small hand-held drill motor, thereby preventing overheating and premature failure while maintaining portability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an elongate shaft, a first paddle including a connecting member disposed generally parallel to the shaft and a cross member disposed generally perpendicular to the shaft and coupled thereto, wherein the connecting member includes at least one notch formed along an edge thereof, and a second paddle including a connecting member disposed generally parallel to the shaft and a cross member disposed generally perpendicular to the shaft and coupled thereto, wherein the connecting member includes at least one notch formed along an edge thereof.