Mixing Device Floating Lid Centering Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixing devices face challenges in efficiently and accurately positioning the mixer lid on the container, leading to potential leaks, damage, and safety risks, especially when used as transport containers, and limit automation due to the need for manual centering.

Innovation Solution

A mixing device with a guide for the mixer lid that allows for transverse movement and incorporates centering means, such as guide surfaces and sliding surfaces, to ensure proper alignment and secure positioning, enabling efficient and safe operation, including automated processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the lid is manually positioned on the container, then correct centering can be achieved, but the operation is time-consuming and cannot be automated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentering precisionVSAvoidpositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is equipped with centering means including guide surfaces and engagement sections that automatically engage with corresponding features on the container. When the lid is lowered onto the container, the guide surfaces self-align the lid with the container's vertical axis, and the engagement sections lock into place, achieving correct centering without manual intervention. This self-centering mechanism enables both high precision and automation compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the lid is quickly positioned on the container, then efficiency is improved, but correct centering and secure positioning cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid incorporates guide surfaces and centering means that are pre-configured to automatically guide and center the lid on the container during the lowering operation. The guide surfaces are positioned and angled to naturally steer the lid into correct alignment as it approaches the container, while engagement sections are pre-positioned to automatically lock into place. This preliminary configuration ensures that even during quick positioning operations, the lid achieves accurate centering and secure attachment without requiring additional adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the lid is positioned without proper centering, then positioning is simpler and faster, but leaks and damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning easeVSAvoidleaks and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid incorporates guide surfaces and centering means that act as intermediary elements between the lid and container. These guide surfaces and engagement sections mediate the positioning process by automatically guiding the lid into correct alignment and securing it in place. The intermediary centering mechanism ensures that the lid is properly centered and sealed to the container, preventing leaks and damage while maintaining simple and fast operation. The engagement sections with guide surfaces serve as the mediating structure that translates any initial positioning errors into correct final alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3189888B1Mixing device
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 IREKS GMBH
  • EP3189888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3189888B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3189888B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mixing device (1) for mixing material, comprising a container (2) for receiving the material having an opening (4) and a mixer lid (5) that can be positioned above the opening (4), wherein a guide (12) is provided for positioning the mixer lid (5) above the opening (4), wherein the mixer lid (5) is floatingly mounted on the guide (12) so that the mixer lid (5) can move transversely to the guide (12) within a predetermined range of movement and has centering means (21) to center the mixer lid (5) on the container (2).