Mixing Element with Spinning-Head Coupling for In-Container Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines mix ingredients within the machine, which complicates the design and increases costs, and there is a lack of mechanisms for mixing ingredients directly in the mixing container.
Innovation Solution
A machine with spinning heads and mixing elements that allow ingredients to be mixed in the container by spinning the container and/or its cover, using anchoring and coupling structures to ensure secure attachment and independent motor control for optimal mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mixing is performed inside the machine, then mixing function is achieved, but machine complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is extracted from the machine and transferred to the disposable cup itself. The cup is designed with internal mixing structures (protrusions, recesses, asymmetric geometries) that enable mixing when spun, eliminating the need for complex machine mixing mechanisms while maintaining effective mixing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is transferred to a disposable cup that is discarded after use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex, and difficult-to-clean machine mixing mechanisms. The cup incorporates simple internal structures that provide mixing capability without requiring durable, washable components.
2Device complexity
If mixing is performed in the cup, then machine complexity is reduced, but the cup requires specific structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The cup is segmented into functional zones with specific geometric features (protrusions, recesses, asymmetric regions) that facilitate mixing when the cup is spun. These segmented structural elements are designed to create differential motion and turbulence within the liquid, achieving effective mixing without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup incorporates asymmetric geometric features such as non-uniform protrusions, recesses, or wall thickness variations. These asymmetric structures create uneven flow patterns and turbulence when the cup rotates, enhancing mixing efficiency while keeping the overall cup design simple and manufacturable.
3Productivity
If spinning mechanism is added to cup, then mixing efficiency is improved, but cup design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cup incorporates dynamic geometric features such as inclined surfaces, curved walls, or strategically positioned protrusions that interact with the liquid during rotation. These dynamic structures create turbulence and enhance mixing efficiency by leveraging the rotational motion itself, rather than requiring additional active mixing components.
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
Facilitates mixing in the mixing container, reducing machine complexity and cost, while ensuring efficient ingredient blending regardless of the number of spinning heads used.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid and powdery portions are mixed by spinning them in a coordinated manner on at least one spinning head of the machine
Implementation Method 2
the liquid and powdery portions are mixed by spinning them in a coordinated manner
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention, which is entitled mixture-based composite product processing machine, mixing element, and mixing assembly, relates to a mixed product dispensing machine of the type that dispenses a mixture of liquid or powder components or ingredients into a mixing element onto which a leak-tight cover is subsequently placed and inside which, as a result of its particular configuration, the liquid and/or powder portions are mixed by spinning them in a coordinated manner on at least one spinning head of the machine to which said container is coupled.