Closed-Container Mixing Mount for Fast, Error-Free Ampoule Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixing devices face issues with ampoule mix-ups during insertion and removal, and the process is time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A mixing apparatus with a drive unit and pivotable shaft, featuring a pivot mount with receptacles for container holders, allowing pre-insertion and reducing mix-ups, along with adjustable swivel angles and speeds for optimal mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ampoules are arranged on a swiveling table with individual holders or fingers, then the mixing apparatus can accommodate different ampoule diameters, but the risk of mix-ups increases during insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different ampoule diametersVSAvoidrisk of mix-ups during insertion and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a separate holder where ampoules can be arranged and prepared before insertion into the mixing apparatus. The holder allows users to organize ampoules in advance without time pressure, ensuring correct positioning and reducing the risk of mix-ups during the actual insertion process into the swiveling table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If ampoules are inserted into holders on a swiveling table, then mixing can be performed, but the insertion and removal process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion and removal of ampoulesVSAvoidtime required for insertion and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holder enables preliminary arrangement of ampoules before insertion into the mixing apparatus. By preparing ampoules in advance in the holder, users can quickly insert multiple ampoules into the swiveling table without repeated handling, significantly reducing the total time required for the insertion and removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a swiveling table with multiple holders is used, then multiple ampoules can be mixed, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of ampoules that can be mixedVSAvoidstructure of swiveling table with holders

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the ampoule preparation function (holder) from the mixing function (swiveling table with receptacles). The holder serves as a standalone component for organizing ampoules, while the swiveling table focuses on the mixing operation. This division allows multiple ampoules to be processed simultaneously without requiring a complex integrated system, maintaining operational simplicity while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3932532B1Mixing device, mixing system and method for mixing substances in closed containers

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 TECAN TRADING AG

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AI summary

A mixing apparatus comprising a drive unit (1) with a drive (10) and with a shaft (11) pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis (A), which is operatively connected to the drive (10), a pivot mount (2) which is arranged on the shaft (11), at least one holder (3) and a retaining element (4), wherein the pivot mount (2) comprises a base (20) on which receptacles (21, 22) are provided which extend away from the base (20) and into which holders (3) for containers (7) can be inserted, wherein the retaining element (4) comprises a perforated plate, the holes of which are aligned with container receptacles formed in the holder (3), and wherein the inner dimensions of the holes are smaller than the inner dimensions of the container receptacles.