Modular Mixing Machine with Detachable Container and Sealed Drive Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory mixing machines lack flexibility and efficiency in handling different mixing container geometries and processes, requiring multiple machines and cumbersome operations for accessing mixed materials during mixing.
Innovation Solution
A modular mixing machine design with a detachable mixing container featuring a top opening for filling and emptying and a bottom opening for the drive shaft, allowing for easy container change and seal maintenance, using complementary connection contours and clamping mechanisms for secure attachment to the drive unit, enabling the use of various container geometries with a single drive unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a container mixer design is used where the mixing container is connected to the mixing head carrying the mixing tools, then the mixing parameters can be precisely controlled, but the mixed material cannot be accessed during the mixing process without removing the container from the mixing head
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing container is segmented into two openings: a top opening for filling and emptying, and a bottom opening for the drive shaft. This segmentation allows the container to be accessed from the top while maintaining the sealing and connection integrity at the bottom, enabling material access without disrupting the mixing head connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A lid is introduced as an intermediary component that closes the top opening of the mixing container during mixing operations. This lid allows the container to be sealed for mixing while enabling easy access to the material by simply opening the lid, without requiring disconnection from the mixing head.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laboratory mixers are required to handle different mixing container geometries, then each container geometry can be properly accommodated, but the hardware expenditure and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit with the drive shaft and connection contour is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple mixing container geometries. The standardized connection contour at the bottom of various containers allows them to be interchangeably mounted on the same drive unit, enabling one machine to perform multiple functions with different container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is moved to the bottom dimension of the mixing container, allowing the drive shaft to pass through the bottom opening. This dimensional repositioning enables the drive mechanism to remain external and accessible while the container geometry above can vary without affecting the connection integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mixing container is made detachable from the drive unit for easy container change, then container versatility is improved, but the sealing between the drive shaft and container becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is pre-integrated into the connection contour structure at the bottom of the mixing container. The seal is positioned and configured in advance during container manufacturing, so that when the container is detachably connected to the drive unit, the sealing function is automatically activated without requiring additional complex sealing operations or components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixing machine 1 comprises a drive unit 3 supported by a frame 2, with a drive shaft 6 that can be fitted with at least one mixing tool 46, and a mixing container 7, wherein, for mixing material located in the mixing container 7, the drive shaft 6 with a drive shaft section carrying at least one mixing tool 46 projects into the interior of the mixing container, wherein the mixing container 7 has an opening on the top side, which can be closed by a lid, for filling and removing material, and a bottom opposite this opening, wherein the mixing container 7 is detachable from the drive unit 3 and has, on the bottom side, a connection contour provided by a bottom opening 24 for engaging the mixing container 7 with a complementary connection contour 18 of the drive unit 3.wherein the drive shaft 6 penetrates the drive-side connection contour 18 in a sealed manner, and the mixing container-side connection contour is a female connection contour formed by a bottom opening 24 with a shoulder, and the drive unit-side connection contour 18 is a male connection contour with a disc 18 that is stepped in the direction of the mixing container 7 in a manner complementary to the geometry of the bottom opening 24, the smaller diameter section 19 of which fills the bottom opening 24 and with its upper surface 22 forms part of the bottom 25 of the mixing container 7, these two complementary connection contours 18, 24 being sealed against each other when engaged, and clamping means 33 are provided with which the mixing container 7, when its connection contour 24 is engaged with the drive unit-side connection contour 18,can be clamped to the drive unit 3 or to the frame 2 supporting the drive unit 3.