Motorized Bag Mixing Device Using Lever and Weight Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixing devices for dissolving substances in liquid media within bags are inefficient, requiring manual and repetitive massaging, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and can impact solution quality, while also occupying valuable laboratory space and being unsuitable for all bag sizes.

Innovation Solution

A motorized mixing device that cyclically imparts force on the external surface of a bag using a lever and weight to create liquid flux, reducing dissolution time and improving contact between dry material and solvent, and is portable, space-efficient, and adaptable to various bag sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual massaging is used to dissolve powder in bags, then dissolution can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution speedVSAvoidmassaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical massaging with an automated mechanical mixing device that uses a rotating blade or impeller to agitate the liquid media and powder mixture, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming manual massaging while maintaining effective dissolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing device is designed to be placed directly into the bag containing the powder and liquid, allowing the system to self-mix without requiring external manual intervention or repetitive massaging operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If automated mixing devices are used, then labor costs are reduced, but device complexity and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device is segmented into separate functional components including a drive mechanism, mixing element, and mounting structure, allowing for simplified manufacturing, easier maintenance, and flexible configuration that reduces overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes flexible mounting mechanisms and thin-walled construction that allow it to adapt to different bag sizes and shapes, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If large mixing devices are used to accommodate different bag sizes, then versatility is improved, but footprint and storage space are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag size accommodationVSAvoiddevice footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms such as adjustable mounting positions, variable speed rotation, and flexible mixing elements that can adapt to different bag sizes and viscosities, providing versatility without requiring a large fixed structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with universal mounting options and adjustable parameters that allow it to effectively mix various bag sizes and types of media, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall laboratory footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The device automates the mixing process, reducing dissolution time, ensuring consistent and controlled agitation, minimizing labor costs, and accommodating different bag sizes, while being safe and convenient to use, thus improving the efficiency and safety of media preparation.

Implementation Method 1

a motor for moving the driver to lift the first side of the lever with the weight against gravity and to drop the first side against the external surface of the bag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12083486B2Mixing device
Publication Date: 2024.09.10 MERCK PATENT GMBH
  • US12083486B2 patent drawing
  • US12083486B2 patent drawing
  • US12083486B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mixing device (1) for cyclically imparting a force on an external surface (A) of a bag (B) for agitating a content (C) of the bag (B), the mixing device (1) comprising a lever (2) supported so as to be able to pivot about a pivot (3), a weight (4) provided on a first side of the lever (2), a driver (5) arranged to cooperate with the lever (2), a motor (6) for moving the driver (5) to lift the first side of the lever (2) with the weight (4) against gravity and to drop the first side against the external surface (A) of the bag (B), and a holder (7) for supporting the mixing device (1) such that the first side of the lever (2) can contact the external surface (A) of the bag (B) in the drop motion.