Pivotable Vortex Mixer Adaptor for Mixed Container Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vortex mixers are unable to accommodate square or rectangular quart paint containers, limiting their ability to mix paint in containers other than the standard cylindrical shape.

Innovation Solution

An adaptable mixing device with a pivotable holding structure that can accommodate both cylindrical and rectangular containers, featuring a pair of semi-cylindrical holding structures that pivot to form a cavity suitable for different container shapes, allowing for effective mixing of paint in various container formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vortex mixers are designed to accommodate cylindrical containers, then they can effectively mix paint in standard cylindrical containers, but they cannot accommodate square or rectangular containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer shape compatibilityVSAvoidadaptor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor is designed with a universal cavity structure that can accommodate multiple container types (cylindrical, square, rectangular) through a single design. The cavity includes support surfaces configured to stabilize different container geometries, allowing one adaptor to serve multiple functions across various container shapes and sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor structure is divided into functional segments including a body portion defining the cavity, support surfaces positioned at specific locations within the cavity, and container engagement features. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific container types while working together to provide universal accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the adaptor is designed with a fixed cavity structure, then it can provide stable support for one container type, but it cannot accommodate different container shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer type accommodationVSAvoidcontainer stability during mixing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor incorporates localized support surfaces positioned at specific locations within the cavity to provide targeted stabilization for different container types. These support surfaces are strategically placed to contact specific portions of various container geometries, ensuring stability for each container type while maintaining a fixed overall cavity structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor includes movable or adjustable components such as pivotable arms or reconfigurable support structures that can adapt their position or configuration based on the container type being accommodated. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the fixed cavity structure to reliably stabilize different container shapes and sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9302232B1Shaking machine adaptor for containers having different shapes

Publication Date: 2016.04.05 THE SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO

AI summary

An adaptor for a vortex paint mixer. The adaptor includes a pair of semi-cylindrical holding structures pivotably connected together by a pair of pivot links. Each of the halves has a depression formed therein. When the holding structures are placed together, the two depressions form a cavity having first and second regions adapted to hold a conventional cylindrical quart paint container and a rectangular quart paint container, respectively.