Retractable Transfer Ball Device for Mixer Mobility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard mixers are cumbersome and heavy, making them difficult to reposition on surfaces without lifting, which can cause strain and increase the risk of damage during movement.
Innovation Solution
A device that attaches to the underside of a mixer, featuring retractable transfer balls that allow the mixer to roll on a surface when prompted, and revert to a stationary position when needed, using a lever or switch for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mixer is designed to remain stationary during operation, then operational stability is improved, but mobility and ease of repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a retractable member with transfer balls that can be deployed or retracted based on operational needs. When retracted, the mixer remains stationary for stable operation. When deployed, the transfer balls enable the mixer to roll along surfaces for easy repositioning. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between stability during use and ease of movement.
2Strength
If a mixer is made heavy and substantial, then structural strength and durability are improved, but ease of movement and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces transfer balls as an intermediary mechanism between the heavy mixer and the surface it rests on. These balls act as rollers that reduce friction and enable the heavy mixer to be moved easily along surfaces without requiring lifting. The mixer's weight is maintained for structural strength, while the intermediary balls provide ease of movement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a mixer is designed to resist forces that would cause sliding, then operational stability is improved, but ease of repositioning along surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically changes its interaction with the surface through retractable transfer balls. During operation, the balls are retracted and the mixer resists sliding forces for stability. During repositioning, the balls are deployed to convert static friction into rolling motion, enabling easy movement along surfaces without lifting.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for enhancing the mobility of a standard mixer, the device including a housing attached to a mixer, the housing having at least one shoulder attached thereto, the at least one shoulder having at least one nodule jutting out therefrom, a lever pivotally connected to the housing, a rod pivotally connected to the lever, a plate mounted to the rod, the plate having at least one finger that protrudes therefrom and a retractable member having at least one transfer ball attached thereto for rolling on a surface, the retractable member slidably engaged to the at least one finger, the retractable member having at least one groove thereon for fitting the at least one finger therein, the at least one groove having at least one bar fitted therein for permitting the first side of the at least one finger to slide over the at least one bar.