Self-Balancing Shaker With Synchronized Eccentric Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orbital shakers for agitating substances in microtiter plates become increasingly complex, expensive, and bulky due to the need for counterbalancing mechanisms, which also complicate maintenance and service.
Innovation Solution
A shaker apparatus that utilizes a rotating assembly of eccentric structures with synchronized cranks and racks, where the eccentric structures counteract each other's forces and torques, eliminating the need for traditional counterweights, allowing for a lightweight, compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional counterweights are used to balance the eccentric load, then the shaker achieves dynamic balance, but the device becomes more complex, larger, and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by positioning the motor's rotor as a counterbalancing mass opposite to the eccentric crank assembly. The rotor's mass is specifically calculated to offset the centrifugal force generated by the eccentric crank, achieving dynamic balance without requiring additional counterweight components. This integrates the balancing function into the existing motor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor rotor with the counterweight function. Instead of using a separate counterweight component, the rotor itself serves dual purposes: generating rotational motion for the crank and providing the counterbalancing mass. This integration eliminates additional parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining dynamic balance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mass of the shaker is increased to stabilize against eccentric movement, then the shaker achieves better balance, but the device becomes heavier and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the motor rotor as a counterweight to balance the eccentric crank assembly. By positioning the rotor's mass opposite to the eccentric mass and calculating its weight to match the centrifugal force, the system achieves balance without adding extra mass. The counterbalancing effect is achieved through proper mass distribution rather than increasing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the mass and position parameters of the rotor to achieve dynamic balance. By carefully selecting the rotor's mass and its position relative to the eccentric crank, the system achieves balance stability without increasing the overall weight of the shaker. This parameter optimization allows the existing components to serve dual functions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed counterweights at specific locations are used, then the shaker achieves balance, but the device requires more space and becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor rotor with the counterweight function, eliminating the need for separate counterweight components. This integration allows the balancing function to be achieved within the existing motor housing space, reducing the overall volume required for the shaker while maintaining balance stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the rotor's mass opposite to the eccentric crank assembly to create a counterbalancing effect. By utilizing the existing motor structure and positioning the counterbalancing mass within the motor housing, the system achieves balance without requiring additional space for separate counterweight components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If adjustable counterweights with servomotors are used, then the shaker achieves dynamic compensation, but the device requires sensors, control units, and becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-balancing through the mechanical design where the motor rotor automatically counterbalances the eccentric crank assembly during rotation. The system does not require external sensors or control units to detect and adjust the balance, as the counterbalancing effect is inherently generated by the rotor's mass and position. The system self-regulates through its mechanical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the motor rotor as a fixed counterweight that automatically compensates for the eccentric load during operation. The counterbalancing effect is achieved through the rotor's mass and position, which are designed to offset the centrifugal force generated by the eccentric crank. This passive counterbalancing eliminates the need for active control systems, sensors, or servomotors.
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 solution achieves dynamic balance by canceling out linear forces and torques, resulting in a shaker that is lighter, faster, and more compact while maintaining effective agitation, mixing, or blending capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
forces produced by movement of the eccentric structures oppose and counteract
Implementation Method 2
a crank means adapted to provide circular motion, where a centre of mass of the eccentric structure moves in said circular motion
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
There is a need for a lightweight and simple shaking equipment. There is provided a shaker apparatus (100) for agitating, mixing or blending substances, the shaker apparatus (100) having a shaker body (101) and the shaker (100) further comprising: - an eccentric structure (110) having: - a crank means (111) adapted to provide circular motion, - a rack (113) for holding trays or containers and supported by the shaker body (101) through a guide (114) that disallows rack rotation in the plane of the circular motion of the crank means (111), the rack being kinematically linked to said crank means (111) to receive said circular motion, where when the crank means moves the rack in the circular motion, a centre of mass of the eccentric structure (110) moves in said circular motion around a transposed axis, - wherein said shaker apparatus (100) comprises a set of such eccentric structures (110, 120) forming a first rotating assembly (180) whose crank means (111, 121) provide circular motion having a first synchronised spin (S1), when the shaker apparatus (100) is in use, where said rotating assembly (180) has a centre of mass at least substantially on a referential line (104) normal to the plane of the circular motion, and where relative angular locations of the centres of mass of the eccentric structures (110, 120) along the path of their circular motion are predetermined for the rotating assembly (180) so that when the shaker apparatus (100) is in use, forces produced by movement of the eccentric structures oppose and counteract.