Stirring Blade Receptacle Self-Adjusting Angle of Attack
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for adjusting the angle of attack of stirring blades in bioreactors are time-consuming, cost-intensive, and lack accuracy, particularly in reusable systems where frequent installation and cleaning are required.
Innovation Solution
A device with a receiving element and stop faces allows for the automatic adjustment of stirring blades to a predetermined angle of attack, enabling precise and cost-effective alignment without complex measurement processes, and can be used with various stirrers, reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment method with angle encoder is used, then angle of attack can be set, but adjustment is time-consuming and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring blade receptacle self-adjusts to the correct angle of attack by utilizing the geometry of the receiving bores and stirring blade axes. When the stirring blades are inserted into the receiving bores, the arrangement automatically positions them at the predetermined angle of attack without requiring external measurement devices or manual alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving bores are pre-configured with specific geometric orientations relative to the axis of rotation. This preliminary design of the bore angles ensures that when stirring blades are inserted, they automatically assume the correct angle of attack, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustment or measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment with angle encoder is used, then angle of attack can be set, but adjustment is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates measurement devices entirely by using the inherent geometry of the stirring blade receptacle and receiving bores to self-determine the correct angle of attack. The physical arrangement of components ensures accurate positioning without relying on external measurement tools that can introduce errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (angle encoder, alignment devices) with a purely geometric mechanical arrangement. The correct angle is determined by the fixed geometry of the receiving bores and stirring blade axes rather than by measurement and adjustment procedures.
3Ease of repair
If stirring blades are frequently removed and reinstalled for cleaning, then maintenance is possible, but adjustment process becomes repetitive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The self-adjusting geometry allows stirring blades to be quickly removed and reinstalled without requiring time-consuming alignment procedures. Each time a blade is inserted into its receiving bore, it automatically returns to the correct angle of attack, making the maintenance cycle fast and repeatable.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving bores are pre-configured with the correct geometric orientation to accommodate stirring blades at the proper angle of attack. This preliminary design ensures that repeated installation and removal for cleaning purposes does not require repeated adjustment, as the geometry inherently guides correct positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for adjusting stirring blades on a stirring blade receptacle of a stirrer, wherein the stirring blades can be fixed with a stirring blade axis in receiving bores, which are arranged transversely to an axis of rotation and are a part of the stirring blade receptacle, at intended predetermined angle of attack relative to a virtual plane that is arranged transversely to the axis of rotation of the stirrer. An associated device body is provided with a receiving element for receiving the stirring blade receptacle with unfixed stirring blades. A stop is arranged on the device body for each lower face, which faces the receiving element and is a part of the stirring blades, outside the respective stirring blade axis. Each respective stirring blade is then brought into abutment against its associated stop, to place it into the predetermined angle of attack.