Stirring Rod Assembly with Lid Connection for Fluid Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport and storage containers for liquids require manual intervention to convert the stirring rod arrangement from an assembly configuration to an operating configuration, and they often necessitate a coupled agitator, which limits independence and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The stirring rod arrangement features a connection device at its upper axial end that allows connection to the container cover, enabling independent operation without an agitator, with a retaining ring system that minimizes friction and contamination, and a spring device that automatically adjusts stirring elements' position based on rotational speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the stirring rod assembly is designed to be manually converted from assembly configuration to operating configuration, then the structure can be simplified, but manual intervention is required which reduces efficiency and productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestirring rod assembly structureVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stirring rod assembly is designed to automatically convert from assembly configuration to operating configuration when an agitator is inserted. The connection device at the upper axial end of the agitator carrier automatically engages with the lid, and the stirring elements automatically assume their operational positions without requiring manual intervention. This self-converting mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the stirring rod assembly requires an agitator to be coupled for operation, then the stirring function can be achieved, but the assembly cannot remain attached to the container independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent attachment capabilityVSAvoidconnection device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is segmented into two functional parts: a first connection device at the upper axial end of the agitator carrier that enables independent attachment to the container lid, and a second connection device that couples the agitator shaft to the agitator carrier. This segmentation allows the stirring rod assembly to remain attached to the container independently while also being capable of coupling with an agitator when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a retaining ring system is used to minimize friction during rotation, then contamination risks are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidretaining ring system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A retaining ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the connection device and the support rim in the lid. This retaining ring bears against the support rim during stationary periods, minimizing friction and preventing contamination. During rotation, the retaining ring is lifted from the support rim to prevent friction and abrasion. This intermediary component effectively reduces contamination risk while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the stirring elements are automatically adjusted based on rotational speed, then stirring effectiveness is improved, but the control mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestirring effectivenessVSAvoidspring device control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring device is designed to automatically adjust the position of the stirring elements based on rotational speed. When the agitator rotates, centrifugal force causes the stirring elements to pivot outward to a stirring position where the free ends are radially spaced from the rotational axis. The spring force provides a restoring effect that balances the centrifugal force. This automatic parameter adjustment based on rotational speed improves stirring effectiveness while using a simple spring-based mechanism rather than a complex control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration allows for automatic conversion to an operating state without manual intervention, ensuring effective stirring of liquids without agitator coupling, reducing contamination risks, and enabling secure, efficient stirring even with low-density materials.

Implementation Method 1

In an operating configuration, the agitators assume a pivoting position dependent on the rotational speed of the agitator carrier with a stirring angle δ relative to the axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

a spring device that automatically adjusts stirring elements' position based on rotational speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3369477B1Transport and storage container for fluids comprising a stirring stick arrangement
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 PROTECHNA SA
  • EP3369477B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3369477B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3369477B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

Stirring rod assembly for connection to an agitator combinable with a container for receiving liquids, wherein the container has a filling opening in an upper bottom wall which can be closed with a lid (28) for filling the container, wherein the stirring rod assembly has a rod-shaped agitator carrier (30) designed as a hollow shaft for receiving an agitator shaft and agitators pivotably connected to the agitator carrier, such that the agitators are pivoted in a mounting configuration with a free agitator end relative to an axis of rotation of the agitator carrier, wherein the agitator carrier has a connection device (68) at its upper axial end for connection with the lid, wherein the connection device has an axial stop for bearing against a support rim (79) formed in the bottom of a plug recess (76) formed in the lid for receiving a bung plug (75),which limits the through-hole (74) formed in the ground.