Vortex Mixing Plate for Oscillating Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical devices for mixing contents of small, sealed vials are limited by mixing rates of 3 to 3000 revolutions per minute, which are insufficient for achieving homogeneous composition efficiently, requiring longer mixing times.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating multi-function tool is used with a plate having apertures lined with grommets to hold vials, allowing for vortexing motion at speeds of 5,000-30,000 rpm, significantly reducing mixing times by creating a vortexing motion within the vials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mechanical mixing devices are used, then the mixing process is simple and reliable, but the mixing time is long and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by using an oscillating multi-function tool that vibrates at 5,000-30,000 rpm to create vortex mixing motion in sealed vials. This high-frequency vibration dramatically accelerates the mixing process compared to conventional mechanical devices, reducing mixing time by 5 to 50 times while maintaining reliability through the robust vibration-based mechanism.
2Reliability
If sealed vials are used, then sample contamination is prevented, but external mixing tools cannot be inserted to achieve effective mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical insertion method (rod, spoon, propeller) with a vibration-based mechanism. The oscillating multi-function tool generates high-frequency vibrations that transmit through the sealed vial walls to create internal vortex motion, eliminating the need to break seals or insert tools while achieving effective mixing.
3Productivity
If high mixing speeds of 5,000-30,000 rpm are used, then mixing efficiency is greatly improved, but vibration and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration at high speeds (5,000-30,000 rpm) to achieve rapid vortex mixing. The oscillating multi-function tool converts rotational motion into high-frequency vibrations that efficiently mix samples in sealed vials, dramatically improving mixing efficiency while the vibration-based approach allows for controlled energy input.
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 approach enables mixing times that are 5 to 50 times faster than existing methods, achieving homogeneous samples in small vials efficiently and reliably.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for vortexing motion at speeds of 5,000-30,000 rpm, significantly reducing mixing times by creating a vortexing motion within the vials
Implementation Method 2
The brackets each have a dampening means to attenuate the vibration from the multi tool
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having a plate mountable on an oscillating multi-function tool and having a plurality of sample apertures sized to receive sample vials. The sample apertures may be lined with resilient grommets or have a chamfered edge. The apparatus may further have a weighted base and housing with vibrating isolation means for holding the tool during operation. The apparatus may further have a timer to allow for timed operation. The method including providing a plate mounted on the arbor of an oscillating multi-function tool, inserting a sample vial in a sample aperture and turning on the tool. The method may further include operating the tool for a fixed time and providing a housing and base to hold the tool during operation.