Weighted Framework Agitator for Dense Food Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary shaker bottles are inadequate for effectively mixing denser food ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and thick dressings due to lightweight agitators and limited separator designs, resulting in chunky, poorly mixed contents.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with a dumbbell-shaped agitator and a weighted member, featuring a central passageway and retention members, which enhances mixing efficacy by increasing momentum and reducing drag, allowing for effective mixing of denser ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If free-floating agitators are used in shaker bottles, then the design is simple and easy to manufacture, but the agitator is too lightweight and has too much drag to achieve the momentum necessary to mix solid ingredients or high viscosity materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by adding a weighted member (such as a metal weight or dense material) to the agitator assembly. This weighted member increases the overall mass and momentum of the agitator, enabling it to effectively mix solid ingredients and high viscosity materials that lightweight agitators cannot handle. The weight compensates for the drag and insufficient momentum of the original lightweight design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a framework structure (such as plastic or metal bars) with a weighted member (such as metal weights or dense polymer). This composite construction maintains the structural integrity and void space needed for mixing while adding the necessary mass for effective momentum generation during shaking.
2Device complexity
If fixed separator designs are used in shaker bottles, then the structure is simple, but the efficacy to mix solid ingredients is limited by separator positioning and design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fixed separator design to a dynamic agitator system. The agitator with weighted member moves freely within the container during shaking, adapting its position and motion to the contents being mixed. This dynamic approach allows the agitator to effectively engage with solid ingredients and high viscosity materials regardless of fill level or container orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a framework-style agitator with segmented bars or struts rather than a solid structure. This segmentation creates voids that allow materials to flow through and around the agitator, improving mixing effectiveness while maintaining structural integrity. The segmented design reduces drag compared to solid agitators while preserving momentum.
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 mixing device effectively mixes denser ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and thick dressings without the need for powered mixers, providing a smoother consistency and expanding the range of consumable drink types.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing device has a weighted member attached adjacent the center of the agitator... enhances mixing efficacy by increasing momentum
Implementation Method 2
The agitator is composed of a framework arranged to provide voids to allow for flow of liquids, powders, and other materials into and out of portions of the agitator
Data Source
AI summary
A new mixing device for mixing solids and medium to highly viscous food ingredients with liquid in a shaker bottle. The mixing device has an agitator with a center portion and distal portions of larger diameter than the center portion. The agitator is insertable within a hand-held, shakeable container. The agitator is composed of a framework arranged to provide voids to allow for flow of liquids, powders, and other materials into and out of portions of the agitator. The mixing device also has a weighted member attached adjacent to or within the center of the agitator that increases the momentum of the mixing device when in operation. The weighted member may have a metal core and polymer exterior.