Patent Application
20240238742
The present invention is directed to a mixing system, and in particular an improved compact dual axis centrifugal mixing device and methods of use thereof.
Flowable materials are often a mixture of several components. It can be desirable to mechanically mix the components thoroughly and completely at high speeds to provide homogeneity of the resultant mixture. The mixing process can be particularly important for materials which are challenging to handle such as fine or highly viscous materials. Asymmetric rotation of the components in a mechanical mixer can provide the appropriate mixing for the desired mixing results.
Yet, conventional asymmetric rotation mixers can present challenges to scaled process operations. For example, conventional asymmetric rotation mixers are typically not compatible for custom, small-batch, or point-of-sale mixing applications. For example, traditional conventional asymmetric rotation mixing systems are generally neither appropriate, nor cost-effective for customized mixed products prepared “on-demand” for individual consumers, preferably in a commercial or retail setting.
As such, there exists a long-felt need for a compact centrifugal mixing device that is both cost-effective and compatible with small batch production of customized products that can be operated by retail or other point-of-sale operators with little training.
In one aspect, the invention include systems methods and devices for a compact dual axis centrifugal mixing device. In one preferred aspect, the dual axis centrifugal mixing device of the invention includes a rotary motor coupled with a drive shaft adapted to rotate on a first rotational axis (X). This drive shaft may further be coupled to a first rotatable housing and adapted to rotate about the first rotational axis (X). The dual axis centrifugal mixing device of the invention may further include a second rotatable housing coupled with the first rotational housing. This second rotatable housing is responsive to a power transmission system that is coupled to the drive shaft of the invention and adapted to rotate about a second rotational axis (Y). In this embodiment, a receptacle can be secured by the second rotatable housing and further rotated about the second rotational axis (Y).
In another aspect, the dual axis centrifugal mixing device of the invention includes first rotatable housing having a concave upper surface and an opening between the first rotational axis and the upper edge of said first rotatable housing. The opening of the invention is adapted to receive a receptacle and allow it to be secured by the second rotatable housing in an approximately horizontal position.
In another aspect, the dual axis centrifugal mixing device of the invention includes power transmission system adapted to allow synchronous or asynchronous rotation of the first and second rotatable housings of the invention. In a preferred aspect, the power transmission system is adapted to transmit the rotational energy produced by the rotary motor to the second rotatable housing allowing synchronous or asynchronous rotation of the second rotatable housing in relation to the first rotatable housing that is responsive, in this embodiment to a drive shaft of the invention.
In another aspect, the power transmission system of the invention includes a belt routing system. In this preferred aspect, the belt routing system includes a belt, or other similar apparatus that transmits rotational energy to drive the rotation of the second rotatable housing. that is responsive to a drive shaft through a gear wheel. Rotation of the gear wheel causes the belt of the invention to transit across one or a plurality of primary and/or secondary pullies and rotate the second rotatable housing. In a preferred aspect, depending on the configuration of the power transmission system, the direction of rotation of the first and second rotatable housings can be synchronous or asynchronous, while the relative angle between the first and second rotational axes of each housing is substantially constant during operation of the device.
Additional aspects of the invention may become evident based on the specification and figures presented below.
The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in a variety of different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.
According to various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a compact dual axis centrifugal mixer (1), sometimes referred to as a dual axis mixer or device, is provided that is configured to rotate a receptacle (2), or a plurality of receptacles, containing a voluminous substance to be mixed, about two different axes shown herein as the X and Y axes, with a single motor drive shaft (3) to mix the substance. In an example embodiment, the compact mixer (1) may be configured to function as a tabletop mixer.
In various example embodiments, a dual motor mixer may be utilized rather than a single motor drive, and may provide advantages over the single motor concept with a mechanically linked secondary axis. In various example embodiments, the container is rotated at an angle about a rotational axis (X) of the drive shaft, while the container is also rotated about its own longitudinal axis (Y). The Y-axis about which the receptacle is rotated (which may be referred to as a second or secondary axis) is substantially vertical, and the X-axis about which the drive shaft rotates (which may be referred to as a first or primary axis) is substantially tilted relative to the secondary axis (Y). Various example embodiments that utilize a plurality of receptacles (2), such as cups or other receptacles commonly used in centrifugal mixing application, may aid in balancing the rotating mass. As shown in
The second rotatable housing (9) is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis, referred to herein as the second rotational axis or Y-axis, which is arranged at a substantially vertical angle relative to the first rotational axis. When the receptacle (2) is inserted into the second rotatable housing (9), and the mixer (1) is turned on, the first rotatable housing (5) spins about the first rotational axis (X), while the second rotatable housing (9) spins about the second rotational axis (Y). The center of mass of the first rotatable housing (5) may be set near the mid-plane/radial-plane of the first rotatable housing bearing (10), which allows for forces due to load imbalance to be directed into the bearings inner race at the radial plane instead of creating a moment by offsetting the load away from the inner race.
In various example embodiments a counterweight (11) may be provided inside the first, or primary, rotatable housing (5), and adjusted to reduce vibration of the unit when spinning. This adjustment is done by spinning the first rotatable housing (5) on a horizontal axis with low friction bearings. As the rotation comes to a stop, the housing (5) is checked for a bias in the stop point, or for a tendency for slight rotation in the opposite direction. This may be repeated a plurality of times with various counterweights until a minimally biased arrangement is determined.
In various example embodiments, the rotary motor (4) includes a servo motor that may further be provided with an autotune function, examples of which would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Running the autotune function may allow for smoother operation by varying acceleration and deceleration values based on the mass and imbalance detected during the autotune function. Various examples of the dual axis mixer (1) may be configured to operate at approximately 3,000 rpm, but, mechanically, may be capable of spinning faster (˜10,000 rpm and above). Various example embodiments may employ a coupling system between the motor and mixing system to reduce wear and excessive loads on the motor.
The direction of rotation of the first and second rotatable housing (5,9) may be the same (synchronous) or opposite (asynchronous), depending on the type of power transmission linking the two axes together. The relative rotation direction could be reversed without mechanical change in a dual motor system. The relative angle between the two axes of rotation (X, Y) remain substantially constant. In this configuration, the cross-sectional attitude of the voluminous substance contained in the receptacle is substantially maintained during rotation compared to prior art mixers, reducing air displacement of the substance during the mixing operation.
The shape of the mass spinning on the primary axis is unique, and the substantially constant cross section allows for higher speeds and quieter operation. The double angle configuration (with the secondary angle being substantially vertical) also provides a substantially upright or straight start and stop position, facilitating ease of installation and removal of the receptacle (2) and reducing opportunity for spillage of the substance during installation, mixing, and removal.
In one embodiment, the dual axis centrifugal mixing device (1) of the invention includes power transmission system adapted to allow synchronous or asynchronous rotation of the first and second rotatable housings (5, 9) about their respective axis in an independent synchronous or asynchronous manner. As describe herein, a power transmission system describes a mechanical system adapted to transmit the rotational force generate by a rotary motor (4) to the second rotatable housing (9) allowing synchronous or asynchronous rotation of the second rotatable housing (9) in relation to the first rotatable housing (5).
In a prefer aspect detailed below, the power transmission system of the invention includes a belt routing system (13). In this preferred embodiment, the belt routing system (13) includes a belt (13), or other similar apparatus that transmits rotational energy, preferably generated by a rotary motor (4), to drive the rotation of the second rotatable housing (9). In this embodiment, a rotary motor (4) may generate rotational force that is transmitted to a drive shaft (3) coupled with a gear wheel (14) responsive to a belt (15). Rotation of the gear wheel (14) causes the belt (15) of the invention to transit across one or a plurality of primary and/or secondary pullies (16, 17) and transmitting the rotational force generated by the motor (3) to the second rotatable housing (9). In a preferred aspect, depending on the configuration of the power transmission system, the direction of rotation of the first and second rotatable housings (5, 9) can be synchronous or asynchronous, while the relative angle between the first and second rotational axes (X, Y) of each housing is substantially constant during operation of the device. Various other example embodiments may utilize power transmission through, a power transmission system, for example, gear or rack & pinion, chain drives, secondary motors, magnetic drives, pneumatic drives, friction contact, and the like.
As shown in
Numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. For example, regardless of the content of any portion of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. It is noted that the simplified diagrams and drawings included in the present application do not illustrate all the various connections and assemblies of the various components, however, those skilled in the art will understand how to implement such connections and assemblies, based on the illustrated components, figures, and descriptions provided herein, using sound engineering judgment. Numerous variations, modification, and additional embodiments are possible, and, accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept.
While the present general inventive concept has been illustrated by of several example embodiments, and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the general inventive concept to such descriptions and illustrations. Instead, the descriptions, drawings, and claims herein are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and additional embodiments will readily appear to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description and drawings. Additional modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in a comprehensive understanding of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modification, and equivalents of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. The progression of fabrication operations described are merely examples, however, and the sequence type of operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known in the art, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certain order. Also, description of well-known functions and constructions may be simplified and/or omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.
Note that spatially relative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
This International PCT Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/234,007, filed Aug. 17, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2022/040630 | 8/17/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63234007 | Aug 2021 | US |
