Laboratory Mixer
Project Description
Eggenberger Automation was contracted to study an existing design which had problems with gear noise and unreliability. Cost reduction was also an issue. After studying their device and other competing products, we presented our recommendations to the client.
Project Skills
Product Design, Analysis, Prototyping
Product Design
The client agreed with the findings in our report and we proceeded to the next phase of design based on a new method of shifting gears. To begin, several concepts were presented and ultimately, one was chosen for development. Here’s an inside look at conceptual development for this project.
Prototype Stage
Before a product can be manufactured, a prototype should be built to test the performance of the design. We presented a feasibility prototype of the laboratory mixer drive train to our client for approval.
Machined Parts
Most of the parts were made in-house while gears were sent out to a gear hobbing shop. To minimize cost, production gears were designed to be molded and the total number of parts reduced.
Engineering Analysis
We performed sound pressure level (SPL) testing with spectrum analysis on some production units that had molded gears, as well as tolerance analysis to determine the root cause of noise. Out of tolerance parts were the root cause, so recommendations were made to correct these manufacturing issues.
The Finished Product
This device is similar to a kitchen mixer but adapted for the laboratory. It has speed and torque adjustments, 2 gear ranges, serial communication, and holds a variety of paddles in its drill chuck.