Adjustable Baffle Plate Twin-Shaft Mixing Kneader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Twin-shaft mixing kneaders face challenges in controlling the degree of filling and processing tough products, leading to high mechanical loads and potential material fatigue due to complex design requirements and stress peaks, especially when handling viscous or high-boiling materials.

Innovation Solution

A position-adjustable baffle plate and weir system are introduced to control the housing cross-section, allowing for optimized residence time and throughput, along with temperature control zones and additional transport elements to prevent blockages and ensure safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex design with complex support elements is used to handle viscous products, then the mixing kneader can process tough products, but mechanical stress and material fatigue increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process viscous productsVSAvoidmaterial fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the baffle plate position-adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the housing cross-section to be dynamically modified to match different product viscosities and processing requirements. The adjustable configuration optimizes flow patterns and reduces mechanical stress peaks on support elements, thereby decreasing material fatigue while maintaining the ability to handle viscous products effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of the housing cross-section through the position-adjustable baffle plate. By changing the baffle plate position, the effective cross-sectional area and flow characteristics are adjusted to suit different product viscosities. This parameter adjustment enables optimal processing of viscous products without requiring complex support structures, thus reducing mechanical stress and material fatigue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the housing cross-section is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the residence time and throughput cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed housing cross-section with an adjustable configuration using a position-modifiable baffle plate. This dynamic structure allows optimization of residence time and throughput by adjusting the baffle plate position to create appropriate flow patterns and residence times for different products, while maintaining relatively simple structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single adjustable baffle plate mechanism that can adapt to multiple processing requirements. The same baffle plate structure serves multiple functions: controlling residence time, optimizing throughput, and accommodating different product viscosities. This multi-functional approach achieves productivity optimization without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the fill level is not controlled, then the operation is simple, but processing conditions cannot be managed effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing condition controlVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the adjustable baffle plate system to automatically regulate fill level and processing conditions. The baffle plate configuration creates self-adjusting flow patterns that maintain optimal processing conditions without requiring complex external control systems. This achieves reliable processing condition control while preserving operational simplicity through intuitive adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2900358B1Mixing kneader for implementing mechanical, chemical and/or thermal processes
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 LIST TECHNOLOGY AG
  • EP2900358B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2900358B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2900358B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

In a method for implementing mechanical, chemical and/or thermal processes in a product which is located in a housing (1) with mixing and cleaning elements and/or transporting elements (6) on at least one shaft (4, 5), and is transported via said elements (6) from an inlet (2) to an output (10), the intention is for a cross section of the housing (1) to be adjusted in variable fashion at least once in the longitudinal direction thereof.