Axially Adjustable Mixing Element for Shear Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices fail to achieve thorough and homogeneous mixing of chemically reactive components with precise dosing and efficient cleaning, leading to inefficiencies and potential residue buildup.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with a rotating mixing element that can be axially adjusted to vary the gap size between the mixing element and housing, allowing for adjustable shear rate and proportional volume regulation, featuring interlocking annular ribs for component preparation and a conical design for cleaning by rotating the mixing element until the gap is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the gap between the mixing element and housing is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the shear rate cannot be adjusted for different mixing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element is made axially adjustable relative to the housing, transforming a static gap into a dynamic one that can be modified during operation. This allows the shear rate to be adapted for different mixing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Productivity
If the mixing element cannot be adjusted axially, then the device is easier to operate, but proportional volume and pressure regulation are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The axial adjustability of the mixing element enables dynamic control of the gap size, which directly influences the volume and pressure of the mixture discharged. This provides proportional regulation capability while maintaining straightforward operation through a single adjustment degree of freedom.
3Manufacturing precision
If the gap between mixing element and housing is large, then cleaning is easier, but mixing efficiency and dosing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The axial adjustment mechanism allows the gap to be dynamically optimized: reduced to minimal values during mixing operation to ensure precise dosing and high mixing efficiency, and potentially increased during cleaning phases to improve accessibility. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between precision and cleanability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the mixing element is rotated to close the gap for cleaning, then residues are effectively removed, but the mixing process is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element's rotation to close the gap serves a dual purpose: it performs the cleaning function by scraping residues against the housing surface, and simultaneously maintains the mixing action. The system uses its own operational motion (rotation) to achieve cleaning, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations and avoiding interruptions to productivity.
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
Ensures constant shear rate for effective mixing, allows for precise dosing and pressure regulation, and enables long-term use without specialized cleaning due to the ability to scrape residues, resulting in efficient and homogeneous mixing with reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a mixing element (3) rotatably accommodated in the housing (2), the mixing element (3) being adjustable in the direction (17) of its axis (7) relative to the housing (2) for adjusting the size of a gap (18) between a conically tapering part (14) of the mixing element (3) and a likewise tapering area (15) of the housing (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A device for mixing at least two fluid to pasty substances has a housing (2) with at least two openings (5, 6) for feeding the substances and with a discharge opening (8), a mixing element (3) which can rotate in the housing (2), which mixing element (3) can be displaced in the direction (17) of its axis (7) in relation to the housing (2) in order to adjust the size of a gap (18) between a conically tapering part (14) of the mixing element (3) and a likewise tapering region (15) of the housing (2) in order to adjust the shear rate in the region of the gap (18). The mixing element (3) has a region (9) in which annular ribs (11) are provided which project from the mixing element (3) and which engage between adjacent annular ribs (12) which project from the inner surface (10) of the housing (2).