Closed-Container Liquid Mixing by Angled Oscillation Vortices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mixing liquids in flexible, single-use containers are mechanically complex, require significant space, and do not effectively induce vortices for efficient mixing, especially in applications like fractionation where multiple fractions need to be mixed.
Innovation Solution
The method involves aligning symmetrical containers within a horizontal plane to create an asymmetrical liquid environment by positioning their axes of symmetry at an angle to the path of motion, inducing a vortex through linear oscillation, which can be achieved using a simple device that moves the containers in a horizontal plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a liquid is agitated in a conventional beaker or bottle, then the liquid can be mixed to some extent, but the mixing is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through an ultrasonic transducer that generates high-frequency vibrations (typically 20-100 kHz) to agitate the liquid. This vibration creates intense mixing action that dramatically improves mixing efficiency compared to conventional manual or mechanical stirring, directly resolving the contradiction between mixing efficiency and mixing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical stirring systems with an ultrasonic field-based mixing system. The ultrasonic transducer generates acoustic waves that propagate through the liquid, creating cavitation and microstreaming effects that achieve thorough mixing without traditional mechanical contact, thereby improving efficiency and reducing time.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mixing methods are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the mixing process becomes tedious and requires frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic mixing system operates autonomously once activated. The ultrasonic transducer automatically generates the necessary vibrations and cavitation effects to mix the liquid without requiring manual stirring or frequent intervention. The system self-regulates the mixing process through the physical properties of ultrasonic wave propagation in liquid, making operation extremely simple while accepting increased device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If liquids are mixed in conventional containers, then the equipment required is simple, but the mixing action is insufficient for thorough homogenization
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency mechanical vibrations that propagate through the liquid, creating intense cavitation bubbles that collapse and generate microjets. This process achieves thorough homogenization of the liquid mixture, ensuring uniform distribution of components. The modified container structure houses the transducer and provides acoustic coupling, accepting increased complexity to achieve superior mixing homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic mixing process utilizes phase transitions of cavitation bubbles (formation, growth, and collapse) to generate intense local mechanical effects. These phase transitions create microstreaming and shock waves that thoroughly mix the liquid, achieving high homogeneity. The container design accommodates this phase transition process while managing the associated complexity.
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
This approach enables efficient mixing of liquids in a compact design, utilizing vortices and waves to optimize mixing in flexible containers without breaking the symmetry of the containers or device, suitable for pharmaceutical and biotechnological processes.
Implementation Method 1
placing an ultrasonic transducer into the liquid to be mixed and activating the ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 2
The liquid is then agitated by activating an ultrasonic transducer, which may be attached to or inserted into the container
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for mixing a liquid that is provided in a closed container (2) having at least one axis of symmetry (A), the container (2) being arranged in such a manner that the at least one axis of symmetry is substantially in a horizontal plane (3), and the container (2) is moved in an oscillating manner along a movement path (B) that is linear when the horizontal plane (3) is viewed from above, the container (2) being oriented to generate at least one vortex in the liquid (1) in such a manner that the movement path (B) and the at least one axis of symmetry (A) are different when the horizontal plane (3) is viewed from above.