Batch Tank Mixing Additive Components Heat Transfer Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices for batched production of mixture products, such as mixed drinks, require large investment volumes due to the need for replicated equipment and complex inline proportioning systems, which can lead to heat transfer issues and product damage from pump waste heat, and lack redundancy in measurement systems for ensuring product quality.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device that integrates individual component mixing into a single batch tank, eliminating the need for a separate premixing space, with components introduced in proportioned cycles and blended in free fall into a buffer tank, reducing equipment replication and heat transfer risks, and enabling redundant measurement for quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate premixing space with replicated equipment is used for batched mixing of additive components, then mixing functionality is achieved, but investment volume and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the premixing of additive components with the main mixing process by integrating a batch tank into the existing mixer system. This allows individual components to be mixed in a single container rather than requiring separate premixing spaces with replicated equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining mixing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The batch tank serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mixing vessel for additive components and an integral part of the main mixer system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate premixing equipment, reducing the overall investment volume while achieving the required mixing capabilities.
2Productivity
If large receiver tanks or parallel batch tanks are used for continuous filling, then continuous operation is enabled, but investment costs increase due to replicated parts and large container volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic valve control to enable continuous operation from a single batch tank. By sequentially opening and closing inlet valves for different components and controlling the filling process dynamically, the system achieves continuous production capability without requiring multiple parallel tanks or replicated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous operation by maintaining a steady supply of mixed additive components to the main mixer through controlled filling and draining cycles. The batch tank is filled continuously with different components in sequence, ensuring uninterrupted production while using a single container rather than multiple replicated tanks.
3Manufacturing precision
If inline proportioning with multiple pumps is used for individual components, then proportioning capability is achieved, but heat transfer to components causes product damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the proportioning function from the main flow and implements it through a separate batch mixing process. By introducing components individually into a batch tank and mixing them there before discharge, the system achieves precise proportioning without the continuous pump operation that causes harmful heat transfer to the components.
4Device complexity
If redundant measurement systems are not implemented, then device simplicity is maintained, but product quality cannot be ensured through redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates redundant measurement systems that provide feedback on the mixing process. By measuring parameters such as concentration, temperature, and flow rates and comparing them against target values, the system ensures product quality while maintaining acceptable complexity through intelligent control rather than excessive hardware replication.
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
Significantly reduces investment costs and minimizes product damage from heat transfer, while ensuring accurate and redundant measurement for quality assurance in the mixing process.
Implementation Method 1
blended in free fall into a buffer tank
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for batched mixing of an additive component from individual components for mixture products containing the additive component and for temporarily storing the additive component, which is part of a mixer for forming the mixture products by mixing an additive component with a base component includes a single batch tank connected by at least a control valve and/or a proportioning valve to connections supplying the individual components for proportioned introduction of the individual components. The single batch tank is connected to a mixing and buffer tank arranged on a level below the single batch tank for temporary storage of the mixed additive component.