Discharge Connector Mixing Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discharge arrangements for mixing components, such as double syringes or cartridges, face issues with increased residence time and loss volume when accessories are attached, which can lead to premature hardening or instability of mixtures, especially in medical applications where quick and efficient mixing is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A discharge assembly with a connection piece that allows for the attachment of accessories without lengthening the mixing path, featuring a static mixing device with a spiral-like element and a conical fastening area that minimizes dead volume and maintains the mixing element's proximity to the outlet, enabling efficient mixing and attachment of accessories without increasing residence time or loss volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are attached to the mixer in existing discharge arrangements, then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but the residence time and loss volume of the mixture increase, leading to premature hardening or instability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a conical fastening area that radially surrounds the distal end section of the mixing channel, allowing the accessory to be nested around the mixing element without extending the longitudinal path. This nesting arrangement enables accessory attachment while maintaining short residence time and minimal loss volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening area is designed in the radial direction rather than extending the longitudinal axis. The conical surface allows accessories to attach radially around the mixing channel, transforming the attachment dimension from longitudinal extension to radial surrounding, thus avoiding increased residence time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are attached to the mixer in existing discharge arrangements, then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but the dead volume increases, leading to loss of mixture
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is nested around the distal end section of the mixing channel through the conical fastening area, eliminating the need for additional longitudinal space. This nesting configuration minimizes dead volume by utilizing the radial space around the mixing channel rather than extending the mixing path.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from longitudinal extension to radial surrounding, allowing accessories to be mounted in the radial dimension without increasing the longitudinal dead volume of the mixing channel.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mixing channel is extended to accommodate accessories in existing discharge arrangements, then accessories can be attached, but the residence time increases causing premature hardening of the mixture
Solution Approach 1:
The conical fastening area allows the accessory to envelop the distal end section of the mixing channel, enabling accessory integration without extending the mixing channel length. This nesting approach maintains the original residence time while providing accessory attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design shifts accessory attachment from the longitudinal dimension to the radial dimension, allowing accessories to be mounted around the mixing channel without increasing its length or the residence time of the mixture.
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
The solution reduces the dead volume and residence time of the mixture, ensuring efficient mixing and attachment of accessories without adverse effects on the mixture's stability, crucial for substances that harden quickly or require rapid application.
Implementation Method 1
a mixing element, which is arranged in the mixing channel (preferably a spiral-like element based on multiple shearing, e.g. a mixing spiral, several mixing spirals arranged one behind the other or another arrangement of several blades, shear diaphragms or protrusions serving to mix the components by shearing action)
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge arrangement for discharging a mixture comprises a connector (6) having at least two inlet channels (7, 7’) ending a mixing channel (8). A static mixing element (10) is provided in the mixing channel. A distal end region of the mixing channel is surrounded by a cone region (13), the outer circumference of which continuously tapers in the direction of the outlet of the mixing channel and which serves as a fastening region for an accessory (23) of the discharge arrangement. The cone region is designed as a luer cone in order to ensure the easy connection of accessories. The mixing element extends into the fastening region in order to minimize the dead volume.