Dynamic Mixing Applicator Smooth Impeller Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for bioadhesives, such as polyurethane-based adhesives and water, face inefficiencies in mixing and emulsification due to immediate activation and rapid polymerization of components, requiring immediate combination before application and lacking effective homogenization techniques.
Innovation Solution
An applicator assembly with a housing, motor, fluid supply sources, and a smooth impeller in the nozzle assembly that rotates at high speeds (1,000 to 35,000 RPM for efficient mixing, homogenization, and emulsification of two or more solutions, including a trigger mechanism for selective dispensing and a detachable nozzle assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotor and stator systems are used for mixing, then mixing capability is achieved, but force requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex rotor-stator interface from the mixing system. Instead of using intermeshing rotors and stators, the invention employs a simplified impeller design that achieves mixing through direct rotational motion without requiring a counter-rotating stator component, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining mixing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional mixing approach by using a smooth impeller that creates mixing through its rotation alone, rather than using opposing rotor-stator surfaces. This inversion of the mixing mechanism eliminates the need for complex mechanical interfaces and reduces the force requirements associated with traditional rotor-stator systems
2Productivity
If high-speed rotation is used for emulsification, then mixing efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the impeller geometry and rotational speed parameters to achieve efficient emulsification at reduced energy consumption. By carefully selecting the impeller blade design, diameter, and rotation speed within the 1,000-35,000 RPM range, the system achieves effective mixing with lower power requirements compared to traditional high-speed rotor-stator systems
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 applicator assembly efficiently mixes and emulsifies solutions with reduced force requirements, ensuring thorough homogenization and effective application of bioadhesives, improving upon traditional rotor and stator systems by providing a more efficient and user-friendly mixing process.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is configured to rotate the smooth impeller at about 1,000 to about 35,000 RPM
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator assembly for mixing, homogenizing and/or emulsifying two or more components is disclosed. The applicator assembly includes a housing configured to receive a motor and a power source, a fluid supply source operably connected to the housing, the fluid supply sources including at least a first and a second source of solution, and a nozzle assembly extending from the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid supply source, the nozzle assembly including a smooth impeller for mixing the at least first and second solutions.