Emulsion Preparation Device With PTFE Filter And T-Shaped Mixing Piece

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emulsion preparation devices face challenges in forming emulsions with diverse chemical compositions and exhibit high sliding resistance during the mixing process, often requiring extensive pumping operations and lacking effective filtration mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An emulsion preparation device equipped with a filter part constructed from two mesh parts and fibers, where the fibers are loaded between the mesh parts, allowing for efficient mixing of continuous and dispersed phases through reciprocating movement, reducing sliding resistance and improving emulsion formation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a porous glass membrane filter is used, then filtration is achieved, but sliding resistance becomes high and emulsion formation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capabilityVSAvoidsliding resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane instead of porous glass membrane. The PTFE membrane provides effective filtration while maintaining low sliding resistance, resolving the contradiction between filtration capability and ease of operation. The porous structure allows fluid passage while the PTFE material properties reduce friction during pumping operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from glass to PTFE, which fundamentally alters the friction characteristics. This material substitution transforms the surface properties to achieve both effective filtration and low sliding resistance, solving the technical contradiction between reliable filtration and ease of pumping operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If extensive pumping operation is performed, then mixing is improved, but time consumption increases and emulsion formation remains insufficient for some compositions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidpumping operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a T-shaped mixing piece as an intermediary mixing element. This mixing piece with its specific geometry (T-shape with protrusions) actively facilitates phase mixing during the pumping process, reducing the number of pumping cycles needed to achieve adequate emulsion formation. The mixing piece acts as a mediator that enhances mixing efficiency without requiring extended pumping time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The reciprocating pumping operation creates mechanical vibration and turbulence in the fluid stream as it passes through the filter membrane and around the T-shaped mixing piece. This mechanical agitation enhances the mixing of continuous and dispersed phases, improving emulsion formation efficiency and reducing the time required for adequate mixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Device complexity

If a simple connector structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but emulsion formation capability is insufficient for diverse chemical compositions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidemulsion formation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional connector that integrates filtration (porous PTFE membrane), active mixing (T-shaped mixing piece with protrusions), and emulsion formation capabilities into a single device. This universal design allows the connector to effectively handle diverse chemical compositions while maintaining relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite structural elements, particularly the T-shaped mixing piece that combines geometric features (protrusions, specific shape) with the filtering membrane. This composite approach creates a device that achieves enhanced emulsion formation capability for diverse chemical compositions while maintaining structural simplicity through the integration of multiple functions into unified components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 device effectively forms emulsions in chemically diverse liquids while minimizing sliding resistance, enhancing the efficiency and operability of the emulsion preparation process.

Implementation Method 1

the filter part is constructed from a porous PTFE filter membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

a T-shaped mixing piece having a longitudinal axis may be provided in the inner cylindrical member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP2823879B1Emulsion preparation device and emulsion preparation method
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 SHIONOGI & CO LTD
  • EP2823879B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2823879B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2823879B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide an emulsion preparation device capable of forming an emulsion in a chemical liquid of diverse composition and further realizing a relatively low sliding resistance. An emulsion preparation device (1) provided with a filter part (10), wherein: the filter part (10) is constructed from first and second, two mesh parts (31) and (33) and fibers (32); and the fibers (32) are loaded into a space (30) between the first mesh part (31) and the second mesh part (32).