2D Deformable Mixing Bag with Funnel Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable mixing bags for fluids are either shaped for mixing but not conducive to shipping and storage, or vice versa, and they often have dead spots that impede mixing, and existing systems require costly and cumbersome sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, deformable, 2D container with a funnel-shaped interior and a magnetically driven impeller assembly that minimizes dead spots and is designed for efficient mixing, shipping, and storage, using liquid-impermeable seams and a tangential flow filtration system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bag is shaped like a cylinder with a conical bottom to mimic tank shape, then mixing performance is improved, but shipping and storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bag is segmented into distinct functional zones: a funnel-shaped mixing region with defined angles (30-60 degrees) for optimal mixing, and a collapsed flat storage region. This segmentation allows the bag to achieve both good mixing performance in the funnel region and compact storage when empty or after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag transitions from a 2D flat collapsed state to a 3D funnel-shaped mixing state during operation. This dimensional transformation enables the bag to occupy minimal space during shipping and storage while providing adequate mixing volume when in use, resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and mixing performance.
2Volume of moving object
If the bag is shaped like a cube for shipping and storage efficiency, then shipping and storage efficiency is improved, but mixing performance deteriorates due to dead spots in corners
Solution Approach 1:
The bag employs an asymmetric funnel shape with specific angular parameters (30-60 degree angles) rather than symmetric cubic geometry. This asymmetric design eliminates dead spots in corners while maintaining a compact form factor that is efficient for shipping and storage, directly addressing the mixing performance issue in cubic bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag uses a curved funnel shape with optimized angles instead of sharp cubic corners. The curved surfaces and defined angles (30-60 degrees) promote fluid flow and eliminate stagnant dead spots, improving mixing performance while the overall compact form maintains shipping efficiency.
3Reliability
If conventional sterilization procedures are used on reusable stainless steel containers, then sterility is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a disposable bag that is pre-sterilized and used once, eliminating the need for complex and costly sterilization procedures required for reusable containers. The disposable nature ensures sterility while avoiding the cumbersome sterilization process, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving sterility and reducing process complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple containers are used for vaccine transfers, then processing flexibility is improved, but risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bag is designed as a universal container that can perform multiple functions: mixing, storage, and shipping of vaccines in a single sealed system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple transfer operations between containers, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining processing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges mixing, storage, and shipping functions into a single integrated sealed bag system. By combining these functions that traditionally required separate containers and transfer operations, the design minimizes the number of potential contamination points while maintaining adaptability for various vaccine processing needs.
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 enables effective mixing and homogenization of fluids while improving shipping and storage efficiency and reducing the need for costly sterilization by minimizing dead spots and allowing for efficient drainability and low-level mixing without splashing or foaming.
Implementation Method 1
one or more impeller assemblies within the container to cause mixing, dispersing, homogenizing and/or circulation of one or more ingredients contained or added to the container
Implementation Method 2
a magnetically driven impeller assembly that minimizes dead spots and is designed for efficient mixing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A disposable container, such as a deformable bag, for a fluid, having one or more inlets and one or more outlets and an impeller assembly within the container to cause mixing, dispersing, homogenizing and/or circulation of one or more ingredients contained or added to the container. The region within the container that can contain liquid is funnel shaped, which allows very low fluid level mixing, dispensing while mixing, and a reduction or elimination of vortex formation.