Integrated Reaction Chambers for Comprehensive Biodegradability Testing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biodegradability detection devices are limited in their ability to comprehensively measure multiple indices, require manual operation, occupy large space, and produce environmental pollution during high-temperature fermentation, leading to inaccurate results and operational inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A reaction apparatus with independent reaction chambers, controlled by an electrical cabinet, featuring automated stirring, leachate collection, and discharge mechanisms, along with precise temperature and air control, allowing for simultaneous multi-index biodegradability assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent detection apparatuses are used for simultaneous comparison experiments, then measurement comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement comprehensivenessVSAvoidapparatus quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated apparatus. Multiple reaction chambers are arranged within one device, allowing simultaneous conduct of test material and standard material experiments. The control system integrates temperature control, air supply, and stirring functions for all chambers through a unified platform, eliminating the need for multiple separate apparatuses while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform various biodegradability measurements (disintegration degree, biodegradation rate, ecological toxicity) within a single device. The reaction chambers can accommodate different test configurations, and the integrated control system manages multiple experimental conditions simultaneously, making the apparatus universal for comprehensive biodegradability assessment.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If manual stirring is performed during high-temperature fermentation, then material mixing is achieved, but laboratory environment is polluted by generated odor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial mixingVSAvoidodor pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical stirring with an automated stirring mechanism. A stirring blade connected to a drive system automatically mixes the materials in the reaction chambers during high-temperature fermentation. This eliminates the need for operators to manually open and stir the chambers, thereby preventing odor release into the laboratory environment while maintaining effective material mixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an air-tight sealing system as an intermediary between the reaction chamber and the external environment. The sealing structure prevents odor generated during high-temperature fermentation from escaping into the laboratory, while the automated stirring mechanism operates within the sealed chamber to maintain material mixing without direct human contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If reaction chamber volume is compressed to reduce space occupation, then space efficiency is improved, but high-temperature fermentation cannot be achieved due to volume limitation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus volumeVSAvoidfermentation temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple reaction chambers are vertically stacked within the device housing. This space-efficient configuration allows multiple experimental units to occupy minimal footprint space while each chamber maintains sufficient internal volume for effective high-temperature fermentation. The nested structure optimizes space utilization without compromising the thermal processing capabilities of individual chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If manual loading and unloading of materials is performed, then operation flexibility is maintained, but operational convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding and discharging convenienceVSAvoidmanual operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an automated material discharge system that enables self-service operation. The reaction chambers are equipped with discharge mechanisms that automatically eject processed materials without requiring manual intervention. The apparatus performs feeding, temperature control, stirring, and discharging operations autonomously, significantly improving operational convenience and reducing the time loss associated with manual material handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables accurate, automated, and space-efficient biodegradability measurement with reduced environmental impact, ensuring high-temperature fermentation and precise control of reaction conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an electric heating plate and a thermal insulation cotton are attached to the side wall of the reaction chamber body, the electric heating plate is controlled by the electrical control cabinet to adjust the temperature in the reaction chamber body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an electric heating plate and a thermal insulation cotton are attached to the side wall of the reaction chamber body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

a stirring paddle, which is arranged inside the reaction chamber body, wherein the rear end of the stirring paddle is connected to a motor installed on the back side of the reaction chamber body, and the electrical control cabinet controls the operation of the motor to drive the stirring paddle to turn over the materials in the reaction chamber body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical stirring: Stirring

Implementation Method 4

one end of the air outlet is connected to the inside of the reaction chamber body, and the other end of the air outlet is dried by a color-changing silica gel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 5

Biodegradability means that materials can be decomposed into carbon dioxide, water, mineralized inorganic salts contained in the raw materials themselves, and new biomass under the action of microorganisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS12428618B2Reaction device for comprehensive determination of biodegradability of materials and its method of use
Publication Date: 2025.09.30 NANJING UNIV
  • US12428618B2 patent drawing
  • US12428618B2 patent drawing
  • US12428618B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a reaction apparatus for comprehensively measuring biodegradability of a material, comprising a device frame, an electrical control cabinet and a reaction chamber monomer. The upper side of the reaction chamber monomer is a reaction chamber body, and the lower part is a material receiving trolley. The top of the reaction chamber body is sealed by a chamber cover. A side wall is pasted with an electric heating plate and a thermal insulation cotton. A stirring paddle is arranged inside. An air inlet and an air outlet are respectively provided on a front and a rear wall. A discharging mechanism is located below. The electrical control cabinet separately controls the reaction conditions of each reaction chamber monomer. The present invention further relates to a use method thereof, which can realize the biodegradability evaluation in such three aspects as material degradation rate, disintegration rate and ecological non-toxicity test.