Integrated Mixing and Aeration Device for Water Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixing and aeration devices for liquid treatment require additional holding devices and have complex structures, making them cumbersome and difficult to maintain.

Innovation Solution

A mixing and aeration device with a housing comprising two parts, an electric motor, a shaft, blades on a hub, and an air supply pipe, where the air supply pipe is connected through a holding device that allows for adjustable positioning and easy maintenance, utilizing existing housing parts like centrifugal pumps for simplicity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing mixing and aeration devices are used, then aeration and mixing functions are achieved, but additional holding devices are required and structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaeration and mixing functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor housing and pump housing are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The motor is arranged in the first housing part and the pump in the second housing part, with both housed in a common housing that serves dual purposes as both motor enclosure and pump housing, eliminating the need for separate holding devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common housing serves multiple functions: it acts as the motor housing, the pump housing, and provides structural support and positioning. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining reliability.

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

2Reliability

If existing mixing and aeration devices are used, then aeration and mixing functions are achieved, but maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaeration and mixing functionVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two separable parts: a first housing part for the motor and a second housing part for the pump. These parts can be separated from each other, allowing easy access to both the motor and pump components for maintenance and repair without disassembling the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing parts are designed to be dynamically separable and reassemblable. The connection between the first and second housing parts allows for easy separation during maintenance and quick reassembly after service, making the device adaptable to maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If additional holding devices are used, then device stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is designed to provide both structural support and device stability without requiring additional separate holding devices. The integrated housing itself serves as the stable mounting structure for all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common housing performs multiple functions including providing structural stability, housing the motor, housing the pump, and serving as the mounting structure. This eliminates the need for additional holding devices while maintaining device stability.

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

4Reliability

If complex structures are used, then aeration and mixing functions are achieved, but manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaeration and mixing functionVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into two parts that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process and simplifies the overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the integrated functional benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 aerates and mixes liquids without additional holding devices, ensuring reliable operation and easy maintenance, with a simplified structure that enhances positioning and stabilization.

Implementation Method 1

an in the first housing part arranged electric motor (11), a shaft (12) extending through the first and second housing part, which is driven at a first shaft end (14) by the electric motor (11) to rotate about an axis of rotation (A)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least two arranged on the hub (34) Blades (42), wherein adjacent to a connection point (9) of the first and second housing part (7, 8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

an air supply pipe (46) connected to the housing (6), wherein adjacent to a connection point (9) of the first and second housing part (7, 8), the first housing part (7) has a connecting device (44) with an opening (45) extending in the radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation (A), the air supply pipe (46) being connected to the connecting device (44)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir supply:

Implementation Method 4

for mixing and aerating a liquid, in particular water mass, in a basin of a liquid treatment device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP2574395B1Mixing and ventilation device and method for mixing and ventilating
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 KSB SE & CO KGAA
  • EP2574395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2574395B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2574395B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a mixing and aeration device (4) and a method for mixing and aerating a liquid, in particular a mass of water, in a basin (1) of a liquid treatment facility, in particular a water treatment facility, with a mixing and aeration unit (3) comprising a housing (6) comprising a first housing part (7) and a second housing part (8), an electric motor (11) arranged in the first housing part (7), a shaft (12) extending through the first and second housing parts, which is driven at a first shaft end (14) by the electric motor (11) to rotate about an axis of rotation (A), a hub (34) connected to a second shaft end (21) opposite the first shaft end (14), at least two blades (42) arranged on the hub (34) and an air supply pipe (46) connected to the housing (6).Adjacent to a connection point (9) between the first (7) and second housing part (8), the first housing part (7) has a connection device (44) with an opening (45) extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation (A). An air supply pipe (46) is connected to the connection device (44).