Lipid Particle Flow Path Structure for Vortex-Free Uniform Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow path structures experience a decrease in mixing efficiency and uniformity when a flow is generated in a direction opposite to the main flow, leading to the formation of vortices and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A flow path structure design that includes a first flow path group connected to a second group via a branch portion and a third group via a merging portion, with specific opening area ratios and shapes to minimize reverse flow vortices, promoting uniform swirling flows and efficient mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vortex is generated in the flow path to improve mixing efficiency, then mixing efficiency is improved, but reverse flow vortices cause decrease in mixing efficiency and uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple groups (first, second, third flow path groups) with different configurations. The first group has a larger cross-sectional area while the second group has a smaller cross-sectional area, creating segmented flow paths that guide fluid in a controlled sequence to prevent reverse flow vortices while maintaining mixing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the flow path are designed with different cross-sectional areas to create specific flow characteristics in different locations. The first flow path group has a larger cross-sectional area for initial mixing, while the second group has a smaller area to control and direct the flow, preventing reverse flow vortices in critical mixing zones.
2Reliability
If flow paths are designed with multiple groups and specific opening area ratios, then reverse flow vortices are suppressed and mixing uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow path groups are merged into a single integrated flow path structure unit. The first, second, and third flow path groups are connected in sequence within one compact device, combining the functions of multiple separate mixing chambers into a unified structure that maintains mixing uniformity without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path structure unit serves multiple functions within a single device: it performs initial mixing in the first flow path group, controls flow direction in the second group, and ensures uniform mixing in the third group. This multi-functional design achieves complex mixing objectives without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
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 design suppresses reverse flow vortices, enhances mixing efficiency, and achieves uniform mixing and stirring of fluids, ensuring high-quality product uniformity and reduced pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
mixing efficiency can be improved by generating a vortex in the flow path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4(c)
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A flow path structure according to an embodiment includes three groups of flow paths connected by branch and merging portions. The first group (1) connects to the second group (2, 3) via a branch portion (5), and the second group connects to the third group (4) via a merging portion (6). The branch portion has openings on both the first and second group sides, while the merging portion has openings on both the second and third group sides. If the first group has N flow paths and the second group has M flow paths (where M is N or more), the total opening area of the second group's branch openings is at most M/N times that of the first group's branch openings. Additionally, at least one merging opening in the second group is equal to or smaller than at least one merging opening in the third group.