Automatic Liquid-Liquid Extractor with Stirring Motor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current liquid-liquid extraction methods using hand-operated separating funnels are time-consuming, lack reproducibility, are difficult to clean, and pose health risks due to manual operation and gas release.

Innovation Solution

An automatic liquid-liquid extracting machine with a cylindrical separating funnel, mechanical stirring motor, and an integrated cleaning device, allowing for efficient mechanical stirring and automatic cleaning without gas release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hand-operated separating funnel is used for liquid-liquid extraction, then the device structure is simple, but the extraction time is long and efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidextraction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical shaking operation with an automated mechanical stirring system. The stirring motor drives the stirring blade to rotate inside the separating funnel, automatically performing the mixing function that previously required manual shaking, thereby reducing extraction time and improving efficiency while eliminating the need for frequent manual intervention to release gas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If hand-operated separating funnel is used, then the device is simple, but the repeatability and reproducibility of extraction results are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepeatability of extraction resultsVSAvoidoperational consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces variable manual shaking operations with a controlled mechanical stirring system. The stirring motor provides consistent, repeatable mixing action with controlled parameters (speed, duration, intensity), eliminating the variability introduced by different operators or repeated manual operations. This ensures high repeatability and reproducibility of extraction results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If hand-operated separating funnel is used, then the device structure is simple, but the cleaning difficulty is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated cleaning system that includes a water inlet connected to a spray nozzle. The spray nozzle directs water flow along the inner walls of the separating funnel, automatically rinsing and cleaning the surfaces that are difficult to reach by hand. This automated cleaning mechanism improves cleaning effectiveness without significantly complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If hand-operated separating funnel is used with frequent gas release, then the pressure buildup is managed, but organic matters are released that harm the human body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorganic solvent exposureVSAvoidoperation safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operation with an automated mechanical stirring system that operates within a closed system. The stirring motor and blade work inside the sealed separating funnel, eliminating the need to open the funnel cover to release gas. This closed automated operation prevents organic solvent vapor release and protects operators from harmful exposure while maintaining safe pressure management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 machine enables synchronous extraction of multiple samples with high reproducibility and safety, reducing extraction time and minimizing human exposure to organic solvents.

Implementation Method 1

a stirring motor 3 that are fixed on the body 1, a bottom funnel opening of the cylindrical separating funnel 2 is connected to a three-way liquid separating device 4, the stirring motor is arranged opposite to the opening of the cylindrical separating funnel 2, a motor shaft of the stirring motor 3 is connected to a stirring device 8

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical stirring: Stirring

Data Source

PatentEP3677325B1Extractor with stirrer

Publication Date: 2021.04.14 RAMAKRISHNAN RAM

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

An efficient automatic liquid-liquid extracting machine includes a body. At least one set of stirring extractor is arranged on the body, the stirring extractor includes a cylindrical separating funnel and a stirring motor that are fixed on the body, a bottom funnel opening of the cylindrical separating funnel is connected to a three-way liquid separating device, the stirring motor is arranged opposite to the opening of the cylindrical separating funnel, a motor shaft of the stirring motor is connected to a stirring device, and a stirring end of the stirring device penetrates into the cylindrical separating funnel. Since multiple mechanical stirring devices are used in the analysis of semi-volatile organics, the extraction process for multiple samples can be performed synchronously at the same time, and the solvent and the solute are brought into full contact due to the rotary mechanical stirring up and down.