Liquid Mixing Apparatus Using Single Pump for Precise Volume Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid mixing apparatuses face challenges in accurately mixing multiple liquids at predetermined ratios, particularly in chemical testing and endoscope processing applications, where precise mixing is crucial for efficacy testing and processing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid mixing apparatus comprising a first and second tank, introduction sections for each liquid, a liquid transfer conduit, a pump capable of forward/reverse operation, and an atmospheric release control section, which allows for the precise mixing of multiple liquids by controlling liquid levels and pressures to achieve a predetermined volume ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional liquid mixing apparatuses use multiple pumps for multiple liquids, then liquid transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single pump that can handle multiple liquids sequentially. The single pump transfers different liquids (first liquid from first tank, second liquid from second tank) by operating at different times, eliminating the need for separate pumps for each liquid while maintaining full liquid transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different liquid sources based on mixing requirements. The single pump's operation is dynamically controlled to first transfer liquid from the first tank, then transfer liquid from the second tank, allowing one pump to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require multiple pumps.
2Speed
If conventional liquid mixing apparatuses mix liquids without pressure control, then mixing speed is improved, but mixing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure sensors to monitor liquid pressure during transfer and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts pump operation based on this feedback to maintain precise pressure control, ensuring accurate mixing ratios while maintaining efficient transfer speeds. The pressure feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment to achieve both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters (pump speed, pressure) during the liquid transfer process. By adjusting pump rotation speed and pressure based on the specific liquid being transferred and the desired mixing ratio, the system achieves precise mixing control without sacrificing transfer efficiency.
3Reliability
If conventional liquid mixing apparatuses use expensive chemical-resistant components, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies chemical-resistant properties selectively only where liquids directly contact components. Specifically, the tanks and liquid transfer conduit are made with chemical-resistant materials or coatings, while other components (pump housing, control unit, pressure sensors) use standard materials. This localized application of chemical resistance maintains reliability where needed while significantly reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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 apparatus effectively generates a liquid mixture at a predetermined volume ratio, enabling accurate chemical testing and efficient endoscope processing by minimizing the need for expensive chemical-resistant components and reducing the volume of reagents required, thus lowering costs and simplifying the apparatus configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a pump capable of forward/reverse operation that is provided in the gas transfer conduit and that can transfer a gas in two directions inside the gas transfer conduit
Implementation Method 2
a gas transfer conduit having one end arranged above the highest liquid level in the first tank and another end arranged above the highest liquid level in the second tank; a pump capable of forward/reverse operation that is provided in the gas transfer conduit and that can transfer a gas in two directions inside the gas transfer conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid mixing apparatus of the present invention includes: a first tank; a first introduction section that introduces a first liquid into the first tank; a second introduction section that introduces a second liquid into the first tank; a first opening portion provided above a highest liquid level of the first tank; a second tank; a third introduction section that introduces a third liquid into the second tank; a second opening portion provided above a highest liquid level of the second tank; a liquid transfer conduit that connects a bottom surface portion of the first tank and a bottom surface portion of the second tank; an opening/closing valve provided in the liquid transfer conduit; a gas transfer conduit having one end arranged above the highest liquid level in the first tank and another end arranged above the highest liquid level in the second tank; a pump capable of forward/reverse operation that can transfer a gas in two directions inside the gas transfer conduit; and an atmospheric release control section that controls opening and closing of the first opening portion and the second opening portion.