Mixing Device Drying System for Plastic Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for producing plastics parts, such as adhesive applications and foamed sealing beads, face challenges in achieving high cooling power without forming condensation, which can lead to contamination and damage to the produced parts.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a drying device that surrounds the mixing device, utilizing a desiccant feed device to create a low-dew-point atmosphere, prevents condensation while maintaining effective cooling. This setup uses compressed air or a protective gas with a dew point below 10° C to ensure a dry environment around the mixing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the mixing device is cooled to increase cooling power, then the reaction speed control and contamination prevention are improved, but condensation forms on the mixing device surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling powerVSAvoidcondensation formation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A drying agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the cooled mixing device and the ambient air. The drying agent creates a protective atmosphere around the mixing device that prevents moisture from condensing on the cooled surface, allowing high cooling power to be maintained without the harmful condensation effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an inert or controlled atmosphere around the mixing device by introducing a drying agent (such as heated air or inert gas). This atmosphere has a modified humidity profile that prevents condensation on the cooled surfaces, enabling effective cooling without the harmful side effect of moisture accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If the mixing device is cooled to prevent contamination, then the reaction progress control is improved, but the cooling efficiency is reduced due to condensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The drying agent acts as a mediator that allows the cooling system to operate at full efficiency by preventing the insulating condensation layer from forming on the mixing device surface. This maintains thermal contact between the cooling channels and the mixing chamber walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of cooled surfaces (which cause condensation) into a beneficial outcome by using the drying agent to prevent condensation. The cooling system can now operate at higher power levels without the energy loss associated with condensation formation and subsequent evaporation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If high reaction speed materials are used to shorten cycle time, then the productivity is improved, but contamination and adhesion in the mixing chamber increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle timeVSAvoidcontamination and adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the mixing environment by introducing cooled air or gas through the drying agent system. This local cooling effect slows the reaction rate at the mixing chamber walls and discharge nozzle, preventing premature polymerization and adhesion, while the bulk material still reacts at high speed for short cycle times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution effectively prevents condensation on the mixing device, reducing contamination risks and allowing for higher cooling powers, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of plastics part production.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling liquid usually circulates through ducts in the region of the mixing chamber and significantly reduces the temperature locally, in particular the temperature of the mixing chamber walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a desiccant feed device to create a low-dew-point atmosphere, prevents condensation while maintaining effective cooling. This setup uses compressed air or a protective gas with a dew point below 10° C to ensure a dry environment around the mixing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesiccation: Desiccation

Data Source

PatentUS12304113B2Device and method for the production of plastic parts with drying and desiccant feed devices

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

A device (1) and method for the production of plastic parts (2), having a first plastic feed device (3a) for feeding a first liquid plastic starting component (K1); a second plastic feed device (3b) for feeding a second liquid plastic starting component (K2); a mixing device (5) with a mixing chamber (6), wherein in the mixing chamber the liquid plastic starting components that can be fed by the plastic feed devices can be mixed to form a plastic mixture (KG); a discharge nozzle (7) for discharging the plastic mixture; and a cooling device (8) for the mixing device, wherein a drying device (9) surrounding the mixing device at least in regions is provided, wherein the drying device has a separating device (10), a drying chamber (T) formed between the separating device and the mixing device, and a desiccant feeding device (11) opening into the drying chamber are disclosed.