Mixing Nozzle With Alternating Flow Channels for Homogeneous Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixing nozzles for multi-component application devices face challenges in achieving precise and homogeneous mixing of liquid compositions while minimizing the risk of clotting and unwanted reactions, particularly in medical and cosmetic applications.

Innovation Solution

A mixing nozzle design with alternating flow direction channels, including arc-shaped and radial extensions, and flow manipulation elements to enhance mixing efficiency and homogeneity, coupled with a detachable connection for easy application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional mixing nozzles are used, then the device structure is simple, but the mixing precision and homogeneity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing precisionVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing nozzle is divided into multiple functional zones: a mixing zone with alternating flow direction channels for initial mixing, a homogenization zone with radial extensions for further mixing, and an injection zone. This segmentation allows each zone to perform a specific mixing function, progressively improving mixing precision without creating a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces arc-shaped and radial extensions that add dimensional complexity to the channel geometry. The alternating flow direction channels create three-dimensional flow patterns, transforming simple linear flow into multi-directional mixing, thereby improving mixing homogeneity through spatial manipulation rather than increasing overall device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If simple channel structures are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the mixing homogeneity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing homogeneityVSAvoidnozzle manufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs arc-shaped extensions and curved channel walls instead of straight linear paths. These curved geometries create rotational flow components that enhance mixing homogeneity by preventing dead zones and promoting uniform distribution of mixed components throughout the flow stream.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The alternating flow direction channels feature asymmetric geometries where flow paths alternately bend in opposite directions with different curvature radii. This asymmetry creates turbulent mixing patterns that improve homogeneity while the channels remain manufacturable using standard molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If complex flow manipulation elements are added, then mixing efficiency improves, but the risk of material reactions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial reaction risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing zone with alternating flow direction channels performs preliminary mixing before the liquid compositions enter the homogenization zone. This staged approach ensures initial homogenization occurs in a controlled geometry, reducing the time compositions remain in contact with complex surface areas where unwanted reactions could occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The streamlined channel designs with smooth transitions and rounded corners minimize flow stagnation and dead zones. Liquid compositions rapidly flow through the mixing zones without lingering, reducing residence time and thereby minimizing the opportunity for unwanted chemical reactions while maintaining high mixing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

4Ease of operation

If fixed connection designs are used, then the device is robust, but the ease of application decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection design allows the mixing nozzle to be detachably coupled to the syringe assembly body, enabling dynamic reconfiguration. The nozzle can be removed and replaced based on different application requirements, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable fluid-tight connections during use through properly designed coupling interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 nozzle provides improved mixing precision and homogeneity, reduces the risk of material reactions, and facilitates convenient injection with ergonomic design, suitable for applications like dermal filler compositions.

Implementation Method 1

The mixing zone, in particular at least said mixing channel, is configured to change flow direction of a mixing flow from a first flow direction at least to a second flow direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow direction change:

Implementation Method 2

a mixing zone having at least one mixing channel for mixing the liquid compositions while they flow through the mixing channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid mixing:

Data Source

PatentEP3638345B1Mixing nozzle, application device, kit and method using the mixing nozzle or application device
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 MERZ PHARMA GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP3638345B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1e
  • EP3638345B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP3638345B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4e

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to a mixing nozzle (12) for mixing at least two liquid compositions such as a first liquid composition and a second liquid composition. The mixing nozzle(10)is configured to be coupled to a body (11) of a multi-component application device(10), in particular to a body (11) of a two- component syringe assembly,for injection of a liquid composition, which body(11)is configured to separately store said at least two solutions. The present invention further relates to a multi-component application device(10)comprising said mixing nozzle (12) and to a kit comprising said mixing nozzle (12) or said application device (10). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a methodusing said application device or said kit, for examplefor replacing or filling a biological tissue or increasing the volume of a biological tissue.