Compact Mixing Pump with Self-Feeding Return Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing and pumping apparatuses for liquids and materials are bulky and lack versatility for use in a wide range of processes, requiring external means to ensure proper receipt of unmixed substances at the inlet.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus comprising a housing with a shear rotor, stator, and impeller that performs both mixing and pumping, utilizing a return conduit to recycle a portion of the mixed liquid and material, facilitating efficient feeding and mixing without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mixing equipment and pumping equipment are used, then mixing and pumping functions are adequately performed, but the apparatus becomes bulky and less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mixing equipment and pumping equipment into a single integrated apparatus. The mixing device includes a rotor-stator mechanism while the pumping function is achieved through a impeller within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate mixing and pumping equipment and reducing overall bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - mixing materials with liquids through the rotor-stator mechanism and pumping the mixture through the impeller. This multi-functional design enhances versatility for use in various processes where both mixing and pumping are required.
2Ease of operation
If external means are used to ensure proper receipt of unmixed liquid and material at the inlet, then feeding is ensured, but the system requires additional external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The return conduit enables the apparatus to feed itself by returning a portion of the mixed liquid and material to the inlet. This self-service mechanism ensures proper receipt of unmixed substances at the inlet without requiring external feeding equipment, simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The return conduit creates a feedback loop where a portion of the mixed output is redirected back to the inlet. This feedback mechanism ensures continuous proper feeding of unmixed material and liquid into the mixing zone, maintaining ease of operation without external assistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a compact design with integrated mixing and pumping is used, then versatility is improved, but adequate mixing and pumping performance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully merges mixing and pumping functions in a compact design while maintaining adequate performance. The rotor-stator mixing mechanism and impeller pumping mechanism are integrated within the same housing, ensuring both functions operate effectively without compromising reliability.
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 mixes and pumps liquids and materials, offering versatility and efficient feeding by recycling a portion of the mixture to ensure continuous operation across various processes without the need for external mixing or pumping equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a shear rotor rotatably arranged in the housing about a central axis... a stator fixedly arranged in the housing and surrounding a periphery of the shear rotor such that an annular clearance is formed between the shear rotor and the stator, wherein the liquid and material pass the annular clearance and through openings in the stator when the drive unit is activated, thereby effecting mixing of the liquid and material
Implementation Method 2
an impeller rotatably arranged in the housing about the central axis and connected to the drive unit, such that the impeller pumps the liquid and material from the inlet, via the annular clearance, via the openings in the stator and to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mixing and pumping, the apparatus comprising a housing with an inlet and an outlet for receiving and expelling liquid and a material. The apparatus has a shear rotor and a stator for mixing the liquid and material and an impeller for pumping the liquid and material from the inlet, via an annular clearance between the shear rotor and the stator and to the outlet. The apparatus has a return conduit configured to return to the inlet a part of the liquid and material pumped via the annular clearance and openings in the stator.