Modular Mixing Impeller Assembly for Sterile Large-Container Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixing systems for large containers are limited in their ability to ensure thorough mixing without contamination, as they often require opening the container for mixing or use a single impeller that decreases efficiency with larger sizes, and existing systems struggle to maintain sterility and airtightness.
Innovation Solution
A modular mixing impeller assembly with adjustable connection tubes and impellers that create an airtight and water-tight seal, featuring a central hub with a bore hole for a drive shaft and a plate section with angled or perpendicular blades, allowing for variable configuration and efficient mixing in larger containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single impeller is used in large containers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mixing efficiency and productivity decrease significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is divided into multiple impellers (typically three) positioned at different heights within the container. Each impeller handles a specific zone (top, middle, bottom), ensuring comprehensive mixing throughout the entire volume. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining mixing efficiency in large containers without requiring an overly complex single-impeller design.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single horizontal impeller to multiple impellers distributed vertically through the container. This adds the vertical dimension to the mixing system, allowing efficient mixing in large containers by addressing all vertical zones simultaneously rather than relying on a single horizontal plane.
2Ease of operation
If the container is opened to insert a mixing probe, then mixing can be performed in large containers, but sterility is compromised and cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is designed as a universal solution that can be adapted to various container sizes and configurations without requiring container opening. The standardized impeller assembly can be inserted through existing closures or integrated into the container design, maintaining sterility while providing mixing capability across different application scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing impeller system is pre-configured and pre-sterilized as a complete assembly before insertion into the container. This preliminary preparation ensures sterility is maintained throughout the process, eliminating the need to open the container during setup. The entire mixing mechanism is ready for immediate use upon insertion through sealed access points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic stir bar system is used, then mixing can be achieved in small containers, but the system becomes inadequate for larger container sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from magnetic field-based stirring (effective only for small volumes) to direct mechanical impeller rotation. This substitution enables effective mixing in large containers by providing sufficient mechanical energy input throughout the entire fluid volume, overcoming the limitations of magnetic stir bar systems while maintaining adaptability across container sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing system changes the key parameter of energy input density by using multiple impellers positioned throughout the container volume. This ensures adequate mixing energy is delivered to all regions of large containers, whereas magnetic stir bars provide insufficient energy density for large volumes. The parameter change from magnetic to mechanical actuation enables scalability to larger container sizes.
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 modular system provides efficient mixing and maintains sterility by creating a sealed environment, allowing for adjustable configurations to accommodate various container sizes and ensuring thorough mixing without contamination, enhancing the mixing process in larger containers.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the one or more impellers is assembled onto at least one connection tube via a friction fit such that each of the one or more impellers is configured to rotate with its attached connection tube
Implementation Method 2
the assembly between impeller and connection tube creates an airtight and water-tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
A modular mixing impeller assembly that includes one or more connection tubes, and one or more impellers configured for assembly to the one or more connection tubes. Each of the one or more impellers has a plurality of mixing blades. Each of the one or more impellers is assembled onto at least one connection tube via a friction fit such that each of the one or more impellers is configured to rotate with its attached connection tube, and wherein the assembly between impeller and connection tube creates an airtight and water-tight seal.