Flat-Jet Injection Mixing Chamber for Homogeneous Blending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixing devices for combining a base with a catalyst often result in non-homogeneous mixtures due to preferential flow paths and require complex structures that complicate maintenance, particularly cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A mixing device with a first inlet for a first product and a second inlet for a second product, where the second product is injected as a flat jet into the mixing chamber, creating a swirl effect and ensuring better distribution and contact surface between the products, enhancing homogeneity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If mixing elements such as propeller or static mixer are provided, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing homogeneityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes traditional mixing elements (propellers, static mixers) from the system and replaces them with a nozzle-based injection system. The second product is injected as a flat jet directly into the first product stream, creating turbulence and mixing through the injection process itself rather than through separate mixing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses fluid dynamics principles by injecting the second product as a flat jet into the first product stream. The hydraulic injection process creates turbulence and promotes mixing through the interaction of the two product streams, eliminating the need for mechanical mixing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Manufacturing precision

If mixing elements such as propeller or static mixer are provided, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing homogeneityVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes traditional mixing elements (propellers, static mixers) that create hard-to-reach areas and eliminates the cleaning problems associated with these components. The simplified chamber design allows for easier access and cleaning of all surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The injection system creates self-mixing through the turbulence generated by the flat jet injection, eliminating the need for mechanical mixing elements that would require maintenance and cleaning. The system uses the flow dynamics itself to achieve mixing without additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional injection methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but mixing homogeneity deteriorates due to preferential flow paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidmixing homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a specialized nozzle design at the injection point to create a flat jet pattern. This localized modification to the injection method creates specific flow patterns and turbulence in the mixing zone, improving homogeneity without complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the injection parameters by injecting the second product as a flat jet rather than through traditional methods. This parameter change in the injection process creates the necessary turbulence and contact between product streams for homogeneous mixing while maintaining device simplicity.

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

The solution achieves homogeneous mixing of the products by facilitating turbulence and ensuring thorough integration, simplifying maintenance and improving the mixing process.

Implementation Method 1

Injecting the second product into the mixing chamber in the form of a flat jet, into which the first product is introduced, allows for a better distribution of the second product in the first product and a better contact surface between the two products

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3960283B1Mixing device for multiple components and associated method
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 EXEL INDUSTRIES
  • EP3960283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3960283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3960283B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-component mixing device (10) comprising at least a first feed (12) of a first product and a second feed (14) of a second product. The mixing device (10) has a mixing chamber (16) having at least a first inlet and a second inlet (24), the first feed (12) opening into the mixing chamber (16) at the first inlet and the second feed (14) opening into the mixing chamber (16) at the second inlet (24). The mixing device (10) includes a nozzle (18) arranged and adapted to inject the second product from the second feed (14) into the mixing chamber (16) in the form of a flat jet. The invention further relates to an associated mixing method.