Multi-Inlet Switching Connector With Flushing to Prevent Material Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to efficiently and safely feed different materials to an outlet without allowing them to mix or react with each other, particularly when the materials are chemically aggressive or reactive.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple inlets and an actuator that can be displaced to connect to different material containers, featuring a flushing agent inlet to prevent mixing by flushing the channel with a suitable agent, and a pump to manage material flow and flushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple material containers are connected to a single outlet through a common channel, then the device can feed different materials to the target device, but the materials may mix or react with each other in the channel
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the common channel into multiple isolated passage channels, each dedicated to transporting a specific material from its container to the outlet. The actuator selectively opens connections between specific material containers and specific passage channels, ensuring that materials remain separated throughout transport and only mix at the outlet when intentionally delivered together.
2Reliability
If the actuator is made of ceramic material for chemical resistance, then it can handle aggressive materials, but lubricant may be required on the input side to maintain sealing function
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is made of ceramic material specifically at the input side where chemical resistance is most critical for handling aggressive materials. The output side may use different materials optimized for their specific functions. This localized material selection allows the device to handle aggressive chemicals while maintaining appropriate sealing characteristics where needed.
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
Ensures safe and efficient delivery of different materials to a target device while preventing unwanted mixing or reaction, maintaining leak-tightness and allowing for regular flushing cycles.
Implementation Method 1
If the through-channel is in communicative connection with an inlet, a negative pressure can be generated in the through-channel by activating the pump and the corresponding material can be discharged through the respective inlet, introduced into the through-channel and transported to the outlet.
Implementation Method 2
Once the through-channel has moved to a flushing agent inlet, the through-channel is in communicative connection with the flushing agent inlet and can be flushed. At the same time as flushing the passageway, the outlet may also be flushed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) having a plurality of inlets (27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f) and an outlet (19), the inlets (27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f) respectively can be connected to a material storage container (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f), and an actuator (12) displaceable relative to the inlets to provide a switchable connection between one of the plurality of inlets and the outlet a through-channel (42) is provided, wherein the through-channel can be selectively brought into communication with one of the different inlets in order to be able to successively supply different materials to the outlet. The special feature is, among other things, that at least one of the inlets (28) is designed as a rinsing agent inlet of a rinsing device (47), and that the through-channel as a result of a displacement of the actuator (12) for the purpose of rinsing the through-channel (42) with the rinsing agent inlet in communicative connection can be brought.