Oscillation Powder Mixing for Stress-Free Fluidization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mixing powdery materials, such as mechanical mixers and fluidization with gas, lead to mechanical stress on particles, alter their size distribution and structure, and require complex gas separation and purification processes, which are inefficient and environmentally harmful.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus using a movably supported container and an oscillation generator to fluidize powdery materials through oscillation, without the introduction of external fluids, allowing for gentle and efficient mixing and conditioning of powders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mechanical mixers are used to mix powdery materials, then mixing can be achieved, but long mixing times lead to mechanical stress on particles and adverse changes in size distribution and structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing timeVSAvoidparticle size distribution and structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical mixing system with an acoustic field system. Sound waves at specific frequencies (20-2000 Hz) are applied to the powder mixture, creating acoustic streaming and particle vibration that achieves mixing without direct mechanical contact, thereby preventing particle stress and size distribution changes while maintaining efficient mixing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If fluidization with gas is used to mix powdery materials, then effective mixing is achieved, but particles are discharged with the gas and require complex separation and purification processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidgas separation and purification system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the gas fluidization component from the mixing process. By using only acoustic fields without introducing gas, the harmful discharge of particles with exhaust gas is completely avoided, and complex separation and purification systems become unnecessary while mixing efficiency is maintained through acoustic streaming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If fluidization with gas is used to mix powdery materials, then particles are mobilized for mixing, but environmental regulations require additional measures for exhaust gas purification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle mobilizationVSAvoiddust contamination and environmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes gas-based fluidization with acoustic field-based particle mobilization. Sound waves create acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming that effectively mobilize particles for mixing without introducing gas into the system, thereby completely eliminating dust contamination and environmental hazards associated with exhaust gas purification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of particle discharge into a benefit by using acoustic fields to confine and control particle motion entirely within the mixing chamber. The acoustic pressure nodes and streaming patterns create a self-contained mixing environment where particles are thoroughly mixed but cannot escape, turning a potential pollution problem into a controlled mixing advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Achieves homogeneous mixing of powders without mechanical stress, reduces environmental impact by eliminating the need for gas separation and purification, and enhances process stability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an oscillation generator (16) by which a powdery material located in the processing chamber (20) can be subjected to an oscillation (15) during operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillation: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the powder particles are set in motion, can be kept in suspension and in this state exhibit similar behavior to a conventional fluidized bed with a gas flow fed from the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250381538A1Apparatus for mixing and/or conditioning powdery materials and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 ROSLER HLDG GMBH

AI summary

An apparatus for mixing and/or conditioning powdery materials through fluid-free fluidization comprises a movably supported container that defines a first processing chamber for receiving powdery material; an oscillation generator by which a powdery material located in the processing chamber can be subjected to an oscillation, in particular a sinusoidal oscillation, during operation; and a control unit that controls the oscillation generator.