Passive Shaking Deflector Mixing for Power-Free Pipe Turbulence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid mixing devices, both passive and active, suffer from inefficiencies such as long mixing times, requirement for additional power, large volume, and inflexible adjustment of mixing requirements, especially in biomedical applications and micron/nanometer scales.

Innovation Solution

A mixing device utilizing passive shaking deflectors within a fluid mixing pipe that generate natural vibration due to fluid flow, enhancing mixing efficiency through fluid pressure differences and adjustable configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If passive mixing devices are used with simple structural design, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing efficiency deteriorates and mixing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural design simplicityVSAvoidmixing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a passive shaking deflector that generates natural vibration when fluid flows through it. The deflector is positioned at an angle to the fluid flow direction, creating periodic disturbances and vortex flows that enhance mixing efficiency without requiring external power sources or complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing device utilizes the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid itself to drive the mixing process. The fluid flow automatically activates the shaking deflector, which then generates the necessary turbulence and mixing action, eliminating the need for external power mechanisms or additional energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If active mixing devices with power mechanisms are used, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device volume increases and temperature control becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses the fluid's own flow energy to power the mixing action through the shaking deflector, eliminating the need for external motors, pumps, or power mechanisms that would increase device volume. The passive design maintains compact dimensions while achieving effective mixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shaking deflector generates controlled vibrations and turbulence through fluid flow interaction, providing intense mixing action without the bulk of mechanical mixers. This vibration-based approach achieves high mixing efficiency in a compact form factor suitable for biomedical applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Productivity

If active mixing devices with power mechanisms are used, then mixing efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and temperature stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device is entirely self-powered by the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid. No external electrical power, magnetic fields, or thermal energy input is required. The shaking deflector converts the fluid's flow energy directly into mixing action, resulting in zero additional energy consumption beyond what is already present in the fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If active mixing devices with power mechanisms are used, then mixing efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to power instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidpower stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device eliminates all external power dependencies by using the fluid flow itself to drive the mixing mechanism. There are no electrical motors, magnetic actuators, or powered components that could fail due to power instability. The passive shaking deflector responds automatically to any fluid flow, ensuring reliable operation regardless of external power conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

5Device complexity

If conventional microchannel mixing devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as mixing parameters become fixed after manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural design simplicityVSAvoidmixing parameter adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shaking deflector can be positioned at different angles relative to the fluid flow direction, and its geometric parameters can be adjusted to change the intensity and characteristics of the generated turbulence. This dynamic adjustability allows the device to adapt to different mixing requirements and fluid properties while maintaining a simple structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device achieves rapid and efficient fluid mixing without additional power, allowing for flexible adjustment of mixing rates and improved turbulence, suitable for biomedical applications and micron/nanometer scales.

Implementation Method 1

the structure of the passive shaking deflector generates natural vibration due to the passage of the fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNatural vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

enhancing mixing efficiency through fluid pressure differences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the shaking spoiler has a larger fluid contact area compared to the supporting base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 4

the passive shaking deflector is driven to shake by the fluid to be mixed flowing through the passive shaking deflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow separation: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentUS20260097371A1Mixing device and mixing system
Publication Date: 2026.04.09 NATIONAL KAOHSIUNG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
  • US20260097371A1 patent drawing
  • US20260097371A1 patent drawing
  • US20260097371A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mixing device includes a fluid input portion, suitable for receiving at least one fluid to be mixed, the fluid input portion including at least one fluid input pipe; and a fluid mixing portion, communicated to the fluid input portion, the fluid mixing portion including a fluid mixing pipe, communicated to the at least one fluid input pipe; and a passive shaking deflector, arranged in the fluid mixing pipe; wherein the passive shaking deflector is driven to shake by the fluid to be mixed flowing through the passive shaking deflector. The mixing device is suitable for improving mixing efficiency in pipes without external power.