Piston Mixing Device with Cone Extensions for Viscous Masses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for intermixing large volumes of heterogeneous and viscous masses are inefficient, requiring high energy and often resulting in incomplete mixing or equipment damage, while existing temperature equalization methods are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device with a linearly movable piston and a planar mixing element that extends around the piston, allowing for varying flow rates and suction effects to achieve complete and rapid mixing, suitable for masses of all viscosities and temperatures, with optional rotational movement for enhanced effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If propellers are used to intermix large volumes of mass, then mixing action is achieved, but energy expenditure increases and mixing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is segmented into multiple mixing elements arranged vertically along the piston, allowing different zones of the mass to be mixed simultaneously. This segmentation enables faster mixing without requiring excessive energy input from a single large propeller.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston performs periodic reciprocating movements (upward and downward strokes) to mix the mass. This periodic action continuously redistributes the mass through suction and pressure effects, achieving thorough mixing over time with lower energy consumption compared to continuous high-speed propeller rotation.
2Manufacturing precision
If propellers operate at high rotational speed to achieve complete intermixing, then mixing effectiveness improves, but time expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mixing elements are distributed along the piston length, creating multiple mixing zones that operate simultaneously. This parallel processing approach achieves complete mixing faster than a single propeller working sequentially through the entire volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pushing the mass with rotating propellers, the piston creates suction effects by moving upward, drawing mass through the mixing elements. This inverted approach (suction vs. pushing) enables more efficient mass movement and mixing.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple propellers are used in large-volume containers to guarantee complete intermixing, then mixing completeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single piston with multiple mixing elements serves multiple functions: it pushes mass downward during downward strokes, creates suction during upward strokes, and provides mixing through the mixing elements themselves. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple separate propellers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple propellers into a single integrated piston assembly with mixing elements. This consolidation achieves the same mixing completeness with fewer components, reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If propellers are used in viscous or heterogeneous masses, then mixing action is attempted, but propellers come to standstill or become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The piston creates suction by moving upward rather than pushing mass downward with rotating blades. This suction mechanism is more effective for viscous and heterogeneous masses as it draws material through the mixing elements without the propellers stalling or becoming damaged from excessive resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the rotating mechanical propeller system with a linear reciprocating piston system. This substitution eliminates the rotational inertia and blade-stall problems associated with propellers in viscous media, improving reliability.
5Temperature
If temperature equalization is achieved through recurring mass circulation, then temperature uniformity improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piston serves dual functions: mixing the mass and equalizing temperature. The same reciprocating motion that mixes the mass also creates circulation patterns that distribute heat uniformly, eliminating the need for separate temperature equalization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges mixing and temperature equalization functions into a single piston-driven process. The circulation created during reciprocating strokes simultaneously achieves both mixing and thermal uniformity, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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 enables efficient, universal intermixing of diverse masses with reduced energy consumption, preventing equipment damage and ensuring thorough mixing and temperature equalization, particularly effective for thick mashes in beer production and pH homogenization.
Implementation Method 1
The suction effect consequently restores an equilibrium of forces, and the mass is thus intermixed
Data Source
AI summary
Device and method for intermixing a mass. The device includes a container and a mixing unit arranged on the container. The mixing unit includes at least one piston that is positioned in the container, and is movable in a linear direction and has at least one mixing element. The mixing element extends around the piston and includes an upper planar surface and an opposed lower planar surface. The mixing element further includes cone-shaped extensions extending from the lower planar surface and conically tapering in the linear direction away from the lower planar surface to an opening at an end of the cone-shaped extensions facing a bottom of the container to facilitate movement of the piston in the linear direction for intermixing the mass.