Self-Supporting Seal Positioning for Mixer Cleaning and Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixers require seals that are fixed to either the mixer head or the mixing container, necessitating adjustment for different container diameters and complicating the cleaning process, as the seals often sag due to their elasticity without a support surface.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting sealing device with a lifting mechanism that positions the seal independently between the mixer head and the mixing container, allowing for easy installation and removal without being permanently attached to either component, using a combination of an elastic sealing ring and a reinforcing ring for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal is fixed to the mixer head or mixing container, then the seal is stable and supported, but the seal requires adjustment for different container diameters and complicates the cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into separate components: the seal ring remains on the mixing container while the support structure is integrated into the mixer head. This segmentation allows the seal to be easily removed with the container for cleaning while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure acts as an intermediary between the mixer head and the seal ring. This support structure provides stability to the elastic seal without requiring the seal to be permanently fixed, enabling easy removal while maintaining operational reliability.
2Reliability
If the seal is elastic to ensure sealing effectiveness, then the seal can adapt to surface irregularities, but the seal sags without a support surface
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as a mediator that provides the necessary support surface for the elastic seal ring, preventing sagging while allowing the seal to maintain its elastic properties for effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure modifies the physical state of the seal by providing a support surface, changing the seal's position stability parameter without altering its elastic sealing properties.
3Reliability
If the seal is permanently attached to ensure stability, then the seal remains in position, but the cleaning process is complicated and seal replacement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented so that the seal ring can be easily separated from the mixer head assembly. The seal remains on the removable mixing container, allowing straightforward removal and cleaning without disassembling fixed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic configuration where the seal is held in position during operation but can be easily removed when needed for cleaning or replacement.
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
Enables precise and easy sealing without the need for additional support, facilitating quick replacement and maintenance of seals, and allowing seamless integration with mixing containers of varying diameters.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (6) which is self-supporting and independent, in particular consisting of an elastic sealing ring (61)
Data Source
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AI summary
Sealing device (40) for positioning at least one seal (6, 42, 61, 62) in the sealing area between an upper and a lower part of a process engineering plant, wherein the sealing device (40) has vertically movable guide rods (17) at the ends of which at least one receptacle (48) is arranged for positive locking and/or force locking of the seal (6).