Shape Memory Alloy Mixing Element for Autonomous Thermal Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing technologies rely on conventional energy sources and complex infrastructure, resulting in high operational costs and limited independence, with a need for a solution that offers long service life, reliable operation, and reduced acquisition and operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A mixing arrangement utilizing a drive with shape memory alloys or catalytic materials that undergo thermal changes to alter geometric dimensions, causing the mixing element to change shape and mix the medium, with a catalytic oxidation reaction generating heat for thermal expansion or contraction, and an elastic element with a restoring mechanism for cyclic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional mixing devices with motors and power supply lines are used, then mixing function is achieved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor and power supply line from the mixing device, extracting the active mixing element and suspending it in the medium. This eliminates the need for complex electrical infrastructure while maintaining mixing functionality through the oscillating motion of the suspended element.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing element serves itself by utilizing the ambient medium properties to generate its own oscillating motion. The element interacts with the surrounding fluid to create self-sustained vibrations that perform mixing, eliminating the need for external power sources and complex control systems.
2Productivity
If submersible mixers with motors are used, then mixing efficiency is improved, but acquisition and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive mixing element that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The element lacks expensive motor components and electrical connections, making it significantly cheaper to produce while maintaining effective mixing performance through its oscillating design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with a passive oscillating element that utilizes fluid-structure interaction to generate mixing motion. This substitution eliminates expensive motors, power supply lines, and associated control systems while maintaining mixing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixing devices with power supply lines are used, then mixing function is achieved, but independence from conventional energy sources is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the power supply line and motor from the mixing system, creating a standalone mixing element that operates independently without connection to external electrical infrastructure. This enables deployment in remote locations without power access.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing element is designed to be self-sufficient, generating its own operational motion through interaction with the ambient medium. This self-service capability eliminates dependence on external energy sources and complex infrastructure, allowing autonomous operation in diverse environments.
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 efficient mixing independent of conventional energy sources, with low acquisition and operating costs, and a long service life, using shape memory alloys and catalytic materials to drive geometric changes in the mixing element, ensuring thorough and reliable mixing.
Implementation Method 1
the material expands or contracts as heat develops. Due to the thermal expansion or thermal contraction, the length, the surface area or the volume of the body made of this material changes.
Implementation Method 2
the material is a shape memory alloy. Shape memory alloys (abbreviation: SMA) are special metals that can exist in two different crystal structures.
Implementation Method 3
the drive also has a material for oxidation. This is preferably a catalytic material, with a platinum-containing material being particularly suitable.
Implementation Method 4
The exothermic oxidative reaction releases heat, which is transferred to the material to perform a thermal change.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for intermixing a medium using an element (1) for generating a motion within said medium. The element (1) is connected to a drive unit (2). The drive unit (2) has a material (5) for thermally changing its geometric dimensions. The drive unit is connected to the element (1) in order for the shape to change. This change in shape causes the medium to be intermixed.