Slurry Stirrer with Vertical Movement and Segmented Blades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slurry processing apparatuses are inadequate for handling high viscosity mixtures, fail to minimize environmental contact, and lack versatility, especially when mixing hazardous nano-sized powders with solvents, due to fixed stirrer blades and inability to manage torque, leading to inefficient mixing and cumbersome cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A slurry processing apparatus with a mounting unit, mixing chamber, and a stirrer coupled with a control unit that allows vertical movement and temperature control, featuring multiple stirrer blades and a squeezer unit for efficient mixing and reduced environmental interaction, enabling uniform mixing and easy removal of the slurry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single stirrer blade is used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the mixing efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestirrer structureVSAvoidmixing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stirrer is divided into multiple blades (at least two blades) instead of a single blade, allowing simultaneous mixing actions at different locations within the mixing chamber, thereby improving mixing efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stirrer blades are arranged vertically at different heights along the stirrer shaft, adding a vertical dimension to the mixing action. This multi-level arrangement enhances mixing efficiency by engaging different portions of the slurry simultaneously without significantly increasing horizontal complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the stirrer shaft is fixed, then the apparatus structure is stable, but cleaning the stirrer becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus stabilityVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stirrer shaft is made movable along the vertical axis, allowing it to be raised out of the slurry for easy cleaning. The shaft can return to its original position during mixing operations, providing both stability during operation and accessibility for maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stirrer shaft and blades can be completely extracted from the slurry by moving the shaft vertically, separating the mixing component from the slurry environment to facilitate cleaning without requiring disassembly or special cleaning procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If manual handling is used, then the apparatus operation is simple, but the ability to handle high viscosity and high torque is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidtorque handling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

A motor-driven system replaces manual operation, providing the necessary torque to handle high viscosity slurries. The motor can be controlled to provide variable speed and torque as needed, maintaining ease of operation through control mechanisms while significantly increasing power capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the mixing chamber is fixed, then the apparatus structure is stable, but the chamber displacement due to high torque requires frequent repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechamber position stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A support frame structure with counterbalancing mechanisms compensates for the torque-induced displacement of the mixing chamber. The counterweight system offsets the rotational forces generated during high-torque mixing operations, maintaining chamber position stability without requiring frequent manual repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

5Duration of action of moving object

If the stirrer is in constant contact with slurry, then mixing is continuous, but environmental interaction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing continuityVSAvoidenvironmental interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stirrer shaft can be dynamically positioned to move in and out of contact with the slurry. During mixing operations, the stirrer is in contact for continuous mixing; during cleaning or maintenance periods, the shaft can be raised to minimize environmental interaction with hazardous slurry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10052594B2Apparatus for processing slurry and a process thereof

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

An apparatus and a method for processing slurry are provided. The apparatus includes a support frame including a vertical member and a horizontal member. The apparatus also includes a mounting unit mounted on the vertical member, a mixing chamber disposed on the horizontal member, a controller mounted on the mounting unit, and a stirrer attached to the controller. The mounting unit is operable to position the stirrer with respect to the mixing chamber such that the stirrer is in contact with a slurry in the mixing chamber during the mixing operation.