Stirring Apparatus Flow Disturbing Object Thixotropic Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stirring apparatuses require high rotational speeds and multiple components to achieve effective mixing of thixotropic liquids, such as toner liquids, which can lead to excessive energy input and potential fusion or friction issues.
Innovation Solution
A stirring apparatus featuring a rotor with a shaft and rotor blade, combined with a flow disturbing object that can be stationary or rotatable, generating high shear forces and turbulences at relatively low rotational speeds, thereby improving mixing efficiency with reduced energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rotors and anchor stirrers are used to stir thixotropic liquids, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but rotational speed must be increased and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is segmented between the rotor blade (providing primary agitation) and the flow disturbing object (providing secondary flow disruption and shear). This segmentation allows each component to be simpler in design while collectively achieving effective mixing of thixotropic liquids without requiring multiple complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow disturbing object acts as an intermediary element between the rotor blade and the container wall. It translates the rotational motion into enhanced shear forces and flow disruption, mediating the mixing action to effectively handle thixotropic materials without requiring high rotational speeds or multiple components.
2Reliability
If high rotational speeds are used to achieve good mixing results, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the flow parameters by introducing the flow disturbing object that creates localized high-shear zones and flow disruption. This allows effective mixing of thixotropic liquids at lower rotational speeds by altering the flow field characteristics rather than relying solely on increased rotational velocity, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow disturbing object is positioned asymmetrically relative to the rotor blade trajectory, creating non-uniform flow patterns and enhanced shear forces. This asymmetric configuration disrupts laminar flow more effectively than symmetric designs, achieving better mixing at lower energies by exploiting flow instability and turbulence generation.
3Reliability
If multiple fast-rotating rotors and anchor stirrers are combined, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and energy input increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the mixing function into a single rotor-blade-and-flow-disturbing-object system rather than using multiple separate rotors and anchor stirrers. The flow disturbing object is integrated into the existing rotor structure, combining agitation and flow disruption functions in one unified system, reducing component count while maintaining mixing effectiveness.
4Reliability
If high rotational speeds are used for stirring, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but temperature increase and friction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mixing parameters by using flow disruption and shear forces generated by the flow disturbing object rather than relying on high rotational speed. This alternative mixing mechanism achieves effective mixing of thixotropic liquids at lower speeds, thereby minimizing viscous heating and temperature increase in the mixture.
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 apparatus achieves effective mixing of thixotropic liquids at lower rotational speeds with fewer components, preventing overheating and friction, and is suitable for a wide range of liquids, including toner liquids, while maintaining a simple and robust design.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a flow disturbing object generates significant shear forces and turbulences in a simple and more effective manner than in prior art solutions
Implementation Method 2
the use of a flow disturbing object generates significant shear forces and turbulences in a simple and more effective manner
Implementation Method 3
Liquids containing insoluble particles, and in particular toner liquids are typically thixotropic implying that they are very thick and viscous under static conditions, whilst they will flow and become thin, and less viscous when shaken, agitated, stirred or otherwise stressed
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A stirring apparatus for stirring a mixture, in particular a liquid containing insoluble particles, said apparatus comprising: a container (30) for containing the mixture; a rotor (10) comprising a shaft (17) and a rotor blade (12); driving means for rotating said shaft; and at least one flow disturbing object (40) between said shaft (17) and a circumferential inner wall of the container (30), said flow disturbing object (40) being either fixedly mounted such that said flow disturbing object (40) is stationary in said container (30), or being mounted rotatably around said shaft (17) and being connected to said driving means such that said flow disturbing object (40) is rotated with a rotational speed which is different from the rotational speed of the shaft and/or with a rotational direction which is different from the rotational direction of the shaft.