Unitary Co-Injection Nozzle for Homogeneous Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing co-injection nozzles face challenges in achieving homogeneous mixing of liquids with different viscosities, solubilities, and miscibilities at high filling speeds, often resulting in splashing and residue formation on container walls due to loose moving parts and dead spaces.
Innovation Solution
A unitary dispensing nozzle design without movable parts and dead spaces, featuring distinct flow passages for each liquid, where the outlets of one fluid surround the outlets of the other to create a 'liquid shroud, enhancing mixing and reducing residue formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional co-injection nozzles with moving parts are used, then the nozzle structure can be adjusted or sealed, but the nozzle becomes loose under high pressure and creates dead spaces that trap liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all moving parts, O-rings, seal gaskets, bolts, and screws from the nozzle structure. The nozzle is designed as a single integral piece with fixed flow passages, eliminating the components that cause loosening under pressure and creating dead spaces for liquid entrapment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (flow control, sealing, structural support) into a single integral nozzle body. The flow passages are formed directly within the solid nozzle structure, merging the previously separate components into one unified piece that cannot loosen or create dead spaces.
2Productivity
If high filling speed is used, then productivity increases, but liquids splash and form residues on container walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the second outlet (for the second liquid) substantially surrounded by the first outlet (for the first liquid). This local arrangement creates a controlled flow pattern where the first liquid acts as a shroud around the second liquid, preventing splashing and residue formation on container walls while maintaining high filling speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If liquids with different viscosities, solubility, and miscibility are dispensed, then the filling process can handle diverse liquid compositions, but homogeneous mixing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized mixing zone at the outlet where the second liquid is surrounded by the first liquid. This arrangement ensures immediate contact and mixing of liquids with different properties at the point of discharge, promoting homogeneous mixing even for liquids with significantly different viscosities, solubilities, and miscibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the spatial arrangement of outlets in three-dimensional space to achieve mixing. By positioning the second outlet surrounded by the first outlet, the design creates a radial flow pattern that enhances mixing through dimensional considerations rather than relying solely on mechanical mixing mechanisms.
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
Ensures improved homogeneity and reduced residue formation during high-speed liquid filling, facilitating efficient and sanitary filling operations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more first flow passages for flowing a first fluid through said nozzle, wherein each of said first flow passages is defined by a first inlet and a first outlet
Implementation Method 2
said second outlet(s) is/are substantially surrounded by said first outlet(s)... create a 'liquid shroud, enhancing mixing
Data Source
AI summary
A unitary dispensing nozzle for co-injecting two or more liquids of different viscosity, solubility and/or miscibility at high filling speed to improve homogeneous mixing of such liquids, while said nozzle is an integral piece free of any movable parts and substantially free of dead space.