Variable-Depth Flow Path Structure for Uniform Liquid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to uniformly promote mixing of reactants in liquids, necessitating improved methods to enhance mixing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flow path structure comprising a first, second, and third flow path with varying depths and orientations, designed to create uniform vortices and prevent turbulence, facilitating efficient mixing of liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stirring is used to promote mixing of reactants, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stirring systems with a passive flow path structure that generates vortices through its geometric design. The flow path includes a curved section where liquid naturally forms vortices during flow, eliminating the need for mechanical stirrers while achieving effective mixing. This substitution of mechanical mixing with flow-induced vortex generation directly resolves the contradiction between mixing efficiency and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path structure is designed to automatically generate vortices through its own geometry without requiring external energy input or mechanical components. The curved flow path causes liquid to naturally form rotating vortices as it flows, making the system self-mixing. This self-service mechanism achieves effective mixing while minimizing device complexity and energy consumption.
2Productivity
If stirring is used to promote mixing of reactants, then mixing efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-consuming mechanical stirring with a passive flow path structure that utilizes the kinetic energy already present in the flowing liquid. The curved flow path geometry converts linear flow into rotational vortex motion without requiring additional energy input, thereby maintaining mixing efficiency while eliminating continuous energy consumption associated with mechanical stirrers.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path structure performs mixing autonomously by converting the flow energy of the liquid into vortex motion through its geometric design. The system uses the liquid's own kinetic energy to generate the mixing action, eliminating the need for external energy sources and achieving sustainable, energy-efficient mixing.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex flow path structures are used to generate uniform vortices, then mixing uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a vortex-generating structure only in the specific curved section of the flow path where mixing is needed, rather than complicating the entire flow path structure. The curved section with specific geometric parameters (radius, angle) locally induces vortex formation, achieving uniform mixing without requiring complex structures throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curvature by designing a curved flow path section that naturally induces vortex formation as liquid flows through it. The curved geometry, with specific radius and angle parameters, creates rotational flow patterns that enhance mixing uniformity. This use of simple curvature avoids the need for complex mechanical or geometric structures while achieving the desired mixing效果.
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 structure efficiently promotes mixing of liquids through the generation of uniform vortices, ensuring rapid and uniform mixing with a relatively simple design.
Implementation Method 1
the flow path depth of the second flow path at an opening where the first flow path is connected to the second flow path is not constant, and a maximum value of the flow path depth of the second flow path at the opening is smaller than a flow path depth of the first flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path structure according to an embodiment includes: a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path. The second flow path is connected to the first flow path, and the third flow path is connected to the first flow path and the second flow path. When a distance between a top surface and a bottom surface of a flow path is defined as a flow path depth, the flow path depth of the second flow path at an opening where the first flow path is connected to the second flow path is not constant, and the maximum value of the flow path depth of the second flow path at the opening is smaller than a flow path depth of the first flow path.