Balloon Damper Integration for Stable Reciprocating Pump Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical pumps, particularly those designed for single-use, face challenges in providing a constant fluid flow rate without generating electrical noise due to the flexing of plastic components, which can interfere with medical device performance.
Innovation Solution
A disposable single-piston dual-action reciprocating pump part with integrated pulsation-reduction elements, such as a balloon damper or mechanical smoothing mechanism, to stabilize fluid flow and minimize pulsations, coupled with a rotary motor and non-return valves, ensuring a steady output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reciprocating pump is used to pump fluid, then the pump can deliver fluid at variable flow rates, but the pump generates pulsations and electrical noise that interfere with medical device performance
Solution Approach 1:
A compliance chamber is introduced as an intermediary element between the pump and the surgical instrument. This chamber acts as a mediator that absorbs the pulsations and electrical noise generated by the reciprocating pump, allowing the pump to maintain its variable flow rate capability while preventing the harmful effects from reaching the medical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing a gas-filled compliance chamber that exploits the compressibility of gas to dampen pressure fluctuations and pulsations. The gas in the chamber compresses and expands in response to pump cycles, absorbing mechanical energy and reducing electrical noise without requiring active control systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are used in the pump, then the pump can be made lightweight and cost-effective, but the flexing of plastic components generates electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance chamber serves as an intermediary that isolates the plastic pump components from the electrical noise generation issue. By placing the chamber between the plastic components and the surgical instrument, the system can maintain the cost-effectiveness and lightweight advantages of plastic construction while preventing the generated electrical noise from affecting medical device performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic damping through a gas-filled chamber that provides an alternative path for energy dissipation. This allows the plastic components to continue flexing and generating electrical noise, but the pneumatic system absorbs and dissipates this energy before it can reach the surgical instrument, thus maintaining the manufacturing advantages of plastic while mitigating the harmful effects.
3Device complexity
If a single-piston reciprocating assembly is used, then the pump structure is simplified and cost-reduced, but the pump produces significant flow pulsations
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance chamber is positioned as an intermediary element that receives the pulsatile flow from the simple single-piston assembly and transforms it into a more stable flow. This mediator allows the pump to maintain its structural simplicity and cost-effectiveness while the chamber absorbs and smooths out the flow pulsations before delivery to the surgical instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing a gas-filled compliance chamber that exploits gas compressibility to dampen flow pulsations. The gas absorbs excess volume during high-pressure phases and releases it during low-pressure phases, stabilizing the flow rate without requiring complex mechanical smoothing mechanisms or multiple pistons.
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 solution provides a low-cost, disposable pump that maintains a consistent fluid flow, reducing electrical noise interference and enhancing the reliability of medical procedures like radiofrequency cardiac ablation catheters.
Implementation Method 1
the balloon damper is configured to be compressed by surrounding fluid during the constant speed travel section of the piston
Data Source
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AI summary
A disposable single-piston dual-action reciprocating pump part includes a single piston, an output port, and a balloon damper. The output port is configured for outputting fluid pumped by the single piston. The balloon damper is fitted in the output port, and the balloon damper is configured to suppress a pulsation in a flow rate of the outputted fluid.