Cam-Driven Plunger Peristaltic Pump for Fluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peristaltic pumps face challenges in fluid isolation, occlusion zone dependency, and inefficiencies in fluid delivery, particularly in medical applications, which can complicate patient care processes.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump system with a cam shaft, pinch-valve cams, and a spring-biased plunger mechanism, integrated with RFID and temperature sensing, enables fluid isolation, automatic priming, and precise flow control, utilizing sensors and processors for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a peristaltic pump uses a traditional occlusion zone mechanism to deliver fluid, then fluid delivery is achieved, but the system becomes dependent on continuous occlusion zones which complicates the device and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional occlusion zone mechanism from the peristaltic pump system. Instead of using rollers or clamps to compress the tubing, the invention uses a plunger that directly pushes fluid through the tubing, eliminating the need for occlusion zones and their associated mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical occlusion-based peristaltic mechanism with a plunger-based direct push system. The plunger is driven by a motor through a cam mechanism, substituting the traditional roller-compression mechanical system with a linear push mechanism that eliminates occlusion zone dependency
2Stability of the object's composition
If a peristaltic pump uses multiple rollers and occlusion zones to control fluid flow, then fluid isolation is maintained, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the multiple rollers and occlusion zone mechanisms from the system. The fluid isolation function is maintained through the plunger's direct contact with the fluid and the tubing's inherent sealing properties, eliminating the need for complex roller assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external rollers to compress the tubing from the outside (traditional peristaltic method), the patent uses an internal plunger that pushes fluid from within the tubing, inverting the traditional approach and simplifying the external mechanism
3Reliability
If a peristaltic pump uses traditional mechanical mechanisms to prime the system, then priming is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an automatic priming mechanism that performs priming action before the pump is activated for normal operation. The plunger mechanism automatically pushes fluid through the system to remove air bubbles and establish proper flow, eliminating manual priming steps and reducing setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system performs its own priming operation automatically through the plunger mechanism. The system self-primes by utilizing the same plunger-driven mechanism that operates during normal pumping, eliminating the need for separate manual priming procedures and external assistance
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
Enhances fluid delivery precision, reduces occlusion risks, and improves patient care by ensuring accurate and efficient infusion processes.
Implementation Method 1
A cam mechanism includes a cam shaft, first and second pinch-valve cams, first and second pinch-valve cam followers, a plunger cam, and a plunger cam follower
Implementation Method 2
A spring-biased plunger is coupled to the plunger-cam follower such that movement of the plunger cam follower towards the plunger pushes the spring-biased plunger away from the tube. A spring coupled to the spring-biased plunger biases the spring-biased plunger to apply the crushing force to the tube
Implementation Method 3
Peristaltic pumps are used in a variety of applications such as medical applications, especially fluid transfer applications that would benefit from isolation of fluid from the system and other fluids. Some peristaltic pumps work by compressing or squeezing a length of flexible tubing. A mechanical mechanism pinches a portion of the tubing and pushes any fluid trapped in the tubing in the direction of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A peristaltic pump having at least first, second, and third stages is provided. The peristaltic pump includes a plunger, inlet and outlet valves, a spring, and an actuator. The plunger actuates toward and away from a tube, the inlet valve is upstream of the plunger, the outlet valve is downstream of the plunger, the spring biases the plunger toward the tube, and the actuator mechanically engages and disengages from the plunger. In the first stage, the inlet valve is opened and the plunger is actuated from the tube, in the second stage, the inlet valve is closed, the plunger is actuated toward the tube, and the actuator is mechanically disengaged from the plunger, and in the third stage, the outlet valve is opened. In the third stage or in a fourth stage, the actuator actuates the plunger toward the tube to discharge fluid downstream past the outlet valve.