Cam-Slot Peristaltic Pump for Switchable Valve and Free-Flow Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peristaltic pumps lack the ability to control fluid flow based on pressure in a feed line, allowing flow at certain times and preventing flow at other times while maintaining safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump design with an actuatable roller assembly that includes roller arms with pins engaging cam slots on drive plates, allowing pressure application and release to control fluid flow in multiple modes, including pumping, retention, and free flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the peristaltic pump is stopped to act as a closed valve, then fluid flow is prevented and contamination is avoided, but the pump cannot allow pressure-driven flow through at certain times
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is made dynamically adjustable between different positions: a first position where rollers apply pressure to the tube to prevent flow (valve mode), and a second position where rollers are retracted to allow pressure-driven flow (free flow mode). This dynamic repositioning enables the pump to adapt between containment and flow allowance based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The peristaltic pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standard peristaltic pump for controlled fluid transfer, as a closed valve for fluid containment, and as a pressure-driven flow device for free flow. The roller assembly's ability to assume different positions enables this multi-functionality, allowing a single device to replace multiple separate components.
2Productivity
If the peristaltic pump operates in standard mode, then controlled fluid transfer is achieved, but the pump cannot allow free flow driven by pressure in the feed line
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly can be dynamically repositioned between an engaged position for controlled peristaltic pumping and a disengaged position for allowing free pressure-driven flow. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to switch between productivity-oriented controlled transfer and flexibility-oriented free flow modes as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the peristaltic pump allows free flow through the tube, then pressure-driven flow is enabled, but contamination risk increases due to foreign element contact
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly's dynamic positioning enables the system to maintain the tube within a protected environment during free flow mode. By retracting rollers from the tube exterior while allowing internal free flow, the design permits pressure-driven flow without exposing the fluid to external contaminants, thus maintaining safety while enabling versatility.
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
Enables controlled fluid flow management, allowing fluid entry and exit as needed, preventing contamination, and enabling fluid retention or free flow based on pump direction and mode.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one roller arm moves radially outward and applies pressure to the tube when the pump is rotated in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
the at least one roller arm moves radially inward and removes pressure from the tube when the pump is rotated in a second direction
Implementation Method 3
The first pin is designed to slidably engage the first drive plate and the second pin is designed to slidably engage the second drive plate
Data Source
AI summary
A peristaltic pump including a motor having a drive shaft, a drive plate coupled to the drive shaft, a tube in fluid communication with a fluid, and an actuatable roller assembly having a roller arm and a pin extending axially outward from the roller arm is provided. The drive plate includes a cam slot with a radially inner end and a radially outer end, and the pin is slidably engaged with the cam slot. The roller arm pivots radially outward to press against the tube by way of the pin engaging the radially outer end of the cam slot and the roller arm pivots radially inward away from the tube by way of the pin engaging the radially inner end of the cam slot.