Coordinated Diaphragm Pump Control for Hollow Catheter Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in providing a structurally simple solution for controlled fluid flow at low flow rates while minimizing abrasive particle transport and fluid loss in channels, particularly in medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A supply device and method using diaphragm pumps controlled by a control unit to manage pressure and flow rate, employing multiple pumps at spaced-apart locations with coordinated parameter settings to achieve precise fluid management, including flexible shafts for high rotational speeds and biocompatible fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump is used to transport liquid through a channel, then the liquid can be supplied to cool or lubricate components, but abrasive particles generated in the channel are transported by the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes abrasive particles from the liquid stream using a filtration system before the liquid is recirculated or discharged. This prevents particles from being transported further through the channel while maintaining the cooling and lubrication functions of the liquid supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
A filter or separation device is introduced as an intermediary element between the pump and the channel components. This intermediary captures abrasive particles generated in the channel, allowing the liquid to continue its protective function without carrying harmful particles that could damage components.
2Temperature
If the fluid flow speed through the channel is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then heat removal improves, but fluid loss from the channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or pulsed flow patterns rather than continuous high-speed flow. This allows the liquid to be supplied at high velocity for effective cooling during active phases, then reduced or stopped during recovery phases, minimizing overall fluid loss while maintaining adequate cooling efficiency through repeated cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically adjusts flow rate parameters based on operating conditions. By varying the flow speed according to thermal load requirements, the system achieves optimal cooling efficiency only when necessary, thereby reducing unnecessary fluid loss during low-heat-generation periods.
3Measurement precision
If a diaphragm pump is used to achieve precise flow rate control, then low flow rates can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm pump is designed with self-regulating characteristics where the diaphragm's mechanical properties and chamber geometry inherently limit and control the flow rate. This self-service mechanism provides precise low flow rate control without requiring complex external control systems, electronic sensors, or sophisticated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive diaphragm pump components that can be easily replaced rather than complex precision instruments. The diaphragm itself acts as a flow-limiting element through its elastic properties, providing precise control through a simple, low-cost mechanical solution rather than expensive electronic control systems.
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 efficient, precise, and reproducible fluid control with minimal particle transport and fluid loss, suitable for medical applications like left ventricular assist devices, by coordinating pump parameters to maintain optimal pressure differentials and flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a supply device for pressurizing a channel with a liquid, comprising at least one diaphragm pump (10, 19)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a supply device for a channel (8), in particular within a hollow catheter (1), and to a method for operating such a supply device, which supplies a channel (8) with a liquid, with two pumps (10, 19) arranged at spaced-apart locations in the channel, characterized in that the parameter values of at least one operating parameter of both pumps are controlled in a coordinated manner. The method is intended to ensure trouble-free and precisely controllable operation, particularly when using wear-free diaphragm pumps, with simple design means.