Centerless Rim Peristaltic Pump Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps often have moving parts or components in the middle, which can complicate fluid handling and make them less efficient, especially in applications where space or power reliability is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A centerless pump design featuring a centerless rim with peristaltic rollers that rotate due to friction with a first roller guide, creating a pumping action by compressing a tube against a housing to generate negative pressure, allowing for efficient fluid handling without a central axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional pumps with central moving parts are used, then structural support is provided, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central support structure (axle, motor mount, bearing housing) from conventional pump designs. The rim is made centerless, eliminating the need for a central axis and associated components, thereby reducing device complexity and weight while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed roller support system
Solution Approach 2:
The pump structure is segmented into multiple independent rollers distributed around the rim perimeter, replacing the centralized support system. Each roller independently supports and drives the tube, allowing the system to function without a central structural element
2Productivity
If peristaltic rollers compress tube against housing, then fluid pumping is achieved, but friction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tube itself serves as an intermediary element between the rollers and the fluid. The rollers compress the tube against the housing to create negative pressure, and the tube's elastic properties mediate the conversion of mechanical compression into fluid pressure differential, enabling efficient pumping with controlled friction
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in the tube's physical parameters (compression, elastic deformation) during the pumping cycle. The tube transitions between compressed and relaxed states as rollers pass, creating pressure differentials that drive fluid flow while managing friction through controlled deformation
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 centerless pump design enhances efficiency and portability by eliminating central components, enabling effective fluid handling and pumping in various settings, including remote locations where power reliability is an issue.
Implementation Method 1
friction between the first roller guide and the centerless rim causes a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim
Implementation Method 2
the peristaltic rollers compress the tube against the tube housing to create negative pressure within the tube
Implementation Method 3
compress the tube against the tube housing to create negative pressure within the tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure may relate to a pump including a centerless rim, a first roller guide shaped to roll along the centerless rim such that as the first roller guide is rotated, friction between the first roller guide and the centerless rim causes a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim. The pump may also include a second roller guide shaped to roll along the centerless rim, and a plurality of peristaltic rollers coupled to the centerless rim. The pump may additionally include a tube housing disposed proximate the plurality of peristaltic rollers, and a tube disposed between the tube housing and the peristaltic rollers such that as the centerless rim is rotated, the peristaltic rollers compress the tube against the tube housing to create negative pressure within the tube.