Compliant Flow Smoothing Chamber for Pulsatile Pump Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pumps delivering pulsatile flows often result in inaccurate measurements due to the variability in fluid flow rates, which can exceed the sensitivity of sensors, leading to erroneous readings, particularly in medical and other critical applications where precise flow rate measurement is essential.
Innovation Solution
A volume flow rate smoothing device with a body portion and two flow restrictor portions, configured to receive fluid flow from a pump, where the first flow restrictor is upstream and the second is downstream, along with a compliant component like a flexible membrane to dampen pulsatile flows, effectively smoothing the fluid flow for accurate measurement by sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump delivers pulsatile flow, then the flow can be generated and moved, but the flow rate becomes unsteady and difficult to measure accurately
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump and the measurement point. This chamber absorbs the pulsations generated by the pump through its compliant walls, transforming the pulsatile flow into a steadier flow that can be measured accurately by flow meters downstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant chamber changes the flow parameters by reducing the amplitude of pressure and flow rate fluctuations. The chamber's compliance allows it to expand and contract, absorbing excess pressure during peak flow and releasing it during low flow, thereby stabilizing the flow rate for accurate measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flow rate varies significantly, then the pump can adapt to different demands, but sensor sensitivity is exceeded leading to erroneous readings
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant chamber acts as a buffer that decouples the pump's variable flow output from the measurement system. It allows the pump to operate with high adaptability while the chamber smooths the flow before it reaches the sensor, preventing sensor saturation and erroneous readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant chamber provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing flow pulsations before they reach the measurement point. This pre-cushioning effect prevents the sensor from being exposed to extreme flow variations that would cause measurement errors.
3Power
If pulsatile flow is delivered, then the pump operates effectively, but downstream problems occur where flow rate is critical
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant chamber serves as a mediator between the pump and downstream components. It allows the pump to operate effectively with pulsatile flow while the chamber absorbs the harmful pulsations before they affect downstream components where stable flow rate is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant chamber extracts the pulsatile components from the flow before it reaches downstream components. By isolating and absorbing the pulsations in the chamber, only the steady component of the flow is transmitted downstream, eliminating the harmful effects of flow instability.
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 device smooths pulsatile flows, producing a steadier output that can be accurately measured by sensors, reducing errors and ensuring precise flow rate determination, akin to a low-pass filtering effect for fluid flows.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane configured to contact the at least partially pulsatile fluid flow within the body portion
Implementation Method 2
a first flow restrictor portion and a second flow restrictor portion each disposed in fluid communication with the body
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Various devices, assemblies, components, systems, and methods are provided relating to a volume flow rate smoothing device. An example smoothing device may include a body portion defining a chamber therein. The smoothing device may further include a first flow restrictor portion and a second flow restrictor portion each disposed in fluid communication with the body. The smoothing device may be configured to fluidically communicate with a pump via a first end of the smoothing device to receive a fluid flow from the pump along a fluid pathway extending through the first flow restrictor portion, the body portion, and the second flow restrictor portion. The first flow restrictor portion may be disposed upstream of the body portion. The second flow restrictor portion may be disposed downstream of the body portion.