Coordinated Diaphragm Pumps for Precise, Low-Loss Catheter Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in providing a controlled and low-flow rate liquid supply to channels, particularly in medical applications, while minimizing abrasive particle transport and fluid loss, with a need for precise control over pressure and flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A supply device utilizing diaphragm pumps controlled by a control unit to manage pressure and flow rates, employing multiple pumps coordinated to maintain pressure differentials and adjust flow rates dynamically, with sensors for precise measurement and control.
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 and fluid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm pump operates in a pulsating mode with periodic filling and emptying cycles, creating alternating forward and reverse flow directions. This periodic action allows the system to flush abrasive particles back toward the inlet during the reverse phase, preventing particle accumulation and transport while maintaining effective cooling and lubrication during the forward phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system dynamically adjusts flow characteristics by coordinating multiple diaphragm pumps with different stroke volumes and frequencies. This dynamic control enables optimization of flow rates to minimize fluid loss while maintaining sufficient velocity to prevent particle deposition, adapting operating parameters based on system requirements.
2Reliability
If the liquid flow rate through the channel is increased to improve cooling and lubrication, then component protection is enhanced, but fluid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple diaphragm pumps with different stroke volumes to provide partial flow rates that are optimized for specific functions. Some pumps provide base flow for continuous protection, while others provide supplemental flow during high-demand periods, avoiding the need for continuously high flow rates that would increase fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters by coordinating pumps with different stroke volumes and frequencies. This allows dynamic adjustment of flow rate, pressure, and flow pattern to match system requirements, maintaining component protection while minimizing fluid loss through optimized parameter selection.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used to supply liquid, then device complexity is reduced, but precise control over pressure and flow rate is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into multiple independent diaphragm pumps, each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows precise control of pressure and flow rate by adjusting individual pump operations, while the modular design keeps each pump unit relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple diaphragm pumps perform multiple functions: primary pumping, pressure regulation, flow rate control, and particle flushing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, maintaining device simplicity while achieving precise control through coordinated operation of the universal pump units.
4Loss of substance
If the liquid flow velocity is reduced to minimize particle transport, then particle transport is decreased, but cooling and lubrication effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsating flow with alternating directions to address the velocity contradiction. During the forward phase, sufficient velocity is maintained for effective cooling and lubrication. During the reverse phase, flow velocity is reduced or reversed to prevent particle transport, achieving both goals through temporal separation of functions.
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 flow with minimal particle transport and fluid loss, effectively flushing channels and maintaining optimal conditions for moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
supply device for pressurizing a channel with a liquid, comprising at least one diaphragm pump (10, 19)
Implementation Method 2
a control device (11) that controls the pump with respect to the generated pressure and/or the flow rate
Implementation Method 3
fill a channel with a liquid to cool the channel walls
Implementation Method 4
cool or lubricate moving parts located within the channel
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 features.