Double Action Infusion Pump Continuous Flow Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion systems for thrombectomy and contrast delivery often require multi-piston pumps with complex coordination algorithms or mechanical linkages to achieve continuous flow, which are bulky and inefficient, and typically need frequent refilling of the pump cylinder.
Innovation Solution
A double action infusion pump using a single piston that alternately fills and evacuates first and second pump chambers, varying piston speed during reciprocation to provide continuous and uninterrupted flow to infusion ports, allowing for compact integration and continuous operation without frequent refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single piston pump is used to deliver infusion fluid, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow continuity is disrupted requiring frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is divided into two separate chambers by a piston, allowing each chamber to operate independently. While one chamber is delivering fluid, the other is being refilled, enabling continuous flow without frequent refilling of the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The dual chamber design ensures that fluid delivery is continuous by having one chamber always ready to deliver while the other refills. This eliminates idle time and maintains uninterrupted infusion flow
2Productivity
If multi-piston pumps with coordinated pistons are used to provide continuous flow, then the flow continuity is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two pump chambers are merged into a single integrated pump unit sharing a common piston mechanism and fluid source connection. This eliminates the need for separate coordinated pistons while achieving continuous flow through the dual chamber design
3Productivity
If multi-piston pumps are used to achieve continuous flow, then the flow continuity is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is nested within a single cylinder that contains both pump chambers on either side of the piston. This compact arrangement allows continuous flow functionality in a space equivalent to a single-chamber pump rather than requiring volume for multiple separate cylinders
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 double action infusion pump achieves a continuous and stable flow rate with minor fluctuations, improving efficiency and reducing the need for frequent refilling, while maintaining a compact design suitable for integration within existing infusion systems.
Implementation Method 1
a piston which divides the container into a first pump chamber and a second pump chamber and moves in first and second directions to fill and evacuate respectively the first and second pump chambers
Implementation Method 2
delivering the fluid at a static flow rate
Data Source
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AI summary
An infusion system includes a double action infusion pump. The pump includes a cylinder and a reciprocating piston received within the cylinder, the reciprocating piston separating a first pump chamber from a second pump chamber of the cylinder. A reciprocating motor is coupled with the reciprocating piston, and the first and second pump chambers alternate between filling and evacuating conditions with reciprocation of the reciprocating piston through operation of the reciprocating motor, and the speed of reciprocation is varied to provide a continuous output of fluid between the first and second pump chambers. A fluid source and a catheter are optionally coupled with the double action infusion pump. The catheter includes one or more infusion ports near a catheter distal portion, and the one or more infusion ports receive and expel the continuous output of fluid from the double action infusion pump.