Eccentric Pinch Wheel Mechanism for Pressurized Tube Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pinching devices for controlling flows in elastic tube lines, especially those used in laboratories, face issues with incomplete closure and short operating times due to uneven force distribution, inability to handle pressurized lines, and fixed installation positions, leading to premature wear and limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A pinching device featuring an eccentric wheel and an adjustable second wheel, with an electric drive and electronic control system, allowing for even pressure distribution and adjustable positioning, enabling control of pressurized tube lines with reduced stress on the tube material and extended operating times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If two straight pins are pressed together to pinch the tube, then higher forces can be generated, but the edges of the tube are exposed to very high forces while the center is pressed less strongly, leading to incomplete closure or premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces straight pins with two wheels (first wheel and second wheel) that have curved surfaces. The first wheel has a convex edge and the second wheel has a concave edge, creating a curved contact interface. This curvature allows the pinching force to be distributed more evenly across the entire tube surface, including both edges and center, preventing incomplete closure and reducing premature wear at the tube edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different parts of the pinching mechanism. The first wheel has a convex shape while the second wheel has a concave shape, creating complementary surfaces that adapt to the tube geometry. This local differentiation of surface properties ensures optimal contact and force distribution across the variable cross-section of the tube.
2Extent of automation
If solenoid coil actuators are used to pinch the tube, then the device can be automated, but the driving force is not sufficient to pinch pressurized tube lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an eccentric wheel mechanism where the first wheel is rotated via a drive shaft about an eccentric axis. This dynamic rotation converts rotational motion into reciprocating pinching motion, allowing the mechanism to generate high forces through mechanical advantage while maintaining automated control. The eccentric rotation enables the pinching force to vary cyclically, achieving both automation and sufficient force for pressurized lines.
3Reliability
If valve bodies are installed in the tube line by flange connections, then the valve can be securely mounted, but the pinch valves are installed at a predetermined position and cannot be moved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pinching device into separate functional components: two independent wheels (first wheel and second wheel) that can be attached to the tube line at different locations. This segmentation allows the device to be installed at any point on the tube line without requiring a predetermined position, while maintaining secure mounting through the wheel-to-tube connections. The modular design enables flexibility in installation positioning while preserving mounting reliability.
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 achieves longer operating times and flexibility in tube line attachment points, ensuring even pressure and reduced material stress, making it suitable for high-stress applications and sterile environments.
Implementation Method 1
the first wheel is designed as an eccentric wheel and is fastened eccentrically on a drive shaft, and the second wheel is fixed in a predetermined position relative to the eccentric wheel, wherein the position of the second wheel is adjustable. The eccentric wheel can be rotated via the drive shaft about the eccentric axis of the eccentric wheel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a pinching device for controlling flows in elastic tube lines. The pinching device comprises two wheels, wherein the first wheel is designed as an eccentric wheel and is fastened eccentrically on a drive shaft and the second wheel is fixed in a predefined position relative to the eccentric wheel, wherein the position of the second wheel can be adjusted. The eccentric wheel can be rotated via the drive shaft about the eccentric axis of the eccentric wheel in the direction of the second wheel in order to pinch a tube positioned between the two wheels.