Eccentric Wheel Pinch Valve for Uniform Hose Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pinch valves for regulating flow in elastic hose lines face issues such as premature wear due to uneven force distribution, limited mechanical force for pressurized hoses, and fixed installation points, leading to incomplete occlusion and short service life.
Innovation Solution
A squeezing device with an eccentric wheel and a fixed wheel, where the eccentric wheel is rotatable via a drive shaft to pinch the hose, allowing adjustable positioning and even pressure distribution, utilizing a lubricious sliding ring and electric drive with control electronics for precise force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If two straight bolts are pressed together to squeeze the hose, then higher forces can be generated, but the edges of the hose are subjected to very high forces while the center is compressed less, leading to incomplete sealing and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two curved wheels instead of straight bolts to compress the hose. The curved surfaces of the wheels distribute the compressive force more evenly across the hose cross-section, ensuring that both the edges and center receive adequate compression force for complete sealing while reducing stress concentration at the edges.
2Force
If two straight bolts are pressed together to squeeze the hose, then higher forces can be generated, but the edges of the hose are subjected to very high forces, leading to premature wear and short hose operating times
Solution Approach 1:
The curved wheel surfaces distribute compression forces more uniformly across the hose, preventing edge stress concentration that causes premature wear. This extends the operational life of the hose by reducing mechanical degradation at critical stress points.
3Extent of automation
If a solenoid actuator with a pin is used to squeeze the hose, then the valve can be automatically operated, but the actuating force is insufficient to squeeze pressurized hose lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the insufficient solenoid actuator with a motor-driven wheel compression system. The motor provides sufficient mechanical force to compress pressurized hose lines, while the system maintains automatic operation capability through electrical control of the motor.
4Stability of the object's composition
If valve bodies are installed in the hose line via flanged connections, then the pinch valves can be fixed in position, but the pinch valves cannot be repositioned and require fixed installation points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve into separate components: a clamp assembly that can be attached at any point on the hose, and the valve body that attaches to the clamp. This segmentation allows the valve to be repositioned along the hose line without requiring fixed installation points or interrupting the hose line, while maintaining stable operation once installed.
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
This design extends the operating life of hose lines by minimizing material stress, enabling regulation of flow rates in pressurized hoses and allowing flexible placement, suitable for sterile applications with reduced maintenance costs and increased safety.
Implementation Method 1
The first wheel (5) comprises a sliding ring (6) made of a lubricious material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a pinching device (14) for controlling flows in elastic tube lines. The pinching device (14) comprises two wheels (5, 8), wherein the first wheel is designed as an eccentric wheel (5) and is fastened eccentrically on a drive shaft (7) and the second wheel (8) is fixed in a predefined position relative to the eccentric wheel (5), wherein the position of the second wheel (8) can be adjusted. The eccentric wheel (5) can be rotated via the drive shaft (7) about the eccentric axis of the eccentric wheel (5) in the direction of the second wheel (8) in order to pinch a tube positioned between the two wheels (5, 8).