Flow Smoothing Chamber With Restrictors for Pulsatile Pump Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps deliver pulsatile fluid flows that are difficult to accurately measure and can cause downstream issues, necessitating the development of devices and systems capable of smoothing and accurately measuring such flows.
Innovation Solution
A volume flow rate smoothing device comprising a body portion with first and second flow restrictor portions and a compliant component, configured to receive fluid from a pump, dampen pulsatile flow, and smooth it into a steadier flow for accurate measurement by sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump delivers pulsatile fluid flow, then the pump can generate fluid flow, but the pulsatile flow is difficult to accurately measure and causes downstream problems
Solution Approach 1:
A flow smoothing device is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump and the measurement point. This device contains a compliant chamber that absorbs pulsations and a flow restrictor that dampens oscillations, thereby mediating the transition from pulsatile to steady flow and enabling accurate measurement downstream
2Productivity
If a pump delivers pulsatile fluid flow, then the pump can generate fluid flow, but downstream problems occur where flow rate is critical
Solution Approach 1:
The flow smoothing device acts as a buffer between the pump and downstream components, isolating them from pulsatile effects while maintaining continuous flow delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The device transforms the flow regime by changing key parameters: it converts pulsatile flow with varying velocity and pressure into steady flow with constant velocity and pressure, thereby eliminating harmful downstream effects
3Measurement precision
If flow restrictor portions are added to smooth pulsatile flow, then flow measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow smoothing device is divided into distinct functional segments: a compliant chamber for absorbing pulsations and flow restrictor portions for dampening oscillations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable
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 effectively smooths pulsatile fluid flows, ensuring accurate sensor measurements and reducing downstream issues by converting pulsatile fluid into a more consistent flow.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant component located within the body portion... 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... The first flow restrictor portion may define a first hydraulic diameter
Data Source
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.