Fluid Pump with Pulse Reduction via Roller-Membrane Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid dispensing methods often lack precision and are prone to spilling, making them unsuitable for applications requiring accurate amounts of various fluids.
Innovation Solution
A pump system comprising a pump head with roller elements that compress a semi-rigid membrane within a fluid channel, allowing for precise control of fluid dispensing through rotational mechanisms, eliminating the need for valves and providing a sealed environment to reduce contamination and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluid dispensing methods are used, then the process is simple, but the precision and control over fluid amount are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into distinct functional segments: a pump head with roller elements for fluid propulsion, a pump body with integrated fluid channels, and a semi-rigid membrane for sealing and pressure transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve precise fluid dispensing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical valve-based pumping systems with a roller-element driven system where rollers compress a semi-rigid membrane to propel fluid through channels. This substitution eliminates the need for complex valves while achieving more precise and reliable fluid control through direct mechanical compression and sealed channel transport.
2Reliability
If conventional dispensing methods are used, then the device is simple, but spilling and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a semi-rigid membrane that acts as a flexible seal within the pump body, creating a closed system that prevents fluid leakage and contamination. This membrane-based sealing approach provides reliable fluid containment while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure compared to multi-component valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump head and pump body are designed as integrated units where the roller elements of the pump head directly interface with the semi-rigid membrane in the pump body. This merging of functions into a unified assembly eliminates the need for separate valve components and reduces the number of potential failure points, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If a single fluid channel is used, then the pump structure is simple, but pulsing effects are present
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system utilizes periodic compression of the semi-rigid membrane by rotating roller elements to propel fluid through the channel. This periodic action creates controlled pulsations in fluid flow that can be managed through the channel design and membrane characteristics, maintaining continuous dispensing while accepting controlled pulsing rather than attempting to eliminate it through complex multi-channel arrangements.
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
Enables precise and controlled dispensing of fluids, reducing pulsing effects and ensuring accurate amounts based on rotation, with the ability to be standalone or integrated with containers, and formed from plastic materials for durability and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the roller elements compress the semi-rigid membrane to push fluid trapped within the first fluid channel in the direction of rotation
Implementation Method 2
roller elements interface with the semi-rigid membrane such that during rotation the roller elements compress the semi-rigid membrane to push fluid
Data Source
AI summary
This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a pump head including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller elements; and a pump body including an input port, and output port, a first fluid channel, and a second fluid channel, wherein the first fluid channel is formed in part from rigid walls of the pump body and in part from a semi-rigid membrane positioned on at least a portion of the pump body; wherein the pump head is rotatably coupled to the pump body such that the one or more roller elements interface with the semi-rigid membrane such that during rotation the roller elements compress the semi-rigid membrane to push fluid trapped within the first fluid channel in the direction of rotation.