Linear Peristaltic Pump with Adaptive Pinching Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peristaltic pumps face challenges in achieving consistent and reliable fluid flow due to inadequate or excessive pinching of flexible tubes, leading to inefficient fluid transfer and potential tube damage.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump design that includes a force measurement system using strain gauges to determine the pinching force applied to the tube, allowing the pump body to move relative to the force application system to adjust the pinching force to a setpoint value, ensuring effective fluid flow without damaging the tube, and featuring a leakproof diaphragm for protection and soundproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump body is positioned close to the force application system to increase pinching force, then fluid flow rate is improved, but the tube may be damaged due to excessive pinching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a force sensor to measure the pinching force in real-time and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the pump body position to maintain the pinching force within a predetermined safe range, preventing tube damage while ensuring adequate fluid flow. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing flow rate and tube safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pinching force parameter dynamically by adjusting the pump body position based on measured forces. Instead of maintaining a fixed position, the system varies the compression level to optimize fluid flow while staying below the damage threshold. This parameter adjustment strategy allows the system to achieve high productivity without causing harmful effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump body is positioned spaced apart from the force application system to reduce pinching force, then tube damage is prevented, but fluid flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor continuously monitors the pinching force and provides feedback to the control unit. When the force drops below the level needed for adequate flow, the control unit moves the pump body closer to increase compression. This feedback loop ensures the system maintains optimal pinching force for fluid flow while preventing excessive force that would damage the tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pump body position to a dynamic positioning system that continuously adjusts the distance between the pump body and force application system. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize pinching force in real-time, adapting to variations in tube properties and flow requirements while preventing tube damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If relative positioning between pump body and force application system is made adjustable to adapt to different tubes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a motorized linear actuator controlled by a microprocessor-based control unit. The force sensor provides electrical feedback that the control unit processes to automatically adjust positioning. This substitution of mechanical complexity with electromechanical control achieves high adaptability to different tube types while keeping the actual mechanical structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of the pump body position based on force sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical linkages. The control unit automatically determines the optimal positioning by monitoring pinching force and making adjustments accordingly. This self-service capability provides adaptability to various tube types while minimizing device complexity through automated control.
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 solution ensures reliable, repeatable, and adaptive pinching force for efficient fluid flow across different tube diameters and materials, reducing the risk of tube damage and improving installation ease while maintaining a clean and quiet operation.
Implementation Method 1
The invention provides a peristaltic pump for a dialysis machine, comprising firstly, a plate, known as a pump body, that includes a substantially plane surface against which a flexible tube for passing fluid is to be positioned... said pump including means for determining a magnitude representative of the force applied to the tube
Implementation Method 2
a force application system comprising a plurality of presser members, such as rollers, and drive means for moving said presser members enabling said presser members to be moved while pressed against the tube in order to deform it against said pump body
Data Source
AI summary
A peristaltic pump (1) including a tray, referred to as a pump body (3), which includes a substantially planar surface (32) against which a flexible tube (5) for the passage of fluid is intended to be positioned, and a system (2) for applying force including a plurality of support members (7), such as rollers, and drive elements for moving the support members against the tube in order to deform it against the pump body (3). The pump body (3) is movably mounted relative to the system (2) for applying force between a position spaced apart from the system (2) for applying force, and a position adjacent to the system (2) for applying force. The pump (1) also includes elements (36) for controlling the movement of the pump body (3) relative to the system (2) on the basis of a predetermined magnitude corresponding to the force applied to the tube.