Magnetically Actuated Fluid Pump for Precision Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current precision fluid metering technologies face challenges in achieving high accuracy and reliability at low costs, particularly in micro flow ranges, and often require complex control systems or disposable components, which are costly or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically driven piston pump system with a self-contained, modular pump head that uses magnetic coupling for precise fluid delivery, incorporating a drive module and sensor systems for accurate control, and an air bleed accumulator to prevent air infiltration, enabling high accuracy and ease of use while being potentially disposable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If open loop control with variable speed pump is used, then cost and simplicity are improved, but flow accuracy deteriorates due to limited volumetric displacement accuracy and motor speed accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical feedback control system with a magnetically coupled drive system. The drive magnet rotates synchronously with the pump piston through magnetic field coupling without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for complex feedback controllers and mechanical transmissions. This substitution maintains simplicity and low cost while achieving precise flow control through direct magnetic synchronization between the drive magnet and pump mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If syringe pumps with precise stroke and volumetric precision are used, then flow accuracy is improved, but cost deteriorates to very expensive levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pump system into a reusable magnetic drive module and a disposable pump head assembly. The expensive magnetic drive mechanism with precise rotational control is separated from the disposable fluid handling components. This allows the high-precision drive system to be manufactured once and reused, while only the simpler, lower-cost pump head needs to be replaced, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining flow accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical feedback sensors and control mechanisms found in traditional syringe pumps by using direct magnetic coupling. The synchronous rotation of the drive magnet with the pump piston provides inherent positioning accuracy without requiring additional mechanical measurement devices, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If peristaltic pumps are used, then ease of use and value are improved, but flow accuracy deteriorates due to inconsistent tubing elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastomeric tubing compression mechanism of peristaltic pumps with a magnetically driven positive displacement piston system. This eliminates the flow accuracy problems caused by tubing elasticity variations while maintaining the ease of use associated with peristaltic pumps. The magnetic drive provides consistent, controlled piston movement that ensures accurate fluid delivery without the need for flexible tubing.
4Reliability
If disposable pump components are used, then reliability and contamination prevention are improved, but cost deteriorates when cleaning and sterilization of recyclable components is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pump system into disposable wetted components (pump head, tubing) and reusable dry components (magnetic drive mechanism). The disposable portions can be discarded after single use, preventing contamination without requiring costly cleaning and sterilization processes. The reusable magnetic drive remains outside the fluid path, eliminating the need to sterilize complex mechanical components while maintaining reliability through disposable barriers.
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 system provides high accuracy and reliability in fluid metering across a wide range of flow rates, is cost-effective, and allows for easy replacement of components, addressing the limitations of existing technologies in precision and disposability.
Implementation Method 1
a driven magnet that is carried by a carriage with part of the carriage forming a piston that is reciprocally, linearly movable in a piston housing. The piston is movable between two positions. A drive module housing includes structure for receiving the piston head and is arranged such that the driven magnet is located in proximity to the drive magnet so as to create alternating attracting and repelling force between the drive and driven magnets as the drive magnet is rotated about the axis of the shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated fluid management system is provided with capability to deliver precise flow rate and fluid dosing capability over a wide range of operator set parameters. A magnetically actuated pump head is low cost, affords simple installation, and may be disposable. Multiple pump heads may be docked to a single drive module or control module to provide concurrent metering of multiple fluids and to maintain precise volume ratio of the multiple fluids to one another. The magnetic pump head may be integrated with radio frequency Identification devices (RFID) and Hall Effect Sensors to provide customized control and fail safe operation.