Positive Displacement Pump with Magnetic Piston Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps, such as axial flow and centrifugal pumps, cause shearing stresses that damage delicate fluids like blood, leading to issues like hemolysis during fluid circulation, which is problematic in artificial blood circulation applications.
Innovation Solution
A positive displacement pump system with a pumping chamber, pistons, and an electromagnet configuration that minimizes shearing strains by using a magnetic link and hydrodynamic bearing surfaces to facilitate gentle fluid handling, allowing for the circulation of delicate fluids without damaging them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional axial flow or centrifugal pumps are used to circulate fluids, then fluid circulation is achieved, but shearing stresses damage delicate fluid molecules and cells causing hemolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical impeller-based pumping system with a positive displacement piston system. Instead of using high-speed rotating impellers that generate harmful shearing stresses, the invention uses reciprocating pistons driven by an electromagnet to move fluid in discrete volumes, thereby eliminating the harmful shearing effects while maintaining effective fluid circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the pumping system by transitioning from continuous high-speed rotation (impeller pumps) to controlled reciprocating motion (pistons). This parameter change allows fluid to be moved in gentle, controlled increments rather than subjected to high-velocity turbulence and shearing forces, thus protecting delicate fluid components
2Productivity
If high-speed impeller rotation is used to achieve fluid pumping, then pumping efficiency is improved, but molecular destruction and cell lysis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the high-speed rotating impeller mechanism with a positive displacement piston system actuated by an electromagnet. This replacement maintains pumping efficiency through controlled reciprocating motion while eliminating the molecular destruction and cell lysis caused by high-speed rotation and associated shearing forces
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet serves as an intermediary device that converts electrical energy to mechanical motion in a controlled manner. By using the electromagnet to drive the pistons rather than direct mechanical connection, the system achieves efficient fluid displacement while minimizing harmful mechanical stresses on the fluid
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 effectively circulates fluids with low shearing strains, reducing the risk of hemolysis and enabling the safe handling of sensitive fluids like blood, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of fluid circulation processes.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnet exerts a magnetic force on the pistons to move them within the pumping chamber
Implementation Method 2
The pump may also comprise a magnetic link and hydrodynamic bearing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods including a motor or electromagnets to control the movement of one or more pistons in a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. Surfaces on a piston or pumping chamber may include hydrodynamic bearing surfaces.