Magnetic Piston Diaphragm Pump for Non-Pulsatile Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid processing systems face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow through disposable cassettes, particularly in extracorporeal processing, where reliable and continuous fluid movement is necessary without pulsatile flow, and existing methods rely on mechanical actuators that may not provide optimal control or efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluid processing system incorporating a magnetically coupled piston and diaphragm mechanism, where a motor-driven piston moves through a fluid processing cassette with a flexible diaphragm, utilizing magnetic attraction to change the effective volume of a pump cavity and control fluid flow, allowing for continuous and non-pulsatile fluid movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical actuators are used to control fluid flow through the cassette, then fluid movement can be achieved, but pulsatile flow occurs and control efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact actuators with a magnetically coupled piston-diaphragm system. The piston is magnetically attracted to the diaphragm without physical contact, eliminating mechanical pulsatility while maintaining reliable fluid flow control through the cassette.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the piston and diaphragm. This magnetic coupling allows force transmission without mechanical contact, smoothing out flow pulsations while maintaining effective fluid movement control through the disposable cassette.
2Productivity
If traditional pump assemblies are used with disposable cassettes, then fluid processing can be performed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump function directly into the disposable cassette by integrating the magnetically coupled piston-diaphragm mechanism within the cassette structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate external pump assemblies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full fluid processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette design incorporates multiple functions including fluid containment, magnetic coupling for pumping, and valve operations within a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated pump components, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 achieves efficient and continuous fluid movement through the cassette, reducing mechanical pulsatility and enhancing control over fluid flow, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of fluid processing operations.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the piston or the diaphragm is magnetized and at least a portion of the other is magnetized or formed of a ferromagnetic material so as to magnetically couple the piston and the flexible diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for pumping fluid, with the system including a fluid pump and a cassette. The pump includes a motor and a piston that is movable toward and away from a flexible diaphragm of the cassette. A linkage connects the motor and the piston to move the piston toward and away from the diaphragm. At least a portion of the piston or the diaphragm is magnetized, with the other having at least a portion that is magnetized or formed of a ferromagnetic material, thereby magnetically coupling the piston and the diaphragm such that movement of the piston moves the diaphragm into and out of a cassette cavity aligned with the diaphragm and piston. Movement of the diaphragm into and out of the cavity changes the effective volume of the cavity, which has the effect of drawing fluid into or forcing fluid out of the cavity.