Mechanically Wound Infusion Pump with Escapement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical infusion pumps reliant on electricity lack precision and reliability in situations where power is unavailable, requiring specialized knowledge and frequent battery replacement or recharging.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically wound infusion pump utilizing a mainspring and gear system with an escapement mechanism for precise control, allowing for precise dosing and operation without electricity, adaptable for use as an emergency backup or in situations where electricity is unreliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electric pumps are used to deliver fluids with precise control, then dosing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when electricity is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric motor system with a purely mechanical pump system driven by a mainspring and gear train. This substitution eliminates dependence on electrical power sources while maintaining precise dosing control through mechanical escapement mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between dosing precision and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mainspring is wound in advance to store mechanical energy before operation is needed. This preliminary action ensures the pump has sufficient power储备 to operate reliably for extended periods without electricity, addressing the reliability concern while maintaining the ability to deliver precise doses through the mechanical control system.
2Ease of operation
If battery powered electric pumps are used for ambulation, then mobility is improved, but operational duration deteriorates due to battery limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the battery-electric motor system with a mechanical mainspring-driven system. This substitution eliminates the need for battery recharging, allowing the pump to operate continuously for extended durations as long as the mainspring is wound, thereby resolving the contradiction between mobility and operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mainspring is wound in advance to store mechanical energy, providing a long-duration power source that does not require recharging like batteries. This preliminary energy storage enables extended operational duration while maintaining the portability needed for ambulation.
3Device complexity
If fluid pressure systems are used when electricity is unavailable, then operational simplicity is improved, but dosing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple but imprecise fluid pressure system with a mechanically driven pump system. The mechanical escapement and gear train provide controlled, precise dosing while remaining relatively simple in design, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and dosing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pump system is designed to be self-regulating through its escapement mechanism, which automatically controls the pumping rate and dosage without requiring external control systems or specialized knowledge, maintaining simplicity while achieving precision.
4Measurement precision
If electric pumps with digital controllers are used, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric digital controller system with a purely mechanical control system using escapement mechanisms and gear trains. This substitution achieves precise dosing control through mechanical means, eliminating the need for electronics, batteries, and complex digital circuits, thereby resolving the contradiction between dosing precision and device complexity.
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
Provides precise and reliable fluid delivery, leveraging the precision of mechanical timekeeping instruments to ensure accurate dosing and operation, suitable for medical and non-medical fluid pumping applications.
Implementation Method 1
The illustrative apparatus uses a mechanical system based on a mainspring and a series of gears which turns the main infusion wheel
Implementation Method 2
The main infusion wheel can operate as a peristaltic pump, being in direct contact with a length of flexible tubing
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for creating a mechanically-wound infusion pump which can be used in a medical context to provide steady, reliable mechanical infusion amounts without relying on electricity and which can operate accurately in areas where electric power is not available or when ambulation is desired.