Moveable Peristaltic Pump Head for Ophthalmic Surgery Tubing Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Peristaltic pumps used in ophthalmic surgery face challenges with cumbersome tubing placement, potential pulsation issues due to small radius of interaction between the pump head and backing plate, and unwanted intra-ocular pressure, which can affect surgical precision and safety.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump design featuring a moveable pump head that translates relative to a fixed backing plate, allowing easy insertion of tubing without complex threading mechanisms, and an air venting mechanism to quickly relieve vacuum without a pinch valve, reducing pulsation and improving surgical control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cartridge with a loop of tubing is placed around a pump head and the cartridge holder is moved away to stretch the tubing, then the pump can be loaded easily, but the tubing must be stretched excessively and pulsation occurs causing dangerous intra-ocular pressure
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant backing plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump head and the cartridge holder. This backing plate allows the pump head to move toward it during operation while maintaining proper tubing engagement, eliminating the need to over-stretch the tubing loop and preventing harmful pulsation in the intra-ocular pressure.
2Ease of operation
If the pump head moves toward the backing plate during operation, then tubing placement is simplified and pulsation is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pump head is designed to be movable relative to the housing and backing plate, transitioning from a static configuration to a dynamic one. This allows the pump head to move toward the backing plate during operation, simplifying tubing placement and reducing pulsation, while the movement is controlled through guide surfaces and stops that prevent excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a threading finger is used to thread tubing onto the pump head, then the pump is easy to load, but a specially designed threading mechanism is required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The threading function is extracted from the pump head assembly and integrated into the cartridge holder design. The cartridge holder itself serves as the threading element, eliminating the need for a separate threading finger mechanism and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of loading.
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 design enhances user convenience by simplifying tubing placement, reduces pulsation-related risks, and efficiently manages vacuum changes during surgery, ensuring stable intra-ocular pressure and efficient aspirant flow.
Implementation Method 1
the pump head moves relative to the housing and the backing plate, such that the rollers and the backing plate cooperate to compress or pinch a length of surgical tubing
Implementation Method 2
an air venting mechanism to quickly relieve vacuum without a pinch valve, reducing pulsation and improving surgical control
Implementation Method 3
Peristaltic pumps are well known in ophthalmic surgery and typically include a rotating pump head with a plurality of rollers spaced about the circumference of the pump head. These rollers typically cooperate with a backing plate to pinch closed a small section of tubing placed between the rollers and backing plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A peristaltic pump 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a housing 12, a pump head 14 having plurality of rollers 16 held within the housing 12, and a backing plate 18 attached to the housing 12. The pump head 14 moves relative to the housing 12 and backing plate 18.