Overmolded Multi-Lumen Pump Tubing for High-Pressure Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional peristaltic pumps face limitations in achieving high pressures and flow rates due to the design of single large diameter tubes or hoses, which lead to increased motor size, energy consumption, and maintenance costs, while also being prone to ballooning and tube rupture issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple smaller diameter tubes with specific relationships between tube wall thickness and durometer, allowing for higher pressures and flow rates without the need for large motors, and incorporating a clamp-less adapter system for reduced inventory and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single large diameter tube is used in a peristaltic pump, then the pump can achieve high flow rates, but the motor size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large diameter tube into multiple smaller diameter tubes. This segmentation allows the pump to achieve the same flow rate using smaller tubes, which reduces the motor size and energy consumption required to drive the peristaltic pump while maintaining high productivity
2Productivity
If a single large diameter tube is used in a peristaltic pump, then the pump can achieve high flow rates, but the motor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large diameter tube into multiple smaller diameter tubes. This allows the use of a smaller motor since the smaller tubes require less force to compress, thereby reducing the motor size while maintaining the same flow rate capability
3Reliability
If traditional tubing assemblies are used with metal clamps, then the tubing is secured to the adapter, but metal corrosion occurs due to leakage of fumes into the pump head housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the metal clamp mechanism with a corrosion-resistant material (such as plastic or polymer) that secures the tubing to the adapter without corroding. This substitution eliminates the harmful effect of metal corrosion from fume leakage while maintaining reliable tubing security
4Use of energy by moving object
If multiple smaller diameter tubes are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but the tubing assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the adapter and tubing assembly system to be universal, where a single adapter design can accommodate multiple smaller diameter tubes. This multi-functional approach reduces energy consumption while minimizing the increase in assembly complexity through standardized components
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
This configuration enables peristaltic pumps to operate at pressures exceeding 100 PSI with increased tube life, reduced energy consumption, and lower maintenance costs, while minimizing ballooning and tube rupture risks, and reducing inventory and space needs.
Implementation Method 1
A peristaltic roller pump typically has two or more rollers... In use, the rollers rotate in a circular movement and compress the tubing against the wall, squeezing the fluid through the tubing ahead of the rollers
Data Source
AI summary
A tubing assembly is provided that can comprise a plurality of tubes or lumens that can be disposed within a head of a peristaltic pump. The tubing assembly can provide a flow rate or volume capacity that is generally equal to or greater than that achieved with a comparable prior art tube while operating at higher pressures than that possible using the prior art tube. Further, in accordance with some embodiments, the tubing assembly can achieve a longer working life than a comparable prior art tube, and the load on the pump motor can be reduced such that the pump life is increased and/or a larger pump motor is not required to achieve such advantageous results.