Offset Rotor Assembly for Safer Peristaltic Pump Tube Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional peristaltic pumps require cumbersome and potentially hazardous manual elongation of tubing for replacement, posing safety risks during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump with an offset rotor assembly featuring a slide mechanism that allows the rotor to move radially, enabling easy tubing removal and installation without elongation, using a locking mechanism that automatically returns to the operational position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual elongation of tubing is performed during replacement, then tubing can be installed around the rotor, but safety risks increase due to rotor rotation and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly is made dynamically adjustable between two positions: a first position during operation where rollers compress tubing against the occlusion bed, and a second offset position during maintenance where the rotor is radially offset from the occlusion bed. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the need for manual tubing elongation and removes safety risks associated with rotor rotation during tubing replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary action by automatically offsetting the rotor radially outward to a safe position before tubing replacement begins. This preliminary offsetting action prepares the system for maintenance by removing the rotor from the tubing path, eliminating safety hazards and simplifying the subsequent tubing replacement process.
2Reliability
If the rotor remains in the central operating position, then pumping function is maintained, but tubing replacement becomes difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly is made dynamically adjustable between two positions: a first position during operation where rollers compress tubing against the occlusion bed, and a second offset position during maintenance where the rotor is radially offset from the occlusion bed. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the need for manual tubing elongation and removes safety risks associated with rotor rotation during tubing replacement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a lock mechanism is added to secure the rotor, then the rotor can be held in position during operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a self-servicing lock mechanism that automatically locks the rotor assembly in the first operating position through engagement of locking surfaces when the rotor is centered. The mechanism self-activates based on the rotor's position, requiring no additional actuators or complex control systems, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing added 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
Facilitates safer and quicker tubing replacement by eliminating the need for manual elongation, reducing operator risk and simplifying the maintenance process.
Implementation Method 1
a track via which the roller body is slidably mounted to the shaft body
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The disclosed techniques relate to an apparatus comprising: a pump body, an occlusion bed; and a rotor. The rotor includes: a shaft body; a roller body slidably mounted to the shaft body; and a lock mechanism selectively positioned between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the lock mechanism engages with the roller body to lock the roller body at a first roller body position relative to the shaft body where the one or more rollers can compress tubing disposed in the apparatus against the occlusion bed with a first level of compression. In the second position, the lock mechanism disengages the roller body so the roller body can slide along the track relative to the shaft body to a second roller body position configured to cause decreased or no compression of the tubing against the occlusion bed by the one or more rollers. Further it is referred to a method comprising pumping fluid through tubing using said pump body.