Overmolded Multi-Lumen Tubing Assembly for High-Pressure Pumping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 with reduced motor size and energy consumption, 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 peristaltic pumps, 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 equivalent or higher flow rates through parallel flow paths while reducing the diameter of individual tubes, which decreases the motor size and energy consumption required to drive the rollers.
2Productivity
If a single large diameter tube is used in peristaltic pumps, then the pump can achieve high flow rates, but the motor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow path into multiple smaller tubes instead of using one large tube. This reduces the diameter that the motor must drive, allowing for a smaller, lighter motor while maintaining or improving flow rate through the parallel tube configuration.
3Reliability
If traditional tubing assemblies are used, then the entire assembly must be replaced when the external fitting changes, but this increases inventory requirements and space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tubing assembly into separable components: the tubing itself and the external fitting are no longer permanently bound together. Users can change fittings independently without replacing the entire tubing assembly, improving adaptability while maintaining assembly integrity through proper connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal fitting interface that can accommodate different external fittings on the same tubing assembly. This multi-functional design allows a single tubing assembly to work with various fittings, reducing inventory requirements and increasing versatility.
4Reliability
If metal clamps are used to hold the tubing to the adapter, then the tubing is secured, but the assembly becomes susceptible to metal corrosion from leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal clamp component from the assembly entirely, replacing it with an alternative securing mechanism that does not involve metal. This extraction of the harmful metal element eliminates the corrosion risk while maintaining the necessary tubing security through other means such as overmolding or plastic clamping mechanisms.
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, improved drive efficiency, lower energy and maintenance costs, and reduced operating temperatures, while minimizing ballooning and tube rupture risks.
Implementation Method 1
enables pumping against high pressures while providing a high flow rate
Implementation Method 2
multiple smaller diameter tubes with specific relationships between tube wall thickness and durometer
Implementation Method 3
the rollers rotate in a circular movement and compress the tubing against the wall, squeezing the fluid through the tubing ahead of the rollers
Implementation Method 4
A peristaltic roller pump typically has two or more rollers... the rollers are configured to almost completely occlude the tubing, and operate essentially as a positive displacement pump
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.