Peristaltic Pump Lobes for Reversible Flow and Free-Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peristaltic pumps face limitations in efficiently controlling fluid flow direction and transitioning between pumping and free flow states, particularly in applications requiring reversible operation.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump design featuring a carrier with radially movable lobes that can extend or retract to occlude or allow fluid flow, enabled by a drive motor that rotates the carrier and lobes in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, allowing for reversible operation and a free flow state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lobes are fixed in position on the carrier, then the pump structure is simple, but the pump cannot transition between pumping and free flow states
Solution Approach 1:
The lobes are mounted on the carrier for radial movement, allowing them to dynamically change position between a radially extended pumping position and a radially retracted free flow position. This dynamic mounting enables the pump to transition between different operational states while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drive motor rotates the carrier in one direction only, then the motor design is simple, but the pump cannot operate in reverse direction
Solution Approach 1:
The drive motor and carrier system are designed to perform multiple functions by rotating in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The lobes are configured to move radially outward in both rotation directions, enabling the pump to operate in both forward and reverse directions without requiring separate drive mechanisms for each direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lobes remain in constant contact with the pump conduit, then continuous pumping action is maintained, but the pump cannot achieve free flow state
Solution Approach 1:
The lobes are mounted to move radially relative to the carrier, enabling them to transition between contacting and non-contacting positions with the pump conduit. When retracted, the lobes disengage from the conduit allowing free flow; when extended, they contact the conduit to create pumping action. This dynamic positioning provides easy flow control.
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 enables efficient fluid movement in both directions and facilitates seamless transitions between pumping and free flow states, enhancing operational flexibility and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The lobes can be configured to contact and compress the flexible pump conduit against the housing in the conduit occlusion section to cause fluid movement in the flexible pump conduit
Implementation Method 2
The squeezing or pinching of the tubing creates increased pressure ahead of the squeezed area and recovery or expansion of the tubing creates reduced pressure behind that area
Implementation Method 3
A drive motor can be configured to rotate the carrier and lobe(s) in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A peristaltic pump can include radially movable lobes (4) to selectively contact a pump conduit (22) to drive fluid flow or permit free flow through the conduit. Lobes can be caused to move radially outwardly to engage a pump conduit in response to forward and reverse drive rotations of the lobes and/or a carrier (3) on which the lobes are mounted. Lobes can be contacted by a drive element (13) to move the lobes radially outwardly and to drive pump operation.