Peristaltic Pump Conduit Retainer Spring-Biased Jaw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peristaltic pumps used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic vial filling face challenges in precise tube changeover operations, leading to potential misalignment and variations in liquid dispensing quantities, especially when handling small doses, due to the complexity of retaining flexible conduits during tube diameter changes.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump design featuring a conduit retainer mechanism with spring-biased jaws to securely hold the flexible conduit in place, combined with a modular pumping system and electronic pump control for precise calibration and error correction, ensuring accurate liquid delivery across different tube diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a holder is removed and replaced for different tube sizes, then the pump can operate with different tube diameters, but the conduit may not be held adequately and may move during rotor engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-biased adjustable jaw mechanism that dynamically adapts to different conduit diameters. The jaw can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the pump body to accommodate various tube sizes, while the spring bias ensures continuous contact and retention force. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same pump structure to reliably retain conduits of different diameters without requiring complete holder replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit retention mechanism is segmented into discrete adjustable jaw positions along the pump body. Each position is optimized for specific conduit diameter ranges, allowing the operator to select the appropriate segment/position for the current tube size. This segmentation provides both adaptability to different sizes and reliable retention at each specific position.
2Manufacturing precision
If the flexible conduit is held stationary with relation to the pump body, then precise liquid dispensing is achieved, but the conduit must be securely retained against displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased jaw mechanism provides self-adjusting retention force that automatically adapts to the conduit diameter. The spring bias ensures the jaw maintains sufficient contact pressure to prevent conduit displacement during rotor engagement, while the adjustable positioning allows the operator to select the optimal retention point. This self-service mechanism achieves precise conduit retention without requiring complex external retention systems.
3Productivity
If tube changeover operations are performed quickly, then productivity is improved, but the risk of wrongly setting the pump for a new production run increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump body is pre-configured with multiple discrete jaw positions at specific locations, each optimized for particular conduit diameter ranges. Before tube changeover, the operator can quickly select and adjust the jaw to the appropriate pre-marked position corresponding to the new tube size, eliminating the need for complex measurements or trial-and-error adjustments. This preliminary preparation of fixed positions enables both rapid changeover and correct configuration.
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 solution enhances the reliability and precision of liquid dispensing by securely retaining the flexible conduit, reducing the risk of misalignment and variations, and allows for efficient calibration and operation with different tube diameters without the need for part changes, thereby improving productivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
one of the first and second jaws are spring biased to resiliently engage the conduit
Implementation Method 2
A peristaltic pump has a pump body defining a cavity in which is placed a rotor. The conduit made of flexible material through which the liquid circulates is placed between the rotor and the pump body. Lobes on the rotor engage the flexible tube and constrict it. As the rotor turns, the constrictions trap a certain amount of liquid in the tube and displace it, thus producing a pumping action.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a peristaltic pump. The pump has a cavity for receiving a rotor and a flexible conduit, the rotor engaging the flexible conduit to displace fluid therein. A conduit retainer mechanism is provided for engaging the flexible conduit to assist with retention of the conduit in the cavity against displacement resulting from engagement between the conduit and the rotor. The conduit retainer mechanism including first and second jaws opposite to one another, defining between them a passageway for receiving the conduit, wherein one of the first and second jaws are spring biased to resiliently engage the conduit.