Removable Connector for Peristaltic Pump with X-Shaped Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing removable connector for peristaltic pumps is difficult to assemble and disassemble quickly and safely due to its complex shape mating and elastic snap requirements, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A removable connector with an X-shaped configuration and V-shaped elastic clamps, along with a finger projection and integrated stiffening projections, allows for easy and stable insertion and detachment by providing intuitive positioning cues and secure sealing, facilitating fast and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the removable connector uses shape mating and elastic snap fixation between two fixing housings, then the connector achieves stable fixing, but the assembly and disassembly operations become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two tubular sections (11, 11') that can be inserted separately into the two fixing housings (M, M'), allowing independent engagement of each section with its corresponding housing, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining stable fixation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the operator to perform complex shape mating and elastic snap operations, the design inverts the approach by using the elastic clamps (16, 16') to automatically engage with the fixing housings when the tubular sections are inserted, making the fixation process self-completing and much simpler
2Reliability
If the removable connector uses complex shape mating and elastic snap mechanism, then stable fixing is achieved, but the assembly and disassembly cannot be performed quickly and safely in a single continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular sections (11, 11') are pre-formed with elastic clamps (16, 16') that are ready to engage with the fixing housings (M, M') upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate fixation steps and enabling single-operation assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clamps (16, 16') provide dynamic fixation that automatically engages during insertion and can be easily released during removal, allowing the connector to transition between fixed and removed states in a single continuous operation, greatly improving productivity
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector uses a simplified structure with fewer components, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the stability and security of fixation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the two tubular sections (11, 11') with their respective elastic clamps (16, 16') work together as one assembly to provide both fixation and sealing functions, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clamps (16, 16') utilize material elasticity parameters to provide stable fixation without requiring additional mechanical components, achieving reliable fixation through material property optimization rather than structural 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
Enables rapid and secure assembly and disassembly of the connector, ensuring safe and efficient operation while maintaining a simplified structure and low costs.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining stably in position the same removable connector 10, as a result of bilateral elastic clamping
Implementation Method 2
engages from below a corresponding protrusion of the fixing housing M' (Figure 8), improving the fixing stability of the same removable connector 10 between said housings M, M' of the pump P
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Removable connector (10) for hydraulic connection between an arcuate flexible pipe, housed inside a seat of a peristaltic pump, and two flexible pipes external to said seat. Said removable connector (10) comprises two tubular sections (11,11') mutually superimposed in a single body, forming a substantially X-shaped configuration. Each of said tubular sections (11,11') comprises: a first end (12,12') including a first cylindrical cavity (13,13') for receiving a respective end of said arcuated flexible pipe; and a second end (14,14') including a second cylindrical cavity (15,15') having a lesser diameter than the first cylindrical cavity for receiving an end of a respective of said external flexible pipes. Each pair of ends (12,14';12',14) of said tubular sections (11,11') formed by a first and a second of said ends provides a substantially V-shaped elastic clamp (16,16') for maintaining stably in position the same removable connector (10) in the peristaltic pump.