Peristaltic Pump Movable Chassis Linkage for Tubing Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peristaltic pumps face difficulties in efficiently installing and replacing tubing, especially in industrial applications where the tubing is durable and rigid, due to the narrow spacing between rollers and the pump wall.
Innovation Solution
The peristaltic pump design incorporates a chassis and chassis retaining portion forming a cavity, with a rotor and cover linked by an arm. This design allows the chassis to move away from the retaining portion when opening the cover, widening the cavity for easy tubing installation, and moves back to secure the tubing when closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the spacing between rollers and pump wall is reduced to improve pumping efficiency, then the pump can generate higher pressure, but tubing installation becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is made movable relative to the pump wall through a linkage mechanism connected to the cover. When the cover is removed, the chassis moves outward to widen the cavity, providing ample space for tubing installation. When the cover is installed, the chassis moves inward to the original position, maintaining the narrow spacing required for high-pressure pumping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing is divided into movable (chassis) and stationary (pump wall) portions. The chassis can independently move relative to the pump wall, allowing the internal cavity volume to change based on operational requirements without affecting the overall pump structure.
2Ease of operation
If the chassis is made movable to facilitate tubing installation, then tubing can be easily installed, but the structure becomes more complex and parts may rattle during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is integrated into the existing pump structure by connecting it to the cover, which is already a standard component. The linkage combines the cover removal action with the chassis movement, so that a single user action (removing the cover) accomplishes both opening access and widening the cavity for tubing installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis movement is automatically triggered by the cover installation/removal action itself. The linkage mechanism converts the cover's positional change into chassis movement without requiring separate controls or additional user actions, making the system self-actuating.
3Ease of operation
If the chassis moves away from the retaining portion to widen the cavity, then tubing installation becomes easy, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis transitions between two stable positions: a retracted position during operation that maintains structural integrity, and an extended position during installation that facilitates tubing routing. The linkage mechanism ensures smooth transitions between these states without compromising the pump's overall strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A peristaltic pump can include a chassis and a chassis retaining portion forming a cavity. The pump can also include a rotor, a cover, and a linkage. The rotor can be disposed within the cavity such that tubing can be held between the rotor and the chassis and/or the chassis retaining portion. The linkage can couple the cover to the chassis. The linkage can include an arm. When opening the cover, the arm can pivot such that the chassis moves away from the chassis retaining portion to widen the cavity. When closing the cover, the arm can pivot such that the chassis moves toward the chassis retaining portion. When closed, a stop can restrict further movement of a corresponding member toward the chassis retaining portion.