Peristaltic Pump with Movable Tracks for Dual Mode Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional peristaltic pumps used in medical procedures require two separate units for liquid supply and suction, resulting in a large, expensive, and space-consuming setup due to the need for two motors, two pump heads, and two tube management systems.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump design with a single motor and rotor that can switch between two tracks, allowing for either liquid supply or suction operation by moving tracks between adjacent and spaced positions, reducing the footprint, weight, and cost by eliminating the need for duplicate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate peristaltic pumps are provided for liquid supply and suction, then both functions are available, but the footprint and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate peristaltic pump functions into a single integrated unit. The rotor assembly is shared between liquid supply and suction functions, and the tube management system is unified. This merging eliminates duplicate components while maintaining both functional capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between functional versatility and weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The single rotor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively positioning it relative to different tubes. The rotor can be positioned to compress the liquid supply tube or the suction tube, making it a universal component that serves both purposes. This multi-functionality approach allows one rotor to replace two separate rotors, reducing overall system weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate peristaltic pumps are provided for liquid supply and suction, then both functions are available, but the footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate pump units into one integrated assembly. The shared rotor, common motor, and unified tube management system consolidate the physical footprint. The compact arrangement of components around a central rotor minimizes the overall area occupied while providing both liquid supply and suction functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical positioning and radial arrangement of components to reduce horizontal footprint. The rotor assembly is positioned centrally with tubes arranged radially around it, and the track assembly moves in vertical and radial directions rather than requiring separate horizontal spaces for each pump function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate peristaltic pumps are provided for liquid supply and suction, then both functions are available, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of two pump functions into one unit eliminates the need for manufacturing two separate complete pump assemblies. Common components such as the motor, rotor (when not duplicating), housing, and tube management mechanisms are shared, reducing material costs, assembly complexity, and manufacturing overhead while maintaining both functional capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If tracks are made movable to enable switching between positions, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable tracks that can dynamically reposition between different locations to enable the rotor to selectively compress different tubes. The track assembly includes movable elements guided by rails or slots, allowing flexible positioning without requiring complex mechanical linkages. This dynamic arrangement provides operational flexibility while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through guided linear motion.
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 efficient operation with a single rotor and motor, providing two modes of operation while minimizing space, weight, and cost, and allowing for compact and efficient fluid management in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump comprising a rotor rotatable by a motor, a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on the rotor and first and second tracks mounted on opposite sides of the rotor, wherein each track is moveable between a first position adjacent to the rotor and a second position spaced from the rotor, wherein a flexible tube can be received between each track and the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A peristaltic pump comprises a rotor with rollers and first and second tracks mounted on opposites sides of the rotor. Each track is moveable between a first position adjacent the rotor and a second position spaced from the rotor. The tracks may be linked and moveable together so that as one track moves towards the rotor, the other moves away from the rotor and vice versa. In this way, a single pump can be used to provide two different modes of operation, e.g. pumping liquid when one track is adjacent the rotor and applying suction when the other track is adjacent the rotor.