Peristaltic Pump Pivotable Door and Lever for Occlusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peristaltic pumps face challenges in efficiently managing fluid infusion processes, particularly in medical applications, due to issues such as fluid misloading, free flow conditions, and inadequate occlusion detection, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential patient safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump design featuring a pivotable door and lever mechanism that controls a slide occluder, allowing for precise occlusion and unocclusion of tubing, combined with imaging systems for real-time detection of free flow and air bubbles, and integrated monitoring systems for occlusion and air detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a peristaltic pump uses a simple door mechanism for tube access, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of occlusion control and detection of free flow conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door mechanism is made dynamically adjustable through a lever system that can pivot between multiple positions (first position for occlusion, second position for unocclusion). This dynamic positioning allows the door to actively control the occlusion state of the tube rather than being a static barrier, thereby improving occlusion control precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier is introduced as an intermediary component between the door and the tube occlusion mechanism. The carrier holds the slide occluder and can be independently positioned relative to the door, allowing precise control of occlusion without requiring the door itself to be overly complex. The carrier acts as a mediator that translates door movement into precise occlusion control.
2Device complexity
If a peristaltic pump uses manual occlusion control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection precision of free flow and air bubbles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Optical sensors are integrated into the door mechanism to provide real-time feedback on the occlusion state and detect free flow conditions. The sensors monitor whether the tube is properly occluded and can detect air bubbles or free flow events, providing measurement precision that would be difficult to achieve with manual control alone. The feedback enables automated detection and response to abnormal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides physical access control to the tube, enables occlusion through lever positioning, and incorporates optical sensing for detection of free flow and air bubbles. This multi-functionality allows the same component to improve measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a peristaltic pump uses a fixed occlusion mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different infusion conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion mechanism is made dynamic through the lever system that can pivot between different positions, allowing the slide occluder to be positioned at different locations along the tube. This enables adaptation to different infusion conditions, tube types, and flow rates without requiring multiple fixed mechanisms, thereby improving versatility while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the slide occluder can be changed by pivoting the lever between first and second positions, effectively changing the occlusion parameter (position along the tube). This parameter change allows the same mechanism to adapt to different infusion requirements, such as different tube diameters, flow rates, or occlusion needs, without increasing device 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
Enhances the precision and safety of fluid infusion by ensuring consistent occlusion, detecting and preventing free flow and air bubbles, thereby improving the reliability and effectiveness of medical fluid delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
Peristaltic pumps are used in a variety of applications such as medical applications, especially fluid transfer applications that would benefit from isolation of fluid from the system and other fluids. Some peristaltic pumps work by compressing or squeezing a length of flexible tubing. A mechanical mechanism pinches a portion of the tubing and pushes any fluid trapped in the tubing in the direction of rotation.
Implementation Method 2
A mechanical mechanism pinches a portion of the tubing and pushes any fluid trapped in the tubing in the direction of rotation. The occlusion of the tubing creates increased pressure ahead of the squeezed area and reduced pressure behind that area, thereby forcing a liquid through the tubing
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump comprises a housing, a door and a lever handle. The door is pivotally coupled to the housing. The door is configured to have a closed position and an open position. The lever handle is configured to pivot between a first position and second position.