Peristaltic Pump Roller Regulator for Consistent Tube Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peristaltic pumps face variations in compression force due to small differences in component sizes and locations, leading to inconsistent fluid delivery and increased power consumption, noise, and reduced operational life.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump assembly with a regulator that maintains a substantially constant force on the tube by using a spring-loaded roller assembly, which restricts the compression force within a predetermined range, minimizing the impact of component variations and eliminating the need for adjustments or calibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If component sizes and locations are not precisely controlled, then manufacturing complexity and cost increase, but compression force varies leading to inconsistent fluid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a regulator mechanism that dynamically adjusts the compression force parameter to maintain consistency despite variations in component dimensions and positions. The regulator modifies the physical state of the compression interaction between roller and tube, ensuring stable fluid delivery parameters regardless of manufacturing tolerances in roller size, tube diameter, or alignment positions.
2Reliability
If compression force is increased to ensure consistent fluid delivery, then fluid delivery reliability improves, but power consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator functions as a feedback control mechanism that continuously monitors and adjusts the compression force applied by the roller to the tube. By providing real-time feedback on the actual compression force and making corrective adjustments, the system maintains consistent fluid delivery without requiring excessively high compression forces, thereby reducing motor power consumption and operational noise.
3Device complexity
If compression force varies due to component tolerances, then device complexity decreases, but operational life of pump components reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator mechanism serves as a protective buffer that compensates for component variations before they can cause damage. By预先 adjusting and equalizing the compression force distribution, the regulator prevents excessive localized stresses on the tube and roller surfaces, thereby extending the operational life of these components despite the added regulatory 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
Ensures consistent fluid delivery, reduces power consumption, extends the operational life of the pump and its components, and decreases noise levels by maintaining a consistent compression force across the tube.
Implementation Method 1
coupling each roller with a spring, where the spring forces the roller against the tube via a relatively constant force
Data Source
AI summary
A peristaltic pump assembly includes a pump body and a cassette removably attached thereto, wherein the cassette includes a race configured to provide a compression surface for a tube supported by the cassette. A roller assembly is operatively connected to the pump body, wherein the roller assembly includes a plurality of rollers configured to apply a predetermined force to the tube, thereby compressing the tube against the race. The peristaltic pump assembly further includes a regulator disposed in the pump body and operatively connected to the cassette, where the regulator is configured to regulate the predetermined force applied to the tube.