Peristaltic Pump Roller Configuration for Steady Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer-mounted sprayer systems using peristaltic pumps do not provide a steady flow of pressurized fluid, as they deliver liquid in widely spaced pulses rather than a continuous flow, unlike systems with separate electrical or mechanical pumps.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump design with a compressible tube wrapped around rollers that rotate 360°, providing additional compression and increasing the number of pulses per wheel rotation, allowing for a smoother and more consistent delivery of pressurized fluid to the spray head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional peristaltic pumps are used in trailer-mounted sprayer systems, then the system eliminates the need for separate electrical or mechanical pumps, but the liquid is delivered in widely spaced pulses rather than a steady flow
Solution Approach 1:
The pump tube is divided into multiple compression zones by using multiple rollers (at least two rollers) that compress the tube at different positions. This segmentation of the compression process creates multiple smaller pulses per wheel rotation, transforming the flow pattern from widely spaced single pulses to a series of closely spaced pulses that approximate steady flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the periodic rotation of the trailer wheels to drive the rollers through the pump tube. By configuring at least two rollers to compress the tube at different angular positions during wheel rotation, the system generates periodic compression pulses that occur at regular intervals throughout each rotation, creating a more continuous and steady flow pattern compared to single-pulse systems.
2Productivity
If peristaltic pumps driven by trailer wheels are used, then additional pumping means are eliminated, but the number of pulses per wheel rotation is insufficient for steady flow
Solution Approach 1:
The pump tube is divided into multiple compression zones by using multiple rollers (at least two rollers) that compress the tube at different positions. This segmentation of the compression process creates multiple smaller pulses per wheel rotation, transforming the flow pattern from widely spaced single pulses to a series of closely spaced pulses that approximate steady flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses more roller compressions per wheel rotation than conventional single-pulse designs, creating a greater number of pulses (excessive action) to achieve the desired steady flow effect. This partial multiplication of compression events within each rotation cycle ensures sufficient pulse frequency for continuous spray operation.
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
The improved peristaltic pump design achieves a 25% greater number of pulses, resulting in a steadier flow of liquid, comparable to systems using separate pumps, while eliminating the need for additional pumping means in a self-pumping sprayer system.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump having a compressible pumping tube disposed along a generally circular path extending over 360° along rollers. The rollers which compress the tube engage parallel side by side regions of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A sprayer system having a trailer, which is pulled by a tractor or other tow body, and has a tank carrying liquid to be sprayed and a spray head. The trailer has a peristaltic pump mounted on a frame and driving pumping power from the wheels of the trailer so that the sprayer is self pumping when the trailer is pulled. The peristaltic pump provides a smooth flow by providing a multiplicity of pulses of liquid produced by the pump from the rotation of the trailer wheels by wrapping the compressible tube of each pump around an assembly of rollers which are rotated by drive wheels. The tube is wrapped at least 360° around the rollers and is held stationary by being connected to fixed outlet and inlets of each pump. The tube lies side by side on at least one of the rollers of each assembly and overlaps that roller.