Peristaltic Pump Rotor Identification via Integrated Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hose roller pumps in dialysis devices face issues with incorrect rotor installation due to removable stickers, leading to potential human error and the risk of mixing rotors with inappropriate spring forces, which can result in equipment damage and compromised patient safety.
Innovation Solution
A hose roller pump with a rotor mount and multiple marking devices that encode rotor properties, combined with a safety device featuring detection mechanisms to automatically verify the rotor properties, preventing incorrect operation by deactivating the pump or triggering warnings if an unsuitable rotor is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stickers are used to mark rotor properties, then identification is simple and cost-effective, but the stickers can become detached or misread leading to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sticker-based identification system with an optical/electromagnetic detection system. The rotor includes integrated marking elements (such as magnets, conductive elements, or optical markers) that are detected by corresponding sensors (magnetic sensors, conductive sensors, or optical sensors) on the stator, eliminating the need for external stickers and their associated reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is equipped with self-identifying marking elements that automatically present their properties to the detection system during installation. The system performs self-verification by comparing the detected rotor properties with the required properties for the current application, eliminating the need for manual identification and reducing human error.
2Ease of operation
If manual verification of rotor properties is used, then operation is simple, but human error can lead to incorrect rotor installation
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system provides immediate feedback about the rotor's properties to the control unit. The control unit compares the detected properties with the required properties and provides clear indication (visual, acoustic, or electronic) of whether the rotor is correct or incorrect, eliminating ambiguity and reducing human error in rotor selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic self-verification of rotor properties upon installation. The detection system automatically scans the rotor's marking elements and the control unit automatically determines compatibility, freeing the operator from manual verification tasks while ensuring accurate rotor selection.
3Productivity
If rotor properties are not verified, then the pump can operate continuously, but equipment damage may occur due to incorrect rotor usage
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system performs verification of rotor properties before the pump is allowed to operate. The control unit checks the detected rotor properties against the required properties and only permits operation when compatibility is confirmed. This preliminary verification prevents incorrect rotor usage before it can cause equipment damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback about rotor compatibility status. If an incorrect rotor is detected, the control unit prevents pump operation or triggers an alarm, providing continuous protection against equipment damage while allowing uninterrupted operation when the correct rotor is installed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A peristaltic pump, preferably for a dialysis device, has a rotor receptacle and has a rotor which can be connected to the rotor receptacle. Said rotor has preferably a multiplicity of marking devices, the type and/or arrangement of which serve(s) to encode at least one characteristic of the rotor. The peristaltic pump furthermore has a safety device with at least one sensing device by means of which the at least one characteristic of the rotor encoded by means of the marking device(s) can be checked, and which can be activated as a function of at least one of said characteristics of the rotor.