Peristaltic Pump Assembly with Self-Sealing Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers face issues with accuracy, high failure rates, cost, cleanliness, and dripping problems due to complex pumping mechanisms and packaging challenges.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump assembly with a motor housing and electrical connector for easy disengagement, a performance identifier for motor control, and self-sealing dispensing valves to prevent dripping, along with a design that allows for quick cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a complex pumping mechanism is used to dispense liquids, then the dispensing capability is improved, but the reliability and ease of maintenance deteriorate due to high failure rates and difficulty in cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping mechanism is divided into separable components: the pump head can be detached from the motor assembly, and the tubing can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation allows individual components to be cleaned, maintained, or replaced independently, reducing overall system failure rates while maintaining dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump head is extracted as a separate removable component from the motor assembly. This extraction enables the pump head to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire dispenser, thereby improving reliability while preserving the dispensing function.
2Productivity
If a complex pumping mechanism is used to dispense liquids, then the dispensing capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is segmented into modular components (motor assembly, pump head, tubing) that can be manufactured separately using standard manufacturing processes. This modular segmentation simplifies production, reduces tooling costs, and allows for easier assembly, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining dispensing capability.
3Productivity
If traditional dispensing valves are used, then the dispensing function is achieved, but dripping occurs and user intervention is required to prevent it
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a self-sealing valve that automatically seals the tubing when dispensing stops, preventing dripping without requiring user intervention. The valve responds automatically to pressure changes, sealing itself when the pump stops moving liquid, thereby eliminating the need for users to manually close valves or remember to prevent dripping.
4Strength
If the motor housing is permanently attached to the base, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The motor housing is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the base through a quick-connect mechanism. This segmentation allows the motor housing to be easily removed for maintenance or replacement while maintaining structural integrity during operation, and enables quick reattachment without requiring complex assembly procedures.
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 solution enhances pumping accuracy, reduces failure rates, and prevents dripping without user intervention, while being cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor assembly coupled to the pushers, such that rotation of the rotor assembly moves the pushers toward and away from the flexible tube in a wave-like motion
Implementation Method 2
the pressure plate being coupled to the door with a spring loaded mount such that the pressure plate is operable to travel toward and away from the pushers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for pumping and dispensing are provided in which a peristaltic pump (16, 64) pumps liquid from a package (12), and may be integrated in a dispenser (10). The peristaltic pump (64) is adapted for improved accuracy, cleaning, and maintenance. Also provided are improved tubes (18) for peristaltic pumping that are coupled to self-sealing dispensing valves (92, 104, 110, 120).