Peristaltic Pump Movable Stator Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peristaltic pumps used in beverage dispensing systems face challenges in efficiently managing the interaction between the rotor and stator, leading to issues with tube alignment, pinching, and wear, which affect the consistency and efficiency of concentrate dispensing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable occlusion bed or stator with a lever arm and cam structure that facilitates easy engagement and disengagement of the flexible tube, reducing the force required for tube installation and providing a positive stop to prevent unintended disengagement, while the non-circular rotor plates prevent tube pinching and promote alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed stator is used in the peristaltic pump, then the structure is simple, but the tube alignment and pinching consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The stator can move along the rotor to maintain proper alignment with the flexible tube during operation, improving pinching consistency while managing complexity through controlled motion rather than complete flexibility
2Reliability
If high force is applied to secure the tube between rotor and stator, then the tube retention is improved, but the tube wear and pinching damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam structure changes the mechanical parameters of tube retention by converting rotational motion into controlled linear compression. This allows the stator to apply sufficient force to secure the tube through gradual compression rather than sudden high-force clamping, reducing impact damage while maintaining reliable retention
Solution Approach 2:
The cam structure performs preliminary action by gradually compressing the tube between the rotor and stator before full pinching occurs. This staged compression allows the tube to be securely retained while minimizing sudden stress that could cause damage or wear
3Temperature
If the motor is placed in the refrigerated area, then the temperature control is improved, but the motor reliability and longevity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is extracted from the refrigerated area and positioned externally. This separation protects the motor from harsh refrigeration conditions while maintaining temperature control capability through the pump's mechanical design, thereby improving motor reliability and longevity
4Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent stator disengagement, then the unintended disengagement is prevented, but the ease of tube installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam structure provides self-service functionality where the act of inserting the tube automatically triggers the cam to engage the stator in the correct position. The cam's geometry ensures proper engagement without requiring separate locking actions, while still providing a positive stop to prevent unintended disengagement during 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
This configuration enhances the operational efficiency and longevity of the pump by reducing wear and ensuring proper tube alignment, allowing for precise control over concentrate dispensing and maintaining the freshness of the beverage by separating the motor from the refrigerated area.
Implementation Method 1
a cam structure to move the stator into engagement with the tube against the rotor
Implementation Method 2
a lever arm to move the stator into engagement with the tube against the rotor
Implementation Method 3
rollers on the rotary device or rotary sequentially pinch or squeeze the flexible tube against the stator
Data Source
AI summary
A peristaltic pump assembly and system that facilitates reliable and efficient engagement and removal of a flexible tube. A stator is pivotally retained on a structure and cooperatively operated by a lever arm and cam to engage and disengage the stator from the tube and a corresponding rotor. The stator pivots at a point distal from a point of rotation of the rotor and the lever arm moves about a fixed rotation axis to engage and disengage the stator with the tube relative to the rotor.