Compact Peristaltic Pumping Mechanism with Coordinated Gear Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peristaltic infusion devices face challenges in achieving a small-sized, efficient, and reliable pumping mechanism for administering medical fluids, as they often require complex constructions and large components.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic infusion device with a multiplicity of rotatable gear elements coupled to form a coordinated gear train, allowing for a compact and efficient pumping mechanism where the gear elements are operatively connected to ensure synchronized rotation, driven by a single or coordinated drive device, and coupled to a pumping section to create a peristaltic movement along the fluid conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a peristaltic pumping mechanism is designed to be small-sized, then the device compactness is improved, but the reliability and efficiency of pumping action may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete pump fingers (at least three) that are distributed around the fluid conduit. Each pump finger independently performs the pumping action at different locations along the conduit, enabling reliable fluid transport while maintaining a compact overall structure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable pumping through distributed functionality rather than relying on a single large pumping component.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pump fingers are combined into a single integrated pumping mechanism that operates simultaneously on different portions of the fluid conduit. The pump fingers are actuated in sequence by a compact drive mechanism, merging the functions of multiple pumping elements into one cohesive unit. This combining approach maintains compactness while achieving reliable and efficient fluid transport through coordinated action of multiple fingers.
2Ease of manufacture
If a peristaltic pumping mechanism is designed with simple construction, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the efficiency and reliability of infusion operation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pump fingers are designed to be movable relative to the fluid conduit, allowing dynamic actuation along the conduit length. This dynamic configuration enables efficient fluid transport as the pump fingers sequentially compress and release different portions of the conduit. The movable design achieves high infusion efficiency while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of basic actuation mechanisms.
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 enables a compact, reliable, and efficient infusion operation by ensuring coordinated rotation of gear elements, resulting in a consistent and effective fluid flow through the infusion device, suitable for administering medical fluids to patients.
Implementation Method 1
The pumping mechanism is configured to act onto a pumping section by means of a multiplicity of rotatable gear elements... the gear elements are operatively coupled to each other for a coordinated rotation of the gear elements for moving the pumping section
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion device (1) for administering a medical fluid to a patient (P) comprises a pumping mechanism (4) configured to act onto a fluid conduit (20), the pumping mechanism (4) comprising a pumping section (42) movable with respect to said fluid conduit (20) for causing a fluid flow (F) through said fluid conduit (20). The pumping mechanism (4) comprises a multiplicity of rotatable gear elements (45A-45E) coupled to the pumping section (42) at a multiplicity of different locations (43A-43E), wherein the gear elements (45A, 45E) are operatively coupled to each other for a coordinated rotation of the gear elements (45A-45E) for moving the pumping section (42). In this way an infusion device is provided which may allow for a small-sized pumping mechanism, yet providing for a reliable and efficient infusion operation.