Cam-Synchronized Piston Pump With Self-Energizing Valve Seals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pumps, particularly those using direct force and close fit valve seals, are inefficient due to high energy consumption and leakage issues, making them unsuitable for applications where energy use is premium, such as in medical devices like peristaltic pumps.

Innovation Solution

The development of a pump system utilizing bi-directional self-energizing seals and a cam-driven mechanism that ensures a complete seal with low energy consumption, allowing for efficient fluid flow management and reduced manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If direct force valve seals are used, then the valve can seal against high pressure, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing pressureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve seal uses the system pressure itself to force the valve head against the seal, rather than requiring an external actuator to apply force. The pressure differential automatically drives the sealing action, making the system self-regulating and energy-efficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forcing the valve head against the seal using external force, the invention allows the pressure differential to naturally drive the valve head into the seal position, inverting the conventional approach of active forcing to passive utilization of pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If close fit valve seals are used, then sealing performance improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the sealing mechanism from relying on precise dimensional tolerances (close fit) to relying on pressure-driven engagement. This allows for larger tolerances and simpler manufacturing while maintaining reliable sealing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the requirement for precise close-fit tolerances from the sealing mechanism, replacing it with a pressure-driven engagement system that is easier to manufacture but maintains sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If direct force valves operate at low pressure, then system efficiency improves, but the valve still requires high force to seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidsealing force

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The valve sealing force is made dynamic rather than static - it automatically adjusts to match the system pressure requirements. At low operating pressures, the sealing force is correspondingly low, eliminating the need to maintain high sealing force continuously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11255316B2Pump

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 JACOBSEN INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

A pump includes a pair of valves, coupled to a camshaft that selectively opens and closes the valves such that when one valve opens the other valve closes. The valves are in fluid communication with a piston chamber. A crankshaft operates a piston in a piston cylinder with the opening and closing of the valves such that as the piston is drawn from the piston chamber, the inlet valve is open and the outlet valve is closed and when the piston is forced into the chamber, the outlet valve is open and the inlet valve is closed. The camshaft and crankshaft are coupled together to cause synchronous operation of the valves and piston.