Plastic Reciprocating Pump Actuator for Solvent Resistance and Low Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid dispensing systems face issues with compatibility of organic solvents and lubricants due to chemical attack on metal and glass components, delamination of glass equipment, and high friction in plastic systems, necessitating a plastic pumping/actuating system with improved lubricity and solvent resistance.
Innovation Solution
A plastic reciprocating actuator system using cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) cylinders with fluoropolymer coatings and thermoplastic elastomer pistons, reducing static friction to less than 2.5-4.0 N, and incorporating check valves for fluid communication and mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal or glass actuators and pumps are used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but chemical compatibility with organic solvents and lubricants deteriorates due to chemical attack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plastic materials specifically designed to be chemically resistant to organic solvents and lubricants while maintaining structural integrity. The actuator and pump components are made from plastic materials that form a chemically compatible system, eliminating the chemical attack problem inherent in metal or glass constructions.
2Illumination intensity
If glass equipment is used, then optical clarity is improved, but mechanical durability deteriorates due to delamination after usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic materials that provide both optical clarity and mechanical durability. The plastic construction eliminates the delamination issue associated with glass while maintaining the ability to transmit light, thus resolving the contradiction between optical clarity and mechanical durability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic actuators and pumps are used, then chemical compatibility with organic solvents is improved, but friction within the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface properties of plastic components through coating or material selection to reduce friction. By changing the surface characteristics of the plastic actuator and pump components, the system achieves low friction operation while maintaining chemical compatibility with organic solvents.
4Ease of operation
If standard lubricants are used with plastic components, then lubricity is improved, but chemical compatibility deteriorates as lubricants attack the plastic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical properties of the lubrication system by selecting lubricants that are chemically compatible with plastic materials. This parameter change in lubricant selection eliminates the chemical attack problem while maintaining effective lubrication of the plastic components.
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 system effectively contains and pumps organic solvents, provides optical clarity, and reduces friction, ensuring compatibility and functionality in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a fluoropolymer coating applied within the first cylinder, within the second cylinder, and to the piston of the first plunger and the piston of the second plunger
Implementation Method 2
Either or both of the first and second cylinders may comprise cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or cyclo-olefin polymer (COP)
Implementation Method 3
The actuator assembly may also have a check valve coupled between the first cylinder and the second cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for a plastic pump/actuator capable of containing and pumping organic solvents and lubricants and having a more desirable lubricity within the system. The system has at least two cylinders, with plungers therein, oppositely disposed from each other and configured to operably connect to a pump.