Electronic Pump Angle Adjustment for Constant Flow Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed displacement pumps require manual adjustment of output volume per revolution, leading to sinusoidal flow rates and varying aspirate volumes, and are limited by syringe barrel size accuracy and priming requirements, making them inconvenient for precise and efficient fluid dispensing.
Innovation Solution
An electronic angle adjustment mechanism using a linear actuator and flexible member to pivot the motor and pump flanges, allowing electronic control of the angle between the motor shaft and pump piston, enabling constant flow rates and adaptable barrel sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment methods (adjusting screw, fixed linkage, or eccentric bushing) are used to change output volume per revolution, then the pump can be adjusted to different target output volumes, but manual intervention is required and the pump becomes convenient for use at a single output volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms (adjusting screws, fixed linkages, or eccentric bushings) with an electronic actuation system. The base portion includes a motor-driven mechanism that electronically adjusts the angle between the upper and lower base portions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining the ability to change output volume per revolution at different target values
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing the angle between the upper and lower base portions to be changed during operation. The electronic actuation mechanism enables real-time modification of the pump's output volume per revolution, transforming a static single-output pump into a dynamic multi-output device that can adapt to different volumetric requirements without manual intervention
2Extent of automation
If rigid members are used to translate linear motion to angular motion for electronic adjustment, then angular movement can be achieved, but varying angular movement relative to linear movement creates a complex relationship defining the linear motion required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible member (flexible linkage) to connect the linear actuator to the base portion, replacing rigid members. This flexible member allows for a simpler, more direct translation of linear motion to angular motion without the complex rigid linkage mechanisms, reducing the complexity of the motion translation while maintaining electronic adjustability
3Productivity
If a fixed displacement pump is used with constant motor speed, then the pump can dispense fluid, but the flow rate is sinusoidal rather than constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic angle adjustment to compensate for the sinusoidal flow pattern. By continuously varying the angle between the upper and lower base portions during motor rotation, the system can flatten the flow curve and achieve more constant flow rates, transforming the inherent sinusoidal output into a more uniform dispensing pattern
4Measurement precision
If traditional syringe pumps are used to achieve constant flow rate, then accurate small volume dispensing is possible, but the accuracy is tied to syringe barrel size and smaller barrels reduce accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the pump mechanism by adjusting the angle between the upper and lower base portions. This parameter change allows the same pump hardware to function with different effective barrel sizes, enabling accurate small volume dispensing without requiring physically smaller syringe barrels that would compromise accuracy
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
Enables precise, electronic adjustment of output volume per revolution, overcoming sinusoidal flow issues and varying aspirate volumes, and combining priming and dispensing functions in a single pump, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A linear actuator is mounted to one of the motor flange or the pump flange of the base and the flexible member has a proximal end attached to the linear actuator
Implementation Method 2
the flexible member has a proximal end attached to the linear actuator and a distal end opposite the proximal end connected to the other of the motor flange or the pump flange of the base. When actuated, the linear actuator drives the flexible member in a curved path
Implementation Method 3
a hinge or hinge assembly disposed between the motor flange and the pump flange
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic angle adjustment mechanism for a pump and a motor generally includes a base and an actuating motor. The base has an upper portion mounted to a motor, a lower portion mounted to a pump, and a hinge for pivotably moving the upper base portion in relation to the lower base portion. The actuating motor is mounted on an attachment plate that is attached to the upper base portion. The actuating motor is connected to a gear wheel that engages an arcuate member attached to the lower portion to pivot about the hinge and change the angle between the upper and lower base portions.