Electronic Pump Angle Adjustment for Precise Flow and Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps require manual adjustment for output volume per revolution, leading to limitations in electronic control, sinusoidal flow rates, varying aspirate and dispense volumes, and accuracy issues related to syringe pump barrel sizes, which restrict their application in precise fluid dispensing and priming processes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic angle adjustment mechanism using a linear actuator and flexible member to pivot the motor and pump flanges, allowing for remote adjustment of the angle between the motor shaft and pump piston, enabling constant flow rates and precise volume control through electronic actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual adjustment methods (adjusting screw, fixed links, eccentric bushing) are used to change output volume per revolution, then the pump can be set to a specific displacement, but the adjustment process requires manual intervention and cannot be electronically controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms (adjusting screws, fixed links, eccentric bushings) with an electronic linear actuator that automatically positions the pump piston at a desired angle relative to the motor shaft, enabling electronic control of output volume per revolution without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linear actuator as an intermediary device between the control system and the pump mechanism. This actuator mediates the connection by electronically adjusting the angular position of the pump piston, thereby translating electronic control signals into mechanical position adjustments
2Device complexity
If a fixed displacement pump is used, then the pump structure is simple, but the flow rate varies sinusoidally during rotation instead of remaining constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump piston angle adjustable during operation. By dynamically changing the angular position of the pump piston relative to the motor shaft using a linear actuator, the system optimizes the displacement volume per revolution to achieve more constant flow rates while maintaining the simplicity of the fixed displacement pump structure
3Measurement precision
If a syringe pump is used to achieve constant flow rate, then the flow rate is stable, but the accuracy is tied to the barrel size making small volume dispenses inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of pump displacement volume by adjusting the angular position of the pump piston. This allows the system to deliver small, accurate volumes by reducing the displacement per revolution rather than using a smaller barrel, thereby maintaining priming speed while improving small volume dispense accuracy
4Productivity
If the pump operates at high output volume per revolution, then priming is fast, but the dispense volume is too large for applications requiring small volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the pump's output volume per revolution by changing the pump piston angle during operation. This allows the system to switch between high displacement modes for fast priming and low displacement modes for small volume dispenses, optimizing both priming speed and dispense volume control
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 electronic adjustment of output volume per revolution, overcoming sinusoidal flow issues, achieving predictable and accurate aspirate and dispense volumes, and allowing a single pump to mimic both large and small barrel sizes, thereby reducing the need for separate pumps and improving priming efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
When actuated, the linear actuator drives the flexible member in a curved path causing the motor flange and the pump flange to pivot with respect to each other about the hinge, thereby changing an angle between the motor flange and the pump flange.
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
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic angle adjustment mechanism for a pump and a motor generally includes a base and a linear actuator. 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 linear actuator is mounted to on an attachment plate that also attaches the motor to the upper base portion. The linear actuator can drive a flexible member or connect to a gear wheel or worm screw to pivot about the hinge and change an angle between the upper and lower base portions.