Disposable Pump Cartridge Clutch for Reliable Rotor Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phacoemulsification pumps are difficult to sterilize and replacing the entire pump apparatus is expensive, making them impractical for repeated use in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cartridge with two progressive cavity pumps is inserted into a base containing motors and a mechanical coupling mechanism, allowing the cartridge to be discarded after use while the base is reused, with a lock and button mechanism for easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire pump apparatus is replaced after each use, then sterilization requirements are met, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into two segments: a reusable base containing the motor and a disposable cartridge containing the rotor-stator assembly. This segmentation allows the sterilization requirement to be met by discarding the contaminated cartridge while retaining the expensive motor base for repeated use, thereby resolving the contradiction between sterilization compliance and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge containing the rotor and stator is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is discarded after a single use. This allows the system to meet sterilization requirements without replacing the entire expensive pump apparatus, effectively resolving the contradiction between reliability (sterilization) and loss of substance (cost).
2Loss of substance
If the cartridge is made removable and disposable, then cost is reduced, but mechanical coupling reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is extracted as a separate, removable component from the motor base. The mechanical coupling mechanism includes features such as keyed shafts, set screws, or splines that ensure reliable torque transmission during operation. This extraction allows the rotor to be easily replaced while maintaining sufficient mechanical coupling reliability through proper design of the connection features.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than permanently fixed. It allows for easy insertion and removal of the cartridge while providing sufficient mechanical engagement during operation. Features such as spring-loaded connectors or friction-fit interfaces enable the coupling to be both reliable during use and easily separable for replacement.
3Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to secure the cartridge, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the cartridge insertion structure itself. For example, the act of inserting the cartridge into the base automatically engages locking features such as snap-fit lugs, cam-locked interfaces, or bayonet connectors. This integration provides reliable connection stability without adding separate, complex locking components, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
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 cost-effective and efficient fluid management during phacoemulsification procedures by allowing the disposable cartridge to be replaced after each use, reducing sterilization costs and maintaining system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
two springs slidably disposed over the shafts, respectively, the springs being configured to couple the shafts with the rotors by pushing the second connectors toward the first connectors
Implementation Method 2
the lock further includes a spring configured to lock the cartridge in place by holding the locking element in the aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus for mechanically coupling a motor to a rotor includes an outer ring including an inner surface shaped to define multiple recesses, an inner ring disposed within the outer ring and shaped to define multiple compartments having respective outer openings, which face the outer ring, and respective inner openings opposite the outer openings, and multiple gripping elements disposed within the compartments, respectively. The inner ring is configured to receive the rotor while the compartments are aligned with the of recesses, by virtue of the gripping elements sitting at least partially within the recesses. The outer ring is configured to couple with a shaft coupled with the motor such that rotation of the shaft by the motor causes the compartments to become misaligned with the recesses, thereby causing the outer ring to push the gripping elements, through the outer openings, against the rotor, through the inner openings.