Centrifugal Pump Chamber Diameter Optimization for Low Power Fluid Expulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urinary incontinence management systems, such as leg bags, face issues with leakages, difficulty in accessing the outlet for elderly or less physically able individuals, inaccurate fluid level detection, and the need for frequent battery recharging due to high power consumption by standard pumps, leading to reduced independence and increased infection risk.
Innovation Solution
A portable fluid collection apparatus with a centrifugal pump having a pump chamber diameter optimized to reduce fluidic drag, combined with detection means for accurate fluid level measurement and signaling, and a battery-powered system designed to last for at least seven days without recharging, ensuring reliable and independent fluid expulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If standard centrifugal pumps are used for fluid expulsion, then pumping pressure is achieved, but power consumption increases requiring frequent battery recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the pump chamber diameter to a specific ratio (1.05 to 1.20 times the impeller outer diameter) and adjusting operational parameters such as rotational speed and pumping duration. These parameter optimizations enable the pump to achieve required pressure levels while consuming less power, allowing battery operation for at least seven days without recharging
2Use of energy by moving object
If pump chamber diameter is reduced to decrease fluidic drag, then power consumption decreases, but pumping pressure may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing an optimal parameter range for the pump chamber diameter (1.05 to 1.20 times the impeller outer diameter). This specific parameter optimization balances fluidic drag reduction with sufficient pumping pressure generation, enabling low power consumption while maintaining effective fluid expulsion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by allowing the pump system to operate in different modes (e.g., varying rotational speeds, intermittent pumping cycles) to adapt between power consumption and pressure requirements based on actual usage conditions, achieving both energy efficiency and adequate pumping performance
3Measurement precision
If electromechanical level detection means are used, then fluid level can be detected, but device size increases and reliability decreases due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical level detection means with alternative detection methods that eliminate moving parts. This substitution maintains fluid level detection capability while improving device reliability and reducing size, consistent with the goal of creating a compact, reliable portable fluid collection apparatus
4Use of energy by moving object
If outlet tap is positioned at ankle level for gravity drainage, then energy consumption decreases, but ease of operation deteriorates for elderly or less physically able individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by incorporating an automated pump system that performs fluid expulsion without requiring user physical access to the outlet. The system automatically activates based on fluid level detection, expelling contents through a valve mechanism that does not require manual operation, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while dramatically improving ease of operation for users with limited mobility
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 provides a leak-proof, user-independent fluid expulsion system with accurate fluid level detection and extended battery life, reducing the risk of infection and enhancing user independence by minimizing the need for frequent battery recharging and improving fluid handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal pump comprising: a substantially cylindrical pump chamber having an inner diameter; a fluid inlet in fluid communication with said pump chamber; a fluid outlet in fluid communication with said pump chamber; and an impeller having an outer diameter and being rotatably mounted on a driveshaft within said pump chamber intermediate said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet, where said driveshaft is rotatable by driving means to rotate said impeller in use and accelerate fluid flowing into said pump chamber through said fluid inlet and out of said fluid outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable fluid collection apparatus comprising a fluid reservoir for receiving fluid produced by a person, and detection means (40) for detecting a property of fluid within the fluid reservoir. Said detection means comprises means for measuring a property of fluid between a first position and a second position spaced from said first position and means for measuring a property of fluid between said first position and a third position, where the distance between said first position and said third position is less than the distance between said first position and said second position. The portable fluid collection apparatus further comprises processor means configured to receive data from the detection means and determine the level of fluid within the fluid reservoir, said processor means being further configured to calibrate measured data corresponding to a property of fluid between said first position and said second position using measured data corresponding to a property of fluid between said first position and said third position in order to determine the level of fluid within the fluid reservoir.