Progressive Cavity Pump Coupling for Disposable Cartridge Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing progressive cavity pumps used in phacoemulsification procedures are difficult to sterilize and replacing the entire pump apparatus is expensive, necessitating a cost-effective solution for reuse.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cartridge with two progressive cavity pumps is used, coupled to a base with motors via a mechanical coupling mechanism, allowing the cartridge to be ejected and replaced after use, while the base is reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire pump apparatus is replaced after use, then sterility and functionality are ensured, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into two segments: a reusable motor base and a disposable cartridge containing the rotor and stator. This segmentation allows the sterile, single-use cartridge to be replaced while the expensive motor base is reused, thereby ensuring sterility without incurring the full cost of replacing the entire apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge containing the rotor and stator is designed as a disposable, single-use component. After one use, the entire cartridge is discarded and replaced with a new one, ensuring sterility for each procedure while avoiding the high cost of replacing the motor base.
2Reliability
If the entire pump apparatus is replaced after use, then functionality is ensured, but expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into a reusable motor base and a disposable cartridge. This allows the motor base, which contains the expensive electronic and mechanical components, to be reused across multiple procedures, while only the consumable cartridge is replaced, thereby maintaining functionality at reduced expense.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a disposable component that contains the consumable parts (rotor and stator). Replacing only this inexpensive cartridge ensures the system is ready for the next procedure without the expense of replacing the entire apparatus.
3Loss of substance
If the cartridge is designed to be disposable, then sterilization costs are reduced, but the mechanical coupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the motor base and the disposable cartridge. This coupling includes alignment features and connection elements that automatically engage when the cartridge is inserted, providing a reliable mechanical link without requiring complex manual assembly or alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling is designed to self-align and self-engage when the cartridge is inserted into the motor base. Alignment features such as tapered surfaces or guide rails automatically position the rotor with the stator, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures and reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a proximal shaft configured to mechanically couple to a motor, a first universal joint, a middle shaft coupled to the proximal shaft via the first universal joint, a housing having a bore, a second universal joint within the bore, a distal shaft coupled to the middle shaft via the second universal joint, and a connector disposed over the distal shaft. The bore limits a downward tilt of the distal shaft such that, as a rotor approaches the distal shaft, the distal shaft becomes axially aligned with the rotor by virtue of the proximal end of the rotor entering the connector or vice versa. A spring connected proximally to the connector and distally to the second universal joint is configured to decompress, thereby reversibly coupling the connector to the proximal end of the rotor, upon the motor rotationally aligning the connector with the proximal end of the rotor.