Pump Driving Method for Pressure Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump driving methods lack effective evaluation techniques to assess the operational state of pumps in pressure-applying apparatuses, leading to potential deterioration and reduced performance, which can result in inaccurate measurements and sample contamination.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a pressure detector and atmospheric air open valve to equalize pressure in the flow passage to atmospheric pressure, then evaluate the pump's state by measuring pressure at a predetermined time, allowing for adjustments in driving conditions based on detected pressure deviations from a reference, thereby preventing pump deterioration and maintaining accurate operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pump is used to impart pressure into a flow passage, then fluid flow is achieved, but the operational state of the pump cannot be evaluated, leading to potential deterioration and reduced performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump operational state evaluationVSAvoidevaluation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A pressure detector is introduced as an intermediary device to indirectly evaluate pump performance by measuring pressure changes in the flow passage. Instead of directly measuring pump output, the system uses pressure as a mediator parameter that reflects pump operational state, enabling reliable evaluation without complex direct measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring pressure changes in the flow passage and using this information to evaluate pump operational state. The pressure detector provides real-time feedback signals that indicate whether the pump is operating properly, allowing for timely adjustments or maintenance to prevent deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If pressure is detected multiple times to evaluate pump state, then measurement accuracy improves, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by equalizing pressure in the flow passage to atmospheric pressure before beginning measurements. This is achieved by opening an atmospheric air open valve to balance the pressure, ensuring that subsequent pressure measurements accurately reflect only the pump's contribution rather than pre-existing pressure variations, thereby improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic action by detecting pressure at specific intervals after closing the atmospheric air open valve. Multiple pressure measurements are taken at predetermined time points, and the arithmetic mean of these measurements is calculated to evaluate pump performance. This periodic sampling approach balances measurement accuracy with time efficiency by avoiding continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If the atmospheric air open valve is opened to equalize pressure, then pressure measurement accuracy improves, but the flow passage must be isolated from the pump during measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure detection accuracyVSAvoidpump operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the measurement process into distinct phases: a pressure equalization phase where the atmospheric air open valve is opened to balance pressure, and a measurement phase where the valve is closed and pressure is detected at predetermined intervals. This segmentation allows accurate pressure measurements while enabling the pump to operate continuously in between measurement cycles, minimizing impact on productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This method enables precise evaluation and adjustment of pump performance, reducing measurement errors and preventing pump deterioration, ensuring consistent operation and accurate sample analysis.

Implementation Method 1

driving of the pump causes air in the flow passage to be pushed out, thereby equalizing pressure in the flow passage to atmospheric pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a pressure detector configured to detect pressure in the flow passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 3

a pump configured to impart pressure into the flow passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure generation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3933195B1Method of driving pump
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 ARKRAY INC
  • EP3933195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3933195B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3933195B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of driving a pump is used in a pressure-applying apparatus (10), the apparatus including a flow passage (22), a pump (30) configured to impart pressure into the flow passage, an opening and closing valve (26) configured to open and close the flow passage (22), a pressure detector (32) configured to detect pressure in the flow passage (22), and an atmospheric air open valve (34) configured to open an interior of the flow passage (22) to atmospheric air. The method includes driving the pump (30) after closing the opening and closing valve (26) and opening the atmospheric air open valve (34), and evaluating a state of the pump (30), based on one of: the pressure detected by the pressure detector (32) at a time at which a predetermined time period has elapsed after closing the atmospheric air open valve (34), and a time from closing of the atmospheric air open valve (34) until detection of a predetermined pressure by the pressure detector (32).