Pump Head Thumb Hole and Non-Return Valve for Sterile Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held peristaltic pumps used in sterile or clean-room environments often cause finger trapping, leading to glove damage and contamination, and prolonged use can result in repetitive strain injury (RSI), while the internal pressure from sterilization by gamma irradiation is not effectively released due to sealed vent tubes.
Innovation Solution
A pump head design with a thumb hole to accommodate the user's thumb and a non-return valve arrangement in the tubing system that allows pressure release without a separate vent tube, reducing complexity and preventing finger trapping and RSI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a separate vent tube is used to release internal pressure, then pressure release is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the venting function with the existing dispensing tube by incorporating a non-return valve into the tube assembly. This eliminates the need for a separate vent tube, reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure release capability. The non-return valve allows bidirectional flow through the same tube used for dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing tube is given multiple functions: it serves both as the fluid dispensing pathway and as the pressure release pathway through the non-return valve. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the pump apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If fingers are positioned on the trigger for operation, then pump actuation is achieved, but finger trapping and glove damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thumb hole that provides a third-dimensional solution to the finger trapping problem. Instead of only considering the horizontal trigger pressing motion, the design adds a vertical dimension by allowing the thumb to pass through the trigger, creating space that prevents pinching while maintaining actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb hole acts as an intermediary feature between the user's thumb and the trigger mechanism. It provides a controlled passage that allows the thumb to interact with the trigger for actuation while preventing direct contact between the finger and the potentially trapping surfaces.
3Stress or pressure
If a one-way valve is used for venting, then pressure release is achieved, but air cannot be pumped into the container
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve provides dynamic, bidirectional flow control based on pressure differentials. When internal pressure exceeds external pressure, the valve opens to release pressure. When external pressure exceeds internal pressure, the valve opens to allow air intake. This dynamic response enables both venting and air pumping functions without requiring separate mechanisms.
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 design ensures safe operation in sterile environments by preventing finger trapping and reducing RSI, while the non-return valve effectively manages internal pressure changes caused by sterilization, simplifying the pump apparatus construction.
Implementation Method 1
A peristaltic pump is a positive displacement pump used to dispense a fluid from a container through a flexible dispensing tube. The pump member acts on the dispensing tube to pump liquid from the container.
Implementation Method 2
The container may be subject to pressure changes, for example when the liquid in the container is sterilised by irradiation by gamma or other rays. A non-return valve arrangement in the tubing system that allows pressure release
Data Source
AI summary
A pump apparatus (1) comprises a pump head(2) and a container (20) for a liquid to be dispensed. The pump head(2) has a flexible dispensing tube(4) in fluid connection with the inside of the container(20). The fluid connection between the dispensing tube (4) and the inside of the container (20) is provided by a supply tube (28) which co-operates with the dispensing tube (4) to provide a non-return valve function. An end (48) of the supply tube (28) is disposed within an end of the dispensing tube (4) and the non-return valve function is provided by a hole (46) through a side wall of the supply tube (28) in a region where the dispensing tube (4) overlaps the supply tube, whereby the dispensing tube (4) provides a seal over the hole (46) to prevent ingress of fluid when the internal pressure is lower than the external pressure. Another aspect of the invention provides a container (20) for use in the pump apparatus.