Peristaltic Pump Roller Adjustment Crank Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current peristaltic pumps require simultaneous operation by two persons to adjust the orbital position of operating rollers, making it difficult to maintain correct compression and synchronization of the flexible tube, especially when dealing with varying fluidity characteristics of the product and tube flexibility over time.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring crank means mounted on the rotor end walls allows for single-operator adjustment of the operating rollers by rotating one end of the crank, which transmits radial displacement to the rollers, enabling precise positioning and compression of the flexible tube.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If adjustment means with slides and adjusting screws are used on both ends of spindles, then the orbital position of operating rollers can be adjusted, but simultaneous operation by two persons is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdjustment operationVSAvoidAdjustment device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adjustment operations of both ends of the spindles into a single crank mechanism. By rotating one crank, both adjustment means are actuated simultaneously through mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for two operators to work independently on each end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The crank mechanism serves as an intermediary device that translates a single rotational input into coordinated radial displacements at both ends of the spindles. This intermediary mechanism ensures synchronized adjustment without requiring direct manual intervention at both locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If inspection ports are provided on both end walls for adjustment, then roller position can be modified, but maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidStator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adjustment functionality from both end walls and consolidates it into a single accessible location through the crank mechanism. This allows the adjustment operation to be performed through one inspection port rather than requiring access to both end walls, simplifying maintenance procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If radial displacement means are provided at both ends of spindles, then tube compression can be controlled, but operator skill requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTube compression controlVSAvoidOperator skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The crank mechanism provides inherent feedback through its mechanical geometry, ensuring that radial displacements at both ends of the spindles are coordinated and synchronized. This mechanical feedback system automatically maintains the correct geometric relationship between adjustment points, reducing the skill level required for proper adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to self-regulate the coordination between both ends of the spindles through the crank's mechanical linkage. The system automatically ensures proper synchronization of radial displacements without requiring the operator to manually coordinate complex movements at both locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1980750B1Device for the adjustment of the orbital position of the operating rollers of the rotor of a peristaltic pump
Publication Date: 2012.07.04 MUSIANI GIANCARLO
  • EP1980750B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The device for simplified adjustment of the orbital location of operating rollers (10, 10') of the rotor of a peristaltic pump, in particular for pumps for conveying concrete, cement mixes, plaster, mortar, sludge or the like, comprises crank means (15) which are mounted rotatably on the walls of the rotor, opposite the said rollers (10, 10') and parallel to the axis of rotation (7) of the rotor (9) of the pump. The crank means, by their very nature, may be operated with a rotation applied to only one of their ends which is provided with means (17-19) for reversible fastening to the adjacent wall of the rotor, so as to be able to stabilise the crank in the given angular position, the stem of the said crank and the spindle of the said operating rollers being designed and kinematically connected together using any means such that, with rotation of the crank, it is possible to vary the orbital position of the operating rollers (10, 10') on the rotor (9) of the pump.