Reciprocating Pumping Unit for Ambulatory Nutrition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current enteral or parenteral nutrition or infusion pumps face limitations due to low efficiency, short battery autonomy, and complex installation processes, making ambulatory use challenging and requiring expensive batteries.
Innovation Solution
A single-use pumping unit with a reciprocating annular membrane pump driven by an electromagnet, featuring a compact design with a small diameter membrane and low consumption electromagnet, and a support box with a retaining slide for easy installation and cleaning, enhancing autonomy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If peristaltic pumps are used for enteral or parenteral nutrition, then the pump can be compact and simple in structure, but the efficiency is very low due to friction and battery autonomy is limited to approximately 3 liters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the peristaltic mechanical pumping mechanism with a reciprocating piston pump driven by a linear electromagnet. This substitution eliminates the friction-based peristaltic action and uses direct electromagnetic linear motion to drive the piston, significantly improving energy efficiency and extending battery autonomy beyond the 3-liter limitation of peristaltic pumps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pumping system into separate functional modules: a reusable drive unit containing the electromagnet and control electronics, and a disposable pump cartridge containing the piston and tubing. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity and improving maintenance and hygiene
2Reliability
If the flexible pipe is placed between rollers or crushing pads in a cassette with attachment means, then incorrect installation is avoided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump cartridge is pre-assembled with the flexible tubing correctly positioned and connected to the piston before use. This preliminary assembly ensures proper installation configuration is built-in, eliminating the need for complex attachment means and cassettes during operation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining installation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tubing placement and attachment functions from the main pump body into a separate disposable cartridge. This allows the reusable drive unit to remain simple while the cartridge handles all tubing interface requirements, effectively separating complexity into a disposable component
3Duration of action of moving object
If specific batteries of more than 20,000J are used to extend autonomy, then battery capacity is increased, but the cost increases and autonomy is still only approximately 3 liters
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the peristaltic pump with a reciprocating piston pump driven by a linear electromagnet, the system achieves superior energy efficiency. This allows standard battery capacities to provide extended autonomy beyond 3 liters, avoiding the need for expensive high-capacity batteries while achieving the desired operational duration
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 pumping unit with increased autonomy and ease of use, allowing for precise operation and extended battery life, addressing the limitations of existing pumps and enabling more effective ambulatory use.
Implementation Method 1
a drive mechanism comprising a drive member for driving the pumping element in at least one of its reciprocating movements
Implementation Method 2
an annular membrane, one embodiment of which is illustrated in more detail by the figure 3. As can be seen, this single-use pump is essentially formed of an enclosure in three parts 1, 2, 3
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The unit has a housing including an abutment unit (20) for determining a position of a pumping casing (A) along a retaining rail and placing an alternating-movement pumping member (1a) into a drive relation with a driving member (4). The depth of the rail receiving the casing is lower than the height between rail elements of the casing and an external face of the pumping member, such that the installation of the casing in the rail automatically causes a setting under predetermined position of the pumping member.