Recirculating Fluid Pump Module for Suspension Homogeneity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid delivery systems struggle to maintain the homogeneity of suspensions or dispersions of active particles during administration, leading to reproducibility and reliability issues, and require complex structural solutions to achieve high pressures and flow rates.

Innovation Solution

A fluid delivery system with a recirculation circuit and actuator that alternately recirculates fluid between variable-volume sub-chambers within a pump module, ensuring pressure equalization and maintaining desired fluid properties before delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If a conventional pump system is used to deliver fluid, then high pressure can be achieved, but pressure pulsations and latency time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepressureVSAvoidpressure stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump chamber is divided into two separate variable-volume sub-chambers (first and second sub-chambers) that operate alternately. This segmentation allows one sub-chamber to be pressurizing while the other is refilling, thereby smoothing out pressure pulsations and reducing latency time between delivery cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic reciprocation of the piston that alternates between compressing fluid in the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber. This periodic action ensures continuous fluid delivery with reduced pressure variations, as one sub-chamber is always in compression phase while the other is in refill phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If a complex structural solution is implemented to achieve high pressures and flow rates, then delivery performance improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single piston serves multiple functions by alternately acting as a compressor for both sub-chambers. The same piston movement mechanism generates pressure in one sub-chamber while simultaneously enabling refill in the other, reducing the need for separate pumping mechanisms and simplifying the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own internal pressure differentials to automatically refill the sub-chambers. When one sub-chamber is being pressurized, the pressure differential automatically draws fluid into the other sub-chamber through the fluid circuit, eliminating the need for additional active refill mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If fluid is delivered without recirculation, then delivery speed is maintained, but homogeneity of suspension deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidsuspension homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary mixing action during the refill phase of each cycle. As fluid is drawn into the sub-chambers from the supply reservoir, the fluid path and chamber geometry promote mixing that maintains suspension homogeneity before the fluid is pressurized and delivered, ensuring homogeneous delivery without sacrificing delivery speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system effectively reduces pressure pulsations and latency time, ensures homogeneous delivery, and operates efficiently at lower pressures without complex structures, achieving consistent fluid properties and high flow rates.

Implementation Method 1

a piston (32) contained in said chamber, said piston having a plunger (34) that, in cooperation with internal walls of said chamber, defines first (35) and second (36) variable-volume sub-chambers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReciprocating motion:

Implementation Method 2

a driving unit (M) connected to said piston for reciprocating the piston within said chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a recirculation fluid circuit (60; 260) fluidically connecting said first and second variable-volume sub-chambers (35; 36)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization:

Data Source

PatentUS12415029B2Fluid delivery system

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A fluid delivery system is disclosed which comprises at least one supply station for supplying at least one fluid, a pressurizing unit for pressurizing said at least one fluid, an inlet fluid circuit in fluid communication with said at least one supply station and with a pump module of said pressurizing unit and an outlet fluid circuit in fluid communication with said pump module for discharging the fluid from the chamber. The chamber is provided with a piston reciprocating therein, thereby defining first and second variable-volume sub-chambers. The fluid delivery system further comprises a recirculation fluid circuit fluidically connecting said first and second variable-volume sub-chambers, and an actuator associated to said recirculation fluid circuit for managing the passage of said at least one fluid between said first and second variable-volume sub-chambers in both directions. A method of operating the fluid delivery system is also disclosed.