Ribbed Anvil Peristaltic Pump for Fluid Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peristaltic pumps face challenges in optimizing fluid flow and energy efficiency, particularly in accommodating a range of infusion tube types and minimizing tube degradation, due to the limitations of uniform pumping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A ribbed anvil design in the peristaltic pump with varying rib heights and widths allows for calibrated force application and optimized fluid flow, accommodating different infusion tube types and diameters, and minimizing tube degradation by focusing pressing forces on specific areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a uniform pumping mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the fluid flow control and energy efficiency are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is designed with non-uniform rib structures where different regions have different rib heights, widths, and spacing. This local variation optimizes fluid flow control and energy efficiency in different pumping zones without requiring complete redesign of the entire mechanism, thus improving productivity while limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The anvil surface is segmented into multiple rib structures rather than using a single uniform surface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of different rib elements to handle various tube types and diameters, improving overall fluid flow control while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't excessively increase device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressing force is increased to accommodate different tube types, then adaptability improves, but tube degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different rib regions on the anvil have optimized local characteristics (height, width, spacing) that are tailored to specific tube types and diameters. This allows the system to adapt to various tubes without applying excessive uniform pressing force, as each rib configuration is designed to work effectively with its corresponding tube specification, thereby reducing tube degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structures on the anvil vary in geometric parameters (height, width, spacing) to match different tube characteristics. By changing these physical parameters of the rib structures rather than increasing pressing force, the system achieves adaptability to different tube types while minimizing mechanical stress and degradation on the tubes.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend operation time, then duration improves, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of energy limitation into a benefit by optimizing mechanical efficiency. The non-uniform rib structures reduce energy consumption during pumping operations, effectively extending battery operation time without requiring larger or heavier batteries, thus improving duration while avoiding weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the geometric parameters of the rib structures (height, width, spacing), the system optimizes pumping efficiency and reduces energy consumption. This allows extended battery operation time to be achieved through improved energy utilization rather than simply increasing battery capacity, avoiding the trade-off between duration and weight.
4Manufacturing precision
If rib structures are added to the anvil, then fluid flow control improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structures are designed with local quality variations rather than complex overall patterns. Each rib region has specific height, width, and spacing optimized for its function, but the individual rib elements remain relatively simple geometric features that can be manufactured using standard machining or molding techniques, thus achieving precise fluid flow control without excessive manufacturing complexity.
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 ribbed anvil design enhances fluid flow control, reduces energy consumption, and extends battery life by optimizing each pumping cycle, ensuring consistent fluid delivery across a range of tube conditions without increasing the complexity of pump parameters.
Implementation Method 1
finger-type peristaltic pump comprising a plurality of pressing-fingers, infusion-tube, and a passive interface mechanism
Implementation Method 2
pressing-fingers to apply an approximated tangential force on said tube to squeeze it
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a finger-type peristaltic pump with a ribbed anvil. According to some embodiments, a finger type peristaltic pump may comprise a plurality of pressing fingers, an infusion tube and a passive interfacing mechanism. The passive interfacing mechanism may comprise a channel, groove or other suitable mount for placing and mounting an infusion tube such that the pressing fingers are positioned on one side of the tube and the ribbed anvil on the opposite side. The pressing fingers may be positioned to apply an approximately perpendicular force on the tube, pressing it against the ribbed anvil, thus causing a pumping action.