Rotary Pump Diaphragm and Flow Channels for Continuous Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary pumps exhibit pulsating fluid flow, limited design flexibility for inlet and outlet ports, and difficulty in sterilization, which can be detrimental in applications like medical infusion and require improved flow profiles and design options.
Innovation Solution
A rotary pump design featuring a resiliently deformable diaphragm and flow channels that ensure continuous fluid flow, with flexible port locations and enhanced sterilization capabilities, using materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, and thermoplastic polyurethane for the housing and diaphragm, and a pressurizing mechanism to maintain contact with the rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary pump uses discrete chambers formed by rotor surface recesses to convey fluid, then the pump structure is simple and reliable, but the fluid flow becomes pulsated with periods of no flow and high flow
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor surface is segmented into multiple recesses (at least two) that are circumferentially spaced apart. Each recess forms a discrete fluid-conveying chamber with the housing, and these chambers operate in sequence to maintain continuous fluid flow, eliminating the pulsating effect of single-chamber designs
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient diaphragm is pre-loaded by pressurizing means to engage the rotor surface before rotation begins. This ensures immediate sealing and continuous fluid conveyance from the moment the pump operates, preventing flow interruptions
2Strength
If the pump housing uses rigid materials for structural strength, then the housing provides durability, but sterilization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing material is selected from thermoplastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyurethane) that can be sterilized by autoclaving. The material parameters are optimized to withstand repeated thermal sterilization cycles while maintaining structural integrity and mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The pump utilizes thermoplastic materials that combine the strength characteristics of rigid plastics with the sterilization compatibility required for medical applications. These materials can be autoclaved and are suitable for both disposable and reusable pump configurations
3Ease of manufacture
If the inlet and outlet ports are positioned at fixed locations in the housing, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as modular components with the diaphragm forming a separate functional element. This segmentation allows independent positioning of inlet and outlet ports on different surfaces of the housing, enabling flexible port configuration while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet and outlet ports can be positioned on different dimensional planes of the housing (e.g., opposite ends, adjacent sides, or different heights). This three-dimensional port arrangement provides design flexibility for various fluid connection requirements while maintaining straightforward manufacturing processes
4Device complexity
If a single diaphragm is used to separate inlet and outlet, then the device complexity is reduced, but continuous flow cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor surface is segmented into multiple recesses (at least two) that are circumferentially spaced apart. Each recess forms a discrete fluid-conveying chamber with the housing, and these chambers operate in sequence to maintain continuous fluid flow, eliminating the pulsating effect of single-chamber designs
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor rotates continuously, bringing different recesses into engagement with the diaphragm in sequence. This continuous rotation ensures that at least one chamber is always actively conveying fluid, providing uninterrupted flow from inlet to outlet
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 achieves continuous fluid flow with reduced fluctuations, improved sterilization efficiency, and increased design flexibility for port placement, enhancing usability in medical and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable diaphragm providing part of the interior surface of the housing, the diaphragm comprising a rotor engaging surface and a rear surface opposite the rotor engaging surface, the rotor engaging surface of the diaphragm being urged into contact with the rotor by the action of a pressurising means acting on the rear surface of the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary pump comprising a housing having a first and second fluid port and an interior surface defining a cavity in which a rotor is located, wherein the rotor comprises a surface recess forming a fluid-conveying chamber with the interior surface of the housing, the pump further comprising a resiliently deformable diaphragm providing part of the interior surface of the housing and being urged into contact with the surface of the rotor by the action of pressurising means acting on the rear surface of the resiliently deformable diaphragm, the pump further comprising one or a pair of flow channels associated with the resiliently deformable diaphragm extending longitudinally from an end of the rotor. In embodiments where the pump comprises one flow channel, the flow channel is in fluid communication with the first fluid port and an aperture opens from the interior surface of the housing to place the second fluid port in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid-conveying chamber. In embodiments where the pump comprises a pair of flow channels, the pair of flow channels comprise a first flow channel in fluid communication with the first fluid port and closed to the second fluid port and a second flow channel closed to the first fluid port and in fluid communication with the second fluid port, with each flow channel being located at opposite sides of the diaphragm. Embodiments of the invention exhibit continuous fluid flow when in use.