Rotatable Bobbin Tube Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller pump systems face challenges in securely retaining flexible tubes without deforming them or requiring a library of parts to accommodate different sizes, which can lead to cross-contamination, fluid flow restriction, and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A clamp arrangement using rotatable bobbins with tapered grooves that counter-rotate to securely hold tubes of varying diameters without deformation, featuring a locking mechanism to prevent unintentional release and minimize tube movement, allowing for easy adaptation to different tube sizes without additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grippers are used to deform the tube in order to grip it, then the tube is held securely, but the tube is strained and fluid flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The tube retention system is divided into multiple independent bobbins (first and second bobbins) that can be rotated independently. Each bobbin has a groove that contacts the tube, and by rotating the bobbins, the tube can be securely retained without deforming it, as the segmentation allows distributed contact points along the tube circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The bobbins are designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the groove positions to accommodate tubes of different diameters. This dynamic capability enables secure retention of various tube sizes without deformation, as the grooves can be positioned optimally around the tube circumference rather than using fixed deforming grippers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable inserts are used to enable different sizes of tube to be gripped, then various tube sizes can be accommodated, but parts must be removed and refitted increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bobbins are designed with grooves that can accommodate tubes of different diameters through rotation, making them universal components that replace the need for multiple specialized inserts. The same bobbin structure serves multiple functions by adjusting the groove position, eliminating the need for a parts library of different sized inserts.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable bobbins provide dynamic adaptability to different tube sizes without requiring physical changes to the components. By rotating the bobbins to different positions, the system adapts to various tube diameters, replacing the static approach of using different fixed inserts for different tube sizes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tube is firmly held at the entry and exit positions to prevent walking, then the tube remains stationary during operation, but the restraining force required increases for higher pump speeds or pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The tube retention system uses multiple bobbins positioned at different locations (entry and exit positions) to provide distributed restraint points. This segmentation of the retention function reduces the force required at each individual point while maintaining overall tube stability during high-speed or high-pressure operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bobbins are arranged in a spatial configuration around the tube path, utilizing the spatial dimension to provide retention. By positioning bobbins at multiple locations and allowing rotational adjustment, the system creates a multi-dimensional restraint system that prevents tube walking with reduced force requirements compared to linear restraint methods.
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 effectively prevents tube 'walking' and ensures secure retention across a range of tube sizes, maintaining fluid flow and reducing operational complexity and costs by accommodating various diameters without deforming the tubes or needing multiple parts.
Implementation Method 1
counter rotation of the bobbins clamps the tube between the bobbins in the tapered grooves
Implementation Method 2
The bobbins may be configured to tighten around the tube when the tube is under tension from the roller pump
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp arrangement for retaining a flexible tube (18) during operation of a roller pump (10) for pumping fluid, the clamp arrangement comprising a pair of rotatable bobbins (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) mounted adjacent to each other. Each bobbin (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) has a tapered groove (30), formed partially around a cylindrical surface of the bobbin (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B), and counter rotation of the bobbins (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) clamps the tube 18 between the bobbins (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) in the tapered grooves (30). The clamp arrangement allows tubes of different shapes and diameters to be securely held without overly deforming the tube.