Screwless Peristaltic Pump with Bayonet Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing peristaltic pumps used in point-of-care systems for biological sample analysis are not reliable, simple, gentle, hygienic, or energy-efficient, and their construction is not robust or easy to assemble.

Innovation Solution

A peristaltic pump with a screwless assembly using snap/clip-on connections, cone-shaped rollers, and pivotable brackets for adapting to cartridge surfaces, along with a bayonet coupling mechanism for easy assembly and misalignment compensation, ensures reliable and efficient fluid conveyance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional peristaltic pumps are used in point-of-care systems, then fluid conveyance can be achieved, but the construction is complex and assembly is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump construction complexityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pump head is divided into modular components including roller elements, support structures, and housing sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately and simplifies the overall assembly process, directly reducing construction complexity while improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump head design incorporates universal mounting interfaces and standardized roller configurations that can accommodate different cartridge types and fluid channel arrangements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for custom-designed pump components, thereby simplifying construction and facilitating easier assembly across various applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If peristaltic pumps are used for fluid conveyance, then sample transport is enabled, but reliability and gentleness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid conveyance reliabilityVSAvoidsample damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The roller elements are designed with specific local properties including optimized surface hardness, diameter, and contact pressure distribution. These localized quality adjustments ensure reliable fluid propulsion while minimizing shear stress and mechanical damage to sensitive biological samples, simultaneously improving reliability and reducing harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system incorporates adjustable roller rotation speeds and variable compression forces that can be dynamically optimized for different fluid types and sample sensitivities. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain reliable fluid conveyance while adapting to prevent sample damage, resolving the contradiction between reliability and gentleness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If energy-efficient fluid conveyance is desired, then peristaltic pumping can be used, but construction robustness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidconstruction robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pump design replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with a more efficient direct-drive or simplified gear mechanism that reduces energy losses. This substitution maintains construction robustness through simplified, fewer-component design while improving energy efficiency, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If simple and hygienic pump design is implemented, then ease of cleaning is improved, but adaptability to various cartridge surfaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidcartridge surface adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pump head and roller components are designed with smooth, non-porous surfaces and minimized crevices from the outset, preventing contaminant accumulation and facilitating easy cleaning. Meanwhile, the roller geometry and compression force are pre-configured to adapt to different cartridge surface profiles, maintaining both hygiene and adaptability without compromising either parameter.

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 solution provides a robust, cost-effective, and energy-efficient fluid conveyance system that is easy to assemble and adapt to various cartridge surfaces, ensuring reliable operation and preventing unwanted tilting or decoupling during use.

Implementation Method 1

A peristaltic pump with a screwless assembly using snap/clip-on connections, cone-shaped rollers, and pivotable brackets for adapting to cartridge surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentUS11338288B2Peristaltic pump and analyzer for testing a sample

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA GMBH

AI summary

A peristaltic pump and an analyzer for testing a biological sample, wherein the pump includes a pump head that is constructed as a screwless assembly, wherein the pump includes a bayonet and/or a beam coupling, and/or wherein rollers of the pump are configured to be pivoted about corresponding pivot axes that intersect with the roller axes.