Silicone O-Ring Dual-Action Pump Assembly for Pulsation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical pumps, particularly single-use designs, often produce pulsations in fluid output due to reciprocating motion, which can interfere with medical devices and require costly sterilization, and may introduce electrical noise.
Innovation Solution
A disposable single-piston dual-action reciprocating pump part with pulsation-reduction elements such as a balloon damper, mechanical smoothing mechanisms, and processor-controlled rotation speed, coupled with silicone O-rings for sealing, to reduce pulsations and maintain a constant flow rate, and designed for easy insertion and removal from a pump device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reciprocating pump mechanism is used to pump fluid, then fluid can be pumped through the system, but pulsations are generated in the fluid output which can interfere with medical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is divided into two separate chambers (first pump chamber and second pump chamber) that operate in sequence. Each chamber has its own piston and valve arrangement, allowing the pump to deliver fluid in two staggered strokes per rotation, thereby reducing pulsations compared to a single-chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
Two pump chambers are merged into a single integrated pump head assembly that shares common drive mechanisms and housing. The combined output of both chambers provides smoother fluid delivery while maintaining a compact single-unit structure suitable for disposable use.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-use disposable pump design is used, then sterilization costs are reduced and adoption is enhanced, but sealing reliability may be compromised due to use of low-cost materials
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly combines multiple materials with complementary properties: silicone rubber for flexible sealing components (O-rings, grommets) that provide reliable sealing, thermoplastic materials for structural components that can be molded cost-effectively, and biocompatible materials for fluid-contact surfaces. This composite approach maintains sealing reliability while supporting disposable manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing design uses multiple O-rings with different cross-sectional dimensions and material properties positioned at different locations in the pump assembly. This multi-parameter approach ensures adequate sealing under varying pressure conditions while using cost-effective silicone rubber suitable for disposable applications.
3Reliability
If multiple O-rings are used to seal the piston, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The O-rings serve multiple functions: sealing the piston to the cylinder wall, sealing the valve seats, sealing the drive shaft penetration, and providing a barrier between fluid chambers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sealing components for each function, thereby reducing overall complexity despite using multiple O-rings.
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 minimizes fluid output pulsations, reduces electrical noise interference, and lowers production costs by using low-cost materials suitable for single-use applications, enhancing the adoption of disposable pumps in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
multiple silicone made O-rings, configured to seal the piston to a cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a balloon damper fitted in the output port of the pump part
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical smoothing mechanism configured to reduce the pulsations in the output fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable dual-action reciprocating pump part includes a piston and a cylinder, and multiple silicone O-rings. The piston is configured to move bi-directionally inside the cylinder. The multiple silicone O-rings are configured to seal the piston against the cylinder.