Silicone O-Ring Dual-Action Pump Design for Pulsation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical pumps, particularly single-use designs, often produce pulsating fluid flows due to reciprocating motion, which can introduce electrical noise and interfere with medical devices, and are costly due to flexing plastic components.
Innovation Solution
A disposable single-piston dual-action reciprocating pump part with pulsation-reduction elements, such as a balloon damper and mechanical smoothing mechanisms, coupled with a rotary motor, to reduce pulsations and maintain a constant flow rate, utilizing low-cost plastics and silicone O-rings for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reciprocating pump mechanism is used to pump fluid, then fluid can be delivered through the system, but pulsating flow is generated which introduces electrical noise and interferes with medical devices
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant tube is introduced as an intermediary element between the reciprocating pump mechanism and the fluid delivery system. This tube acts as a buffer that absorbs pressure pulsations and smooths the flow, thereby reducing electrical noise generated by the pulsating motion while maintaining fluid delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the fluid delivery path by using a compliant tube with specific elasticity and damping characteristics. This transforms the rigid, pulsating flow into a smoother flow with reduced pressure variations, thereby reducing electrical noise interference
2Reliability
If traditional sealing components are used in the pump, then sealing is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump employs a disposable cartridge design with simple, low-cost sealing components that are replaced rather than maintained. This approach uses inexpensive sealing elements that ensure reliable sealing for the duration of use, then are discarded, eliminating the need for expensive, durable seals and reducing overall production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses uniform, simple materials and designs that are consistent throughout the pump assembly. This homogeneity simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces costs while maintaining adequate sealing performance for the disposable application
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 suppresses pulsations in fluid output, reducing electrical noise and lowering production costs, making it suitable for medical procedures like intravenous infusion without degrading the performance of other medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a balloon damper and mechanical smoothing mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
pulsation-reduction elements, such as a balloon damper
Implementation Method 3
multiple silicone O-rings, which are configured to seal the piston against a cylinder
Implementation Method 4
silicone O-rings for sealing
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.