Toggle Clamp Assembly for Easier Peristaltic Pump Tube Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing peristaltic pump designs face challenges with tube replacement due to limited relative displacement between clamps, resulting in inconvenient operation, especially for large-diameter tubes, as the size of the eccentric wheel restricts the lifting height of the upper pressing block and creates narrow spaces between clamps.

Innovation Solution

A toggle-type open-close clamping structural assembly with a driving lever that allows the upper tube clamp to lift and slide with the upper pressing block, increasing relative displacement between clamps and providing more operation space, featuring a pivotally connected driving lever, a return spring for vertical guidance, and inclined surfaces for efficient sliding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the upper pressing block is driven to move up and down by an eccentric shaft mechanism with limited eccentricity, then the overall size of the pump head is kept compact, but the lifting height of the upper pressing block is limited, resulting in narrow spaces between the upper tube clamp and the lower tube clamp

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall size of pump headVSAvoidtube replacement convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a dynamic toggle mechanism that transforms the limited linear motion of the upper pressing block into amplified vertical displacement of the upper tube clamp. The toggle linkage dynamically adjusts the mechanical advantage during the lifting process, enabling greater operational space without increasing the overall pump head volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The upper tube clamp serves as an intermediary element between the upper pressing block and the tube. By decoupling the motion of the pressing block from the tube clamp through this intermediary, the system achieves amplified displacement at the tube clamp while maintaining compact dimensions of the pressing block and pump head structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the upper tube clamp is fixed on the upper pressing block with no relative displacement, then the structure is simple and reliable, but manual lifting of the upper tube clamp is required during tube replacement which is very inconvenient to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping structure complexityVSAvoidtube replacement operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a static fixed connection between the upper pressing block and upper tube clamp to a dynamic connection via the toggle mechanism. This dynamic linkage automatically adjusts the position of the upper tube clamp during operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The toggle mechanism enables the upper tube clamp to automatically lift and position itself during the tube replacement process. The mechanism self-activates when the upper pressing block moves, providing automatic service without requiring external manual operation, thus improving ease of use while keeping the structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the relative displacement between the upper tube clamp and the lower tube clamp is fixed, then the clamping structure is stable and reliable, but the operation space for tube replacement is limited especially for large-diameter tubes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping structure reliabilityVSAvoidoperation space for tube replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the fixed relative displacement arrangement with a dynamic toggle mechanism that amplifies the vertical travel of the upper tube clamp. This dynamic system maintains reliability through positive mechanical engagement while significantly increasing the operational space available for tube replacement, particularly benefiting large-diameter tubes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances tube replacement by increasing operational space and ease of use, allowing for automatic folding and lifting of the tube clamp with greater displacement, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

a driving lever used for enabling the upper tube clamp to lift, lower and slide together with the upper pressing block. The driving lever is pivotally connected to the upper pressing block, the upper tube clamp and one end of the driving lever are overlappingly disposed in a groove reserved in the upper pressing block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 2

the return spring is connected between the upper tube clamp and the top of the groove, and the return spring pushes back the upper tube clamp in the vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3967879B1Toggle-type open-close clamping structural assembly and pump head of peristaltic pump
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 BAODING SHENCHEN PUMP IND
  • EP3967879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3967879B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A toggle-type open-close clamping structural assembly and a pump head of a peristaltic pump comprising same. The toggle-type open-close clamping structural assembly comprises: a lower pipe clamp and an upper pipe clamp (1) that are oppositely arranged and that are used to form a pair of hose clamp hoops; an upper pressing block used for lifting and lowering to open and close; and a driving lever (4) used for enabling the upper pipe clamp (1) to follow the upper pressing block to lift, slip and follow-up. The driving lever (4) is pivotally connected to the upper pressing block. The upper pipe clamp (1) and one end of the driving lever (4) are overlappingly disposed in a clamping port reserved on the upper pressing block, and the other end of the driving lever (4) is abutted against a fixed part (5) that serves as fixing reference. In the lifting process of the upper pressing block, the upper pipe clamp (1) is driven to lift, and meanwhile, the driving lever (4) follows up and rises and lifts up the upper pipe clamp (1), so that the upper pipe clamp (1) is far away from the lower pipe clamp, thereby preventing the driving lever (4) from wear and tear and achieving simple and efficient replacement of hoses.