Variable Pinch Valve Mechanism for Precise Multi-Fluid Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems that require regulation of multiple fluid flow rates are often expensive due to the need for multiple pumps and actuators, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A variable pinch valve system that uses a progressively pinching mechanism to control fluid flow, allowing for precise regulation of multiple fluids with a single pump by varying the force applied to the tube, enabling the mixing of fluids without direct mixing of hydraulic source fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pumps are used to regulate flow for multiple fluids, then flow control precision is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid delivery functions into a single pump system. One pump delivers multiple fluids through separate channels, each controlled by individual flow restrictors. This merging approach maintains precise flow control for each fluid while eliminating the need for multiple separate pumps, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump system is designed to perform multiple functions by delivering different fluids through separate可控 channels. The pump acts as a universal fluid delivery device that can handle multiple fluids simultaneously, with each fluid's flow rate independently regulated by its own flow restrictor, achieving multi-functionality without increasing pump count.
2Measurement precision
If multiple peristaltic pumps with separate pumping tubes are used, then flow regulation accuracy is improved, but disposable circuit cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable circuit combines multiple fluid delivery functions into a single pump unit with integrated pumping tubes. Instead of using three separate peristaltic pumps with separate tubes, the system uses one pump that drives multiple fluids through separate channels, each with its own flow restrictor, thereby reducing the weight of the disposable circuit while maintaining flow regulation accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single pump delivers multiple fluids, then system cost is reduced, but fluid flow control precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid delivery system into separate controlled channels within a single pump. Each fluid has its own dedicated flow restrictor that can be independently adjusted, allowing precise control of each fluid's flow rate. This segmentation enables the single pump system to achieve the same flow control precision as multiple separate pumps would provide.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow restrictors act as intermediary devices between the single pump and multiple fluids. Each flow restrictor independently regulates the flow of a specific fluid, mediating the relationship between the unified pump output and the individual fluid requirements, thereby maintaining precise flow control despite using a single pump source.
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 system achieves cost-effective and precise flow control for multiple fluids, reducing the need for multiple pumps and actuators, while allowing for the determination of fluid ratios through the variable pinch valves, thereby simplifying the fluid management process.
Implementation Method 1
The pinching element creates a gradually-increasing mechanical advantage that increases the force pinching the tube as the tube approaches full occlusion
Implementation Method 2
Each fluid may be driven by a hydraulic source fluid which feeds a flexible-walled isolation element so the hydraulic source fluid does not mix with the separate fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A flow restrictor includes a flexible tube held in a housing and a linear actuator connected through an intermediate link to a distal link via a first revolute joint proximate the linear actuator and a second revolute joint connecting the intermediate and distal links. The distal link has a distal end adjacent the flexible tube and the intermediate and distal links are constrained to move such that when the linear actuator moves the first revolute joint toward the linear actuator, the distal end of the distal link is driven into the side of the tube thereby progressively occluding the flexible tube.