PERISTALTIC PUMP SYSTEMS

Abstract

A peristaltic pump system is disclosed and can include a rigid backing and a rotor assembly comprising a central hub. The central hub can rotate along a central axis extending in an axial direction. The central hub can include one or more ball bearings or one or more rollers that are configured to rotate about a respective roller axis that intersects a central axis of the central hub. Located between the rigid backing and the rotor assembly can be tubing or a flow channel that is defined by the rigid backing and an elastomeric sheet. As the central hub rotates, the one or more rollers or ball bearings are configured to push against the tubing or the flow channel in the axial direction and can move along the tubing or the flow channel to move fluid through the tubing or the flow channel.

Description

BACKGROUND

Peristaltic pumps can be used in a number of different applications including water dosing systems (e.g., water treatment, laundry detergent), medical applications, and the like. Generally, peristaltic pumps operate by compressing a length of tubing to move fluid inside the tubing. Other peristaltic pumps involve a flow channel assembly that includes a flow channel formed between an elastomeric sheet and a rigid backing or substrate. Such peristaltic pumps can move fluid through the flow channel by squeezing the elastomeric sheet along the flow channel. Peristaltic pumps also typically employ roller heads to apply force to compress or squeeze the tubing or flow channel. The roller heads are then rotated to move the fluid through the tubing or flow channel, delivering the fluid to the intended delivery point.

Peristaltic pumps are popular in several applications because they provide predictable flow patterns, which enables them to reliably provide precise quantities of fluid. However, due to the constant flexing of the tubing or the portion of the elastomeric sheet defining the flow channel, the tubing or elastomeric sheet can degrade with continued use, and this degradation of the tubing or elastomeric sheet can diminish the flow rate. To prevent any negative impacts on the flow rate in existing peristaltic pump designs, it may be necessary for a user to frequently or regularly change the tubing or flow channel assembly.

Thus, there are shortcomings in existing peristaltic pumps.

SUMMARY

These and other problems are addressed by the technologies described herein. Examples of the present disclosure relate generally to peristaltic pump systems.

The disclosed technology includes a peristaltic pump system that includes a rigid backing, a length of tube, and a rotor assembly. The length of tubing can be configured to flow a fluid therethrough, and the rotor assembly can include a central hub and one or more rollers. The central hub can be configured to rotate about a central axis extending in an axial direction, and the one or more rollers can each be configured to rotate about a respective roller axis that intersects the central axis of the central hub. As the central hub rotates, the one or more rollers can be configured to push against the length of tubing and the rigid backing in the axial direction and move along the length of tubing, thereby impinging the length of tubing at a moving point of contact to move the fluid through the tubing.

Each roller axis can have a non-zero tilt angle with respect to the central axis. For example, each roller axis can have a tilt angle of 90° such that each roller axis extends radially outward from the central axis. As another example, each roller axis can have a title angle between approximately 10° and approximately 90°. As yet another example, each roller axis can have a title angle between approximately 90° and approximately 170°.

The peristaltic pump system can include a housing that includes the rotor assembly and a cartridge that includes the rigid backing. The cartridge can be detachably attachable to the housing.

The cartridge can be detachably attachable to the housing by at least one of: a latch and a detent; one or more threaded surfaces; and a bolt and a hole.

The peristaltic pump system can include a motor configured to rotate the central hub.

The peristaltic pump system can include a linear actuator configured to transition the rotor assembly between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. In the engaged configuration, the one or more rollers can impinge the length of tubing.

The peristaltic pump system can include a controller configured to output instructions for operating the linear actuator and the motor in response to identifying a request for the fluid.

The disclosed technology includes a peristaltic pump system that includes a rigid backing, an elastomeric sheet, and a rotor assembly. The rigid backing can include a channel, and the elastomeric sheet can be attached to the rigid backing such that a flow channel is defined by at least the channel of the rigid baking and a portion of the elastomeric sheet. The flow channel being can be configured to flow a fluid therethrough. The rotor assembly can include a central hub and one or more ball bearings. The central hub can be configured to rotate about a central axis extending in an axial direction, and the one or more ball bearings can positioned on an engagement face of the central hub. As the central hub rotates, the one or more ball bearings can be configured to push against the flow channel in the axial direction and move along a length of the flow channel, thereby impinging the flow channel at a moving point of contact to move the fluid through the flow channel.

The peristaltic pump system can include one or more springs, and each of the one or more springs can be configured to bias a respective ball bearing outward from the engagement face.

The peristaltic pump system can include a housing that includes the rotor assembly and a cartridge that includes the rigid backing, the elastomeric sheet, and the flow channel. The cartridge can be detachably attachable to the housing.

The cartridge can be detachably attachable to the housing by at least one of: a latch and a detent; one or more threaded surfaces; and a bolt and a hole.

The peristaltic pump system can include a motor configured to rotate the central hub.

The peristaltic pump system can include a linear actuator configured to transition the rotor assembly between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. In the engaged configuration, the one or more ball bearings can impinge the length of tubing.

The peristaltic pump system can include a controller configured to output instructions for operating the linear actuator and the motor in response to identifying a request for the fluid.

Further features of the disclosed design, and the advantages offered thereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to specific examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are indicated be like reference designators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, are incorporated into, and constitute a portion of, this disclosure, illustrate various implementations and aspects of the disclosed technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed technology. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a prior art peristaltic pump system;

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of an example peristaltic pump system, in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of an example fluid cartridge of an example peristaltic pump system, in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic view of an example dosing system, in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an example peristaltic pump system with rollers disengaged from the tubing, in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIG. 2E illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an example peristaltic pump system with rollers engaged with the tubing, in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an example peristaltic pump system with rollers disengaged from the elastomeric sheet, in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an example peristaltic pump system with rollers engaged with the elastomeric sheet, in accordance with the disclosed technology; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example peristaltic pump system, in accordance with the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed technology relates generally to peristaltic pump systems and devices. Some examples of the disclosed technology will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosed technology may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosed technology are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, it is to be understood that other examples are contemplated. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed electronic devices and methods. Such other components not described herein may include, but are not limited to, for example, components developed after development of the disclosed technology.

Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the disclosed technology can be presented in a range format (e.g., a range of values). It should be understood that such descriptions are merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosed technology. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual rational numerical values within that range. For example, a range described as being “from 1 to 6” includes the values 1, 6, and all values therebetween. Likewise, a range described as being “between 1 and 6” includes the values 1, 6, and all values therebetween. The same premise applies to any other language describing a range of values. That is to say, the ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the respective endpoints, unless otherwise indicated.

Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments of the disclosed technology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosed herein. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

As shown in FIG. 1, prior art peristaltic pump systems 100 typically include tubing 110 positioned within a curved recess or against a curved wall of a rigid backing 120. A rotor assembly 130, which typically includes multiple rollers 132, is positioned relative the rigid back such that the distance between the curved wall of the rigid back 120 and outermost surface (i.e., from center of rotor assembly 130) of the rollers is less than the diameter of the tubing 110. When the rotor assembly 130 rotates, the rollers 132 impinge or squeeze the tubing 110 against the rigid backing 120. That is, traditional peristaltic pump systems 100 are typically configured such that the rollers 132 provide radial pressure (i.e., with respect to the rotor assembly 130) against the tubing 110. Further, the axis of rotation of a given roller 132 is coaxial with the rotation of the rotor assembly 130. As will be appreciated, when the tubing 110 degrades, it can be difficult and cumbersome to remove the degraded tubing 110 and insert new tubing 110 into the peristaltic pump systems 100. To that end, it is generally required for a user to at least partially disassemble the peristaltic pumps system 100 to replace the tubing 110. For example, a user must likely remove the rotor assembly 130 to remove the degraded tubing 110 and reinstall the rotor assembly subsequent to position the new tubing 110 against the curved wall of the rigid backing 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2E, the disclosed technology includes a peristaltic pump system 200 having tubing 210 and a rotor assembly 230. The rotor assembly 230 can include a central hub 231, and one or more rollers 232 can extend radially outward from the central hub 231. The rollers 232 can be attached to the central hub 231 via an axle 233 for each respective roller 232. The axle 233 can provide an axis around which the corresponding roller 232 can rotate. Optionally, the rotor assembly 230 can include an outer edge 234, and the outer edge 234 can be concentric with the central hub 231. The axles 233 can extend between the central hub 231 and the outer edge 234. In this configuration, the axle 233 can be supported at both ends, which can provide increased stability for the roller 232. If included, the outer edge 234 can be detachable or otherwise configured to release the axles such that one or more of the rollers 232 can be easily removed (e.g., for repair or cleaning) or replaced. Although FIG. 2A illustrates the peristaltic pump system 200 as having six rollers, it is contemplated that the peristaltic pump system 200 can include any number of rollers, included more or fewer than the number expressly shown. As will be appreciated, as the rotor assembly 230 rotates (shown in FIG. 2A as arrows pointing in the clockwise direction), the rollers 232 can engage and compress the tubing 110, and the rollers 232 can roll along the tubing 110 as the angular position of the rollers 232 changes (i.e., with respect to the central hub 231). Moreover, due to the orientation of the axles 233 and rollers 232, the rollers 232 can be configured to have an axis of rotation that is in a radial direction (i.e., with respect to the central hub 231).

The peristaltic pump system 200 can optionally include a cartridge 240 that includes a stored amount of the fluid to be dispensed by the peristaltic pump system 200. While certain illustrations, including FIG. 2B, depict the tubing 210 as being included in, or attached to, the cartridge 240, it is contemplated that the disclosed technology can operate without a cartridge. For example, the tubing 210 can be attached or mounted to a rigid substrate, with one end of the tube in fluid communication with a stored amount of fluid and the opposite end of the tubing in fluid communication with an outlet or the peristaltic pump system 200.

The cartridge 240 can include a reservoir 242 configured to store an amount of fluid, and the tubing 210 can be in fluid communication with the reservoir 242. The tubing 210 can be located on or near a face of the cartridge 240. The tubing 210 can be in fluid communication with an outlet 244 of the cartridge, and a check valve 246 can be located at or near the outlet 244. The check valve 246 can ensure the fluid flows in a single direction. That is, the check valve 246 can ensure that the fluid can flow out of the cartridge 240, while preventing the fluid from flowing back into the cartridge 240. The cartridge 240 can also include one or more attachment mechanisms, such as one or more latches, detents, threaded surfaces, bolts, or the like. For example, the cartridge 240 can include one or more detents, and the housing can include one or more latches configured to releasably connect to the detents of the cartridge 240, thereby retaining the cartridge 240 in mechanical and fluid communication with the housing. The cartridge 240 can include a vent 248, which can help release any vacuum formed by the pumping of the fluid from the reservoir 212, which can help ensure the additive can freely exit the cartridge 240.

As described more fully herein, the peristaltic pump system 200 can include a motor configured to rotate the rotor assembly 230. To facilitate easy changing of the tubing 210, for example, the peristaltic pump system 200 can include a linear actuator 264 configured to move the rotor assembly 230 in the axial direction (i.e., along the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly 230) toward or away from the tubing 210, thereby causing the rollers 232 to engage or disengage the tubing 210.

The peristaltic pump system 200 can include a rigid backing 220. The rigid backing 220 can be a part of the cartridge 240, if the cartridge 240 is included. The rollers 232 can be configured to squeeze the tubing 210 between the roller 232 and the rigid backing 220.

The cartridge 240 can be integral with a housing 250 of the peristaltic pump system 200. Alternatively, the cartridge 240 can be detachably attachable to the housing 250. For example, the cartridge 240 can be removed from the housing 250 and refilled with additional fluid and/or replaced with a new cartridge 240. As another example, the cartridge 240 can be removed from the housing 250 for repair or replacement of one or more components of the cartridge 240. The tubing 210 can be integral to the cartridge 240. That is, the cartridge 240 can be replaced when the tubing 210 degrades. Alternatively, the tubing 210 can be detachably attachable to the cartridge 240 such that degraded tubing 210 can be removed from the cartridge 240 and replaced with new tubing 210.

As an example and referring to FIG. 2C, the housing 250 can include an inlet 251 in in fluid communication with an outlet 252. The outlet 252 can be configured to connect to the inlet of a water heater, a washing machine, or some other device or system. The housing 250 can include a controller (e.g., controller 400, as described herein) and a motor 262 (e.g., a rotating motor). The motor 262 can be or can include, for example, a stepper motor. As additional non-limiting examples, the motor 262 can be or can include a continuous motor (e.g., with a gear reducer) or a direct drive motor (e.g., controlled using a variable frequency drive). The housing 250 can include a flow meter 253 configured to detect a flow rate of water passing through the housing 250 and configured to transmit flow rate data indicative of the water's flow rate. The controller 400 can be configured to receive the flow rate data. Optionally, the controller 400 can be configured to communicate with a controller of the water heater or other device to which the housing 250 and/or cartridge 240 is fluidly connected. Alternatively or in addition, the peristaltic pump system 200 can be controlled by the controller of the water heater or other device to which the housing 250 and/or cartridge 240 is fluidly connected (i.e., the other device's controller can act as the controller 400). The controller 400 can be configured to control the motor 262 to output a particular amount of additive from the cartridge 240 based at least in part on the flow rate data.

The cartridge 240 can be made of any desirable material, such as metals, plastics, and the like. For example, the cartridge 240 can be made of aluminum, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, or the like, or any combination thereof.

The cartridge 240 can be configured to attach to a substantially outer portion of the housing 250. For example, the cartridge 240 can also include one or more detents 249 or other attachment mechanisms. The housing 250 can include one or more latches 254 configured to connect to the detents 249 of the cartridge 240, thereby retaining the cartridge 240 in mechanical and fluid communication with the housing 250. Alternatively, the cartridge 240 and the housing 250 can be configured such that at least a portion of the cartridge can insert into an aperture of the housing 250 (e.g., via threads on an outer surface of the cartridge 240 and an inner surface of the housing's 250 aperture). Regardless, the cartridge 240, when attached to the housing 250, can be in mechanical and fluid communication with the housing 250.

Optionally, the cartridge 240 and the housing 250 can each include one or more electrical contacts 255. The electrical contact(s) 255 of the cartridge 240 can be configured to abut the respective electrical contact(s) 255 of the housing 250 when the cartridge is fully inserted into, or otherwise attached to, the housing 250. The electrical contact(s) 255 of the housing 250 can be in electrical communication with the controller 400. Accordingly, the controller 400 can be configured to first ensure the cartridge 240 is properly connected to the housing 250 before activating the motor 262 and/or dosing component of the peristaltic pump system 200.

Alternatively or in addition, the electrical connections can have other uses. For instance, the electrical connections (e.g., between the electrical contacts 255 of the cartridge 240 and the housing 250) can help provide electricity to a display (e.g., a display, one or more LED lights) to indicate whether the cartridge's 240 supply of additive is depleted and/or whether the cartridge 240 correctly or incorrectly inserted. For example, the electrical contacts 255 can enable the controller 400 to communicate with a chip and/or logic circuits on the cartridge 240 to enable to controller 400 to determine (or receive data indicating) whether the cartridge's 240 supply of additive is depleted and/or whether the cartridge 240 correctly or incorrectly inserted. As another example, the chip can include a unique unit number for the cartridge 240, which can be transmitted to, and stored by, the controller 400, and/or the storage level of additive can be stored on the chip (e.g., by the chip or by the controller 400), which can be advantageous if the system loses power or the cartridge is removed. This can enable a technician or use to remove a cartridge 240 while troubleshooting any issues and, during the process, inserts a new cartridge 240 or re-inserts the original cartridge 240. Alternatively or in addition, the electrical connection can be used to power audible signals (e.g., to indicate whether the cartridge's 240 supply of additive is depleted and/or whether the cartridge 240 correctly or incorrectly inserted). Alternatively or additionally, the electrical contacts 255 can enable the controller 400 to ensure the inserted cartridge 240 is an original equipment part and not an aftermarket cartridge (e.g., based on data received from the cartridge's 240 on-board chip.

The motor 262 can include (or be a part of) any useful device or component for delivering or otherwise outputting precise doses of small amounts of additive, which can be a liquid additive. For example, the motor 262 can include or be a part of a device configured to deliver between approximately 0.020 mL and approximately 0.040 mL of additive per gallon of water flowing through the peristaltic pump system 200. Alternatively or in addition, the motor 262 can include or be a part of a device configured to deliver between approximately 1 and approximately 10 ppm of sodium hexametaphosphate, soap, detergent, medicinal drugs or other substances, or another additive. Alternatively or in addition, the motor 262 can include or be a part of a device configured to deliver between approximately 3 and approximately 7 ppm of sodium hexametaphosphate, soap, detergent, medicinal drugs or other substances, or another additive. As a more specific example, the motor 262 can include or be a part of a device configured to deliver approximately 0.027 mL of 700 g·dm⁻³ sodium hexametaphosphate per U.S. gallon of cold water flowing through the dosing system. This will result in approximately 5 parts per million (ppm) of sodium hexametaphosphate, which is well below the NSF/ANSI 60 (2016) requirement that concentrations of sodium hexametaphosphate be below 11 ppm for drinking water, yet above the threshold treatment level to effectively prevent limescale deposition in the water heater.

The motor 262 can a part of and/or in mechanical communication with the rotor assembly 230. When the cartridge 240 is connected to the housing 250, the rotors can abut the flexible tube 214, and as the motor 262 rotates the rotors of the rotor assembly 230, the rotors can press against the flexible tube 214, squeezing the flexible tube 214, and pushing the additive along the length of the flexible tube 214 as the rotor assembly 230 rotates. In such a manner, precise amounts of the additive can be forced through the flexible tube 214 and out of the cartridge 240 via the outlet 216 and/or check valve 217. When the cartridge 240 is connected to the housing 250, the outlet 216 and/or check valve 217 can be in fluid communication with a receiving port 256 of the housing 250. The receiving port 256 can be in fluid communication with a water passage 257 through which water can flow from the inlet 104 to the outlet 206. Thus, the peristaltic pump system 200 can dispense a precise amount of additive from the cartridge 240 and to the water flowing through the housing 250.

The housing 250 and/or the rotor assembly 230 can include a linear actuator 264. The linear actuator 264 can be configured to move the rotor assembly 230 (alone or in combination with the motor 262) in the axial direction (i.e., along the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly 230) toward or away from the tubing 210, thereby causing the rollers 232 to engage or disengage the tubing 210.

Optionally, the housing 250 can include a one-way valve (e.g., a check valve) at the receiving port 256 or between the receiving port 256 and the water passage 257. This can help enable the peristaltic pump system 200 to permit water to flow from the water source to the water heater, washing machine, or other device even when a cartridge 240 is not present (i.e., when a cartridge 240 is not connected to the housing 250). In addition, the cartridge 240 can be removed and/or connected without stopping water from flowing through the housing 250. Further, the peristaltic pump system 200 can be configured such that, in the event of a power outage, the motor 262 does not run and no additive is added to the water.

As another option, the peristaltic pump system 200 can include one or more sensors 258 configured to detect a concentration of additive in the water (e.g., an amount of phosphate added to the water). The sensor(s) 258 can be in electrical communication with the controller 400. For example, the sensor(s) 258 can include a sodium hexametaphosphate selective electrode, a total dissolved solids (TDS) conductivity probe, or the like.

As discussed above, FIG. 2A illustrates the rollers 232 as extending radially outward. Stated otherwise, each roller 232 can have a roller axis that intersects a central rotational axis of the rotor assembly's 230 central hub 231. Referring to FIGS. 2D and 2E, the rollers 232 can be tilted at an angle θ in axial direction of the rotor assembly 230 (i.e., with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly 230). The angle θ can be approximately 90° such that the axis of rotation of a given roller 232 is radially outward from the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly 230. Alternatively, the angle θ can be less than 90° as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E. For example, the angle θ can be between approximately 10° and approximately 30°, between approximately 30° and approximately 45°, between approximately 45° and approximately 60°, between approximately 60° and approximately 75°, or between approximately 75° and approximately 90°. Alternatively, the angle θ can be greater than 90°. For example, the angle θ can be between approximately 90° and approximately 105°, between approximately 105° and approximately 120°, between approximately 120° and approximately 135°, between approximately 135° and approximately 150°, or between approximately 150° and approximately 170°. The rigid backing 220 can have an angled surface that has an angle configured to match the angle of the rollers 232, which can help ensure consistent compression of the tubing 210 between the rollers 232 and the angled surface of the rigid backing 220.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the disclosed technology includes a peristaltic pump system 300 that can include an elastomeric sheet 310 attached to a rigid backing 320. The rigid backing 320 can include a channel. The elastomeric sheet 310 can be attached to the rigid backing 320 at a plurality of attachment points 312 (e.g., via adhesive, welds), thereby defining a flow channel 314 through which the fluid can flow. The attachment points 312 can track the edges of the channel of the rigid backing 320 such that the channel of the rigid backing 320 forms a portion of the flow channel 314.

The peristaltic pump system 300 can include a rotor assembly 330 having one or more ball bearings 332 disposed in the central hub 331. The rotor assembly 330 can optionally include a spring 333 for each ball bearing 332 to providing outward pressure, thereby biasing the ball bearings 332 toward the flow channel in the axial direction (i.e., with respect to the axis of the rotor assembly 330). The peristaltic pump system 300 can include a rotating motor (for rotating the rotor assembly 330) (e.g., motor 262) and/or a linear actuator (for causing the rotor assembly to engage or disengage the flow channel 314) (e.g., linear actuator 264) as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2E. Similarly, the peristaltic pump system 300 can include other components and/or attributes described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2E. For example, the peristaltic pump system 300 can optionally include a detachably attachable cartridge, a check valve, or any other component discussed herein.

When the rotor assembly 330 is in an engaged configuration, the ball bearings 332 can press into the flow channel 314, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. As will be appreciated, FIG. 3B is provided only for conceptual purposes; in practice, the bearings 332 can abut the back and/or side walls of the flow channel 314 (i.e., one or more portions of the flow channel 314 defined by the rigid backing 320) such that the flow channel 314 is impinged or pinched at the point of contact with the ball bearing 332. As the rotor assembly 330 is rotated, the angular location of each ball bearing 332 will change, thereby pushing and/or pulling fluid through the flow channel 314.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the peristaltic pump systems 200, 300 described herein can include a controller 400 having one or more processors 402 and memory 404. The memory 404 can store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the peristaltic pump system 200, 300 (or one or more components thereof) to perform certain actions. The controller 400 can include an input/output (I/O) device 408, which can be configured to communicate with various components of the peristaltic pump system 200, 300 and/or other devices. For example, the controller 400 can be configured to receive a request for fluid. In response, the controller 400 can be configured to output instructions for the linear actuator to transition the rotor assembly 230, 330 into the engaged configuration (i.e., engaging the tubing 210 or flow channel 314) and instructions for the rotating motor to rotate the rotor assembly 230, 330. The controller 400 can be configured to receive the request from an external third-party device in communication with the controller 400. Alternatively, the controller can be configured to determine and/or identify the request based on data received from a sensor in communication with the controller 400 (e.g., flow data received from a flow sensor, valve data received a valve indicating whether the valve is closed or open). Likewise, the controller 400 can be configured to receive an indication indicating and/or identify whether the request for fluid has ceased, and in response, the controller 400 can be configured to stop rotation of the rotor assembly 230, 330 and/or disengage the rotor assembly 230, 330 from the tubing 210 or flow channel 314 via the linear actuator.

The cartridge 240 can contain one or more of numerous types of fluids that can be added or dosed into water or another liquid (e.g., at the time of use). For instance, the motor 262 and rotor assembly 230 can be integrated into or attached to a clothes washing machine, and the cartridge 240 could contain a laundry detergent concentrate. When a load of laundry is introduced into the washer, detergent concentrate may be dispensed into the washing drum at the effective amount for the laundry load size. In this way, the addition of detergent can be proportional to the size of the load. A second cartridge can contain laundry conditioner or a bleaching agent, dispensed by a second peristaltic pump system 200. A similar system is be envisioned for dishwashers.

The cartridge 240 can contain a concentrated treatment system for hot water baths (e.g., hot tubs) and/or swimming pools. The dispensing amount could be related to the number of pool users and/or to the length of time since the last dosing treatment.

Because the system 200 is sealed, the cartridge 240 can be used to deliver a pharmaceutical precisely into, for instance, a saline drip, without requiring pouring or measuring of medicine or the introduction of air into the delivery system.

Certain soda machines can be enabled to dispense a range of soft drinks using the disclosed system 200. The syrup, water, and carbon dioxide gas can be dispensed using separate peristaltic pump systems 200, and the various flavor components can thus be metered precisely using a concentrate in a cartridge 240 that docks to a housing 250 integrated into or attached to the soda dispensing machine. Coffee machines can be outfitted with a peristaltic pump system 200 similarly: Concentrated liquid coffee can be precisely dosed into hot water as needed. Similarly, creamer and concentrated sugar (e.g., simple syrup) can also be dispensed into a stream of hot water.

Other uses can include, but are not limited to:

• • a smart clothes washer (e.g., delivery of concentrated detergent doses from a cartridge 240);
  • a smart dishwasher (e.g., delivery of detergent concentrate doses from a cartridge 240);
  • a water treatment system for a pool, hot tub, or spa chemical (e.g., delivery of treatment chemicals from a cartridge 240);
  • a coffee machine (e.g., delivery of concentrated coffee from a cartridge 240);
  • a soft drink machine (e.g., delivery of concentrated soda syrup from a cartridge 240);
  • an aquarium water treatment system (e.g., delivery of treatment or cleaning chemicals from a cartridge 240);
  • an electronic soap dispensers (e.g., delivery of concentrated soap from a cartridge 240);
  • a lubrication system for engines and other machinery (e.g., delivery of oil or other lubricant(s) from a cartridge 240);
  • a hydroponic and/or aeroponic dosing system (e.g., delivery of plant nutrients from a cartridge 240);
  • farming and agriculture applications (e.g., delivery of plant nutrients from a cartridge 240);
  • application of preservatives and/or rinsing fluids to fruits and/or vegetables at or following harvest (e.g., delivery of rinsing or washing fluids and/or preservatives from a cartridge 240);
  • cleaning supply dosing (e.g., delivery of concentrated cleaning and/or disinfecting concentrates from a cartridge 240 and to an amount of water or another liquid, which can reduce shipping costs of cleaning supplies); and
  • medicinal dosing (e.g., delivery of a drug to, for example, an intravenous injection; delivery of a drug or cleaning solution to a wound lavage solution).

In this description, numerous specific details have been set forth. It is to be understood, however, that implementations of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “some examples,” “example embodiment,” “various examples,” “one implementation,” “an implementation,” “example implementation,” “various implementations,” “some implementations,” etc., indicate that the implementation(s) of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every implementation necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one implementation” does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, although it may.

Although the disclosed technology may be described herein with respect to various systems and methods, it is contemplated that embodiments or implementations of the disclosed technology with identical or substantially similar features may alternatively be implemented as methods or systems. For example, any aspects, elements, features, or the like described herein with respect to a method can be equally attributable to a system. As another example, any aspects, elements, features, or the like described herein with respect to a system can be equally attributable to a method.

Further, it is to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.

Throughout the specification and the claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless otherwise indicated. The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or.” Further, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form. By “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” it is meant that at least the named element, or method step is present in article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other elements or method steps, even if the other such elements or method steps have the same function as what is named.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

While certain examples of this disclosure have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various examples, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed examples, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

This written description uses examples to disclose certain examples of the technology and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain examples of this technology, including making and using any apparatuses or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain examples of the technology is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A peristaltic pump system comprising:

a cartridge comprising: a reservoir configured to store an amount of a fluid; and tubing having a first end in fluid communication with the reservoir and a second end in fluid communication with an outlet of the cartridge, the tubing being configured to flow the fluid therethrough; and

a rotor assembly comprising: a central hub configured to rotate about a central axis extending in an axial direction; and one or more rollers each configured to rotate about a respective roller axis that intersects the central axis of the central hub, wherein as the central hub rotates, the one or more rollers are configured to push against tubing and the cartridge in the axial direction and move along tubing, thereby impinging tubing at a moving point of contact to move the fluid through the tubing.

2. The peristaltic pump system of claim 1, wherein each roller axis has a non-zero tilt angle with respect to the central axis.

3. The peristaltic pump system of claim 2, wherein each roller axis has a tilt angle of 90° such that each roller axis extends radially outward from the central axis.

4. The peristaltic pump system of claim 2, wherein each roller axis has a title angle between substantially 10° and substantially 90°.

5. The peristaltic pump system of claim 2, wherein each roller axis has a title angle between substantially 90° and substantially 170°.

6. The peristaltic pump system of claim 1 further comprising:

a housing comprising the rotor assembly, wherein

wherein the cartridge is detachably attachable to the housing.

7. The peristaltic pump system of claim 6, wherein the cartridge is detachably attachable to the housing by at least one of:

a latch and a detent;

one or more threaded surfaces; and

a bolt and a hole.

8. The peristaltic pump system of claim 1 further comprising a motor configured to rotate the central hub.

9. The peristaltic pump system of claim 8 further comprising a linear actuator configured to transition the rotor assembly between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, wherein in the engaged configuration, the one or more rollers impinge tubing.

10. The peristaltic pump system of claim 9 further comprising a controller configured to output instructions for operating the linear actuator and the motor in response to identifying a request for the fluid.

11-17. (canceled)

18. The peristaltic pump system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the tubing is disposed on a face of the cartridge.

19. The peristaltic pump system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a check valve located at or near the outlet of the cartridge.

20. The peristaltic pump system of claim 1, wherein the tubing is integral to the cartridge.

21. The peristaltic pump system of claim 1, wherein the tubing is detachably attachable to the cartridge.

22. The peristaltic pump system of claim 1, wherein:

the cartridge is a first cartridge,

the reservoir is a first reservoir,

the amount of the fluid is a first amount of the fluid, and

the peristaltic pump system further comprises a second cartridge having a second reservoir configured to store a second amount of the fluid, the second cartridge being configured to replace the first cartridge when the first amount of the fluid becomes depleted.

23. The peristaltic pump system of claim 6, wherein:

the housing further comprises one or more first electrical contacts,

and the cartridge further comprises one or more second electrical contacts, each of the one or more second electrical contacts configured to contact a corresponding one of the one or more first electrical contacts when the cartridge is attached to the housing.

24. The peristaltic pump system of claim 23 further comprising a controller configured to determine whether the cartridge is correctly installed based on contact or non-contact between the one or more first electrical contacts and the one or more second electrical contacts.

25. The peristaltic pump system of claim 1 further comprising a controller,

wherein the cartridge further comprises a chip and the controller is configured to communicate with the chip.

26. The peristaltic pump system of claim 6, wherein the outlet of the cartridge is configured to fluidly connect to a dosing inlet of the housing when the cartridge is attached to the housing.

27. The peristaltic pump system of claim 26, wherein:

the fluid is a first fluid,

the housing has a primary fluid flow path extending therethrough, the primary fluid flow path configured to transport a second fluid,

the dosing inlet is connected to a dosing flow path that is in fluid communication with the primary fluid flow path such that a dispensed amount of the first fluid can be introduced to the primary fluid flow path for mixing with the second fluid.