WO2011071960A2

WO2011071960A2 - Helical peristaltic pump and motor apparatus and system of use

Info

Publication number: WO2011071960A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/059346
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alejandro Eduardo Alejandro Noble Nava
Original assignee: Alejandro Eduardo Alejandro Noble Nava
Priority date: 2009-12-07
Filing date: 2010-12-07
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Also published as: WO2011071960A3

Abstract

A helical peristaltic pump includes an inner shaft with several longitudinal channels about its outer surface. The channels each include a flexible bladder therein having a magnetic outer surface. A cylindrical armature having a helical magnetic band spins around the inner shaft. As the magnetic band approaches a portion of a bladder, magnetic attraction raises the flexible bladder out of the channel. This defines a cavity underneath the flexible bladder. As the armature spins it causes each bladder to undulate. The cavity then travels in a peristaltic manner down the length of the shaft as the armature spins. When fluid flows through the pump by other mechanisms, rotation is induced in the armature which may be captured as generated energy.

Description

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

HELICAL PERISTALTIC PUMP AND MOTOR APPARATUS AND SYSTEM OF USE

Utility Application for Letters Patent

Filed December 7, 2010

Inventor EDUARDO ALEJANDRO NOBLE NAVA makes here Application for Letters Patent for his new and useful apparatus and system in the field of Fluid Dynamics. TITLE OF THE INVENTION

HELICAL PERISTALTIC PUMP AND MOTOR APPARATUS AND SYSTEM OF USE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER

PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

INVENTOR

Eduardo Alejandro Noble Nava

Attorney of Record: Allen F. Bennett

Registration Number: 50199

Attorney Docket Number: NOB001-001UPA BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention:

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for the continuous pumping of fluids, particularly gases. The invention may also be used to generate energy in the presence of flowing fluid.

Prior Art:

[0002] Pumping systems are available for pumping all types of fluids. Many of these pumps provide for continuous flow of the fluid as it is pumped. Progressive cavity pumps have been developed that have few moving parts required for operation. They are low maintenance and have a long life span.

[0003] Peristaltic pumps are also used to propel fluid through a channel generally using a flexible medium which deforms in a wave-like manner. Peristaltic pumps provide continuous fluid flow and are commonly used for intravenous administration of medicines. However, a multitude of other applications of continuous, peristaltic pumps exist. Other hydraulic pumps use gears and/or propellers to create continuous flow of the fluid being displaced.

[0004] Many of these pumps may alternatively be used to generate energy when fluid is pushed through them. Hydraulic power plants are essentially electric motors operating in reverse. Turbine Engines use a first set of turbines to continuously pump air into a combustion chamber. A second set of turbines behind the combustion chamber harnesses some of the energy from the combustion and uses it to power the first set of turbines. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for a helical peristaltic pump comprising an inner cylindrical shaft, parallel longitudinal ridges on the outside of the inner cylindrical shaft extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft, channels on the outside of the inner cylindrical shaft between the ridges and extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft, flexible bladders within the channels and attached to the ridges by a plurality of skirts, magnetic upper surfaces on each of the bladders, and a cylindrical armature surrounding the inner shaft and the bladders and having a helical magnetic strip wrapped around it. The armature rotates about the inner shaft and the bladders causing the bladders to raise out of the channels thereby defining cavities that move down the length of the channels in a wave-like, peristaltic fashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: [0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 a cross sectional view of the invention showing an actuated flexible bladder;

[0009] FIG. 3 a cross sectional view of the invention showing a flexible bladder at rest;

[0010] FIG. 4A is a side view of a flexible bladder of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 4B is a side view of a flexible bladder of the invention; [0012] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the invention showing an actuated flexible bladder;

[0013] FIG 6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG 7 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG 8a cross sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG 8b cross sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; [0017] FIG 8c cross sectional front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention provides a system of peristaltic pumps arranged cylindrically. They pumps are actuated in a sequence so as to create a series of cavities in a sequential, helical manner. Alternatively, fluid flowing through the device causes an armature to spin and energy may be harnessed by the flow of fluid. An inner shaft has a series of parallel longitudinal ridges. The ridges form between them several channels that run the length of the shaft. Flexible bladders lie within these channels and extend the length of the inner shaft. The flexible bladders are attached to the ridges by skirts that run the length of the channels. The flexible bladders each have an upper surface that is magnetic or of a ferrous metal. An outer cylinder acts as an armature. The armature surrounds the shaft and the bladders and is positioned so that there is a space between the armature and the upper surfaces of the bladders. The armature is nonmagnetic but has one or more magnetic bands arranged as a helix about the armature. The magnetic helical band is aligned such that it acts to attract the magnetic upper surfaces of the flexible bladders. When the armature spins, the helical magnetic band attracts the upper surface of a portion of each flexible bladder. This actuates the portion of the flexible bladder underneath the magnetic band of the armature and causes it to raise out of its channel. A cavity is thus defined between the bottom and sides of the channel, the flexible bladder and the skirts. As the armature rotates, the flexible bladder undulates as the portion of the flexible bladder being actuated moves down the length of the bladder. This causes the actuated portion of the flexible bladder and the defined cavity underneath to travel down the cavity well. Fluid within the cavity is thus moved through the pump system.

[0019] Depending on the orientation of the helical magnets, the bladders can either be attracted to the armature and raised out of the channel or repelled by the armature and pushed into the channel. The armature may include more than one helical band of magnets of alternating polarities. The use of several magnetic helical bands of alternating polarities provides for the formation of several cavities underneath each flexible bladder simultaneously and for the closing of the cavities. The width of the helical magnetic bands may be utilized to control the shape, size and pressure retention of the moving screw shaped wave that is created.

[0020] The undulating portions of the flexible bladders actuated by the spin of the armature form in a spiral wave resulting in a helical fluid flow. The pumped volume depends upon the speed of rotation and the pitch of the helical magnetic band or bands.

[0021] In addition, the flow of a fluid through the invention causes the armature to rotate. This allows the invention to alternatively be used as a generator. The invention may also be used to compress a fluid such as air in a manner similar to that of a turbine engine. Two pumps may be combined in series with a combustion chamber between them. The first helical peristaltic pump compresses a fluid such as air prior to reaching the combustion chamber. If a fuel is added and ignited, combustion occurs in the combustion chamber and the resulting combusted flow then flows through a second helical peristaltic pump. The flow of fluid, in this case air, through the second helical peristaltic system causes the second armature to rotate. The energy thus imparted to the second armature can be used to turn the first armature of the first helical peristaltic pump, thus continuing the process.

[0022] FIGS. 1-4B show an exemplary embodiment of the helical peristaltic pump 10 of the invention. Inner shaft 14 is cylindrical. It may be hollow or solid, depending on the needs of its use and application. Inner Shaft 14 is preferably substantially rigid and typically non-rotatable. However, it may be desirable to provide some flexibility in shaft 14. For example, if the helical peristaltic pump is used in relatively small applications such as the administration of fluid intravenously, or more versatile applications requiring a particularly long pump, it may be desirable to provide a helical peristaltic pump capable of some curving or bending.

[0023] The outside of inner shaft 14 is surrounded by channels 20 separated by parallel ridges 16. Parallel Ridges 16 extend longitudinally the length of the inner shaft 14. FIGS. 2 and 3 show this structure in more detail. The sides of the ridges 16 form the anchor walls 18 for the channels 20. The outside of inner shaft 14 forms the floors 22 of the channels 20. Ridges 16 have a triangular cross section such that channels 20 have trapezoidal cross sections but are not limited to that shape so long as the bladders and channels are substantially complimenatary. This facilitates actuation of the flexible bladders 26, allowing them to easily move in and out of channels 20. Flexible bladder 26 also has a substantially trapezoidal cross sectional shape and is attached to anchor walls 18 by skirts 28. Skirts 28 can either be made of elastic material , or can be made of a flexible non elastic material with high resistance to fatigue. If they are not elastic, they may fold under the bladder when actuated by one of the magnetic helical bands, and unfold when actuated in a different direction. The length of the skirts may be such that allows the bladder to rise and fall freely in the canal or channel, but not enough to let it come into contact with the outer armature or are comprised of a flexible and elastic material. Because skirts 28 are flexible, flexible bladders 26 may move in and out of channels 20 as they are actuated. Because skirts 28 form a portion of a cavity having fluid being pumped, they are preferably airtight.

[0024] The armature 36 is substantially cylindrical and surrounds inner shaft 14 and flexible bladders 26. The armature 36 is nonmagnetic and includes at least one magnetic or ferrous material helical strip 38. Armature 36 spins about shaft 14. It is sized so that it spins a short distance above flexible bladders 26. [0025] FIGS. 1-4B show magnets 30 incorporated into the magnetic uppers surface 32 of the flexible bladder 26. All of the magnets are arranged such that their North poles are aligned in the same direction. This allows them to be attracted or repelled uniformly. As armature 36 spins, the helical magnetic band 38 attracts the magnets 30 over a portion 44 of each flexible bladder 26. This causes the portions 44 of the bladders 26 underneath the helical magnetic band to raise away from shaft 14 and toward the helical magnetic band 38. As may be seen in FIGS. 4 A and 4B, this defines a cavity 40 in channel 20 between actuated portion 44 of flexible bladder 26, skirts 28, anchor walls 18 and floor 22. As the armature 36 spins, the helical shape of the magnetic strip 38 causes the actuated portion 44 of the flexible bladder 26 to shift along the length of the flexible bladder 26 in an undulating motion. The cavity 40 defined underneath the actuated portion 44 of the flexible bladder 26 similarly shifts as the flexible bladder 26 undulates. The helical shape of magnetic strip 38 causes neighboring portions of neighboring flexible bladders to undulate and define cavities in sequence. As cavities 40 are defined at the front 52 of inner shaft 14, fluid present will be drawn into the cavities 40. As the flexible bladders 26 undulate as a result of the actuation of portions 44 the fluid within the cavity 40 travels the length of the channel 20 in a peristaltic manner. Cavities 40 all reach the end 54 of the pump and extrude the material within cavities 38 in sequence. This action provides a peristaltic pumping action that results in a continuous helical flow about inner shaft 14. The speed at which fluid is pumped may be adjusted by changing the rate at which armature 36 spins. The pitch of the helical strip also affects the speed at which material passes through the system.

[0026] This embodiment includes magnets 30 embedded in the magnetic uppers surfaces 32 of bladders 26. Alternatively, the magnetic uppers surfaces 32 of the flexible bladders 26 may be comprised of a flexible magnetic material so that the entire upper surfaces of the flexible bladders 26 are magnetic. This may also simplify manufacture of the invention.

[0027] In this embodiment there is only a single helical magnetic band 38 about armature 36. The band 38 acts to attract the magnets 30 of the bladders 26. The elastic nature of the skirts 24 returns the flexible bladders to the cavity well 20 and causes the cavity 40 to move along the length of the well. Alternatively, it may be desirable to include a second helical magnetic strip of opposite polarity of strip 38 to the armature 36 in order to push the flexible bladders into channels 20 by magnetic force. It may also be desirable to have several helical magnetic bands of alternating polarity on the armature. This would result in several portions of each flexible bladder to be actuated at once such that it undulates in a sinusoidal- like pattern.

[0028] Referring now to Figure 5, the embodiment of Figures 1 -4 has an additional helical magnetic band 80 having polarity opposite to the polarity of band 38. This second magnetic band 80 balances the magnetic forces within the device and reduces the momentum required to adjust velocity of the armature or other components. Band 80 is helical at the same angle as and helically parallel to band 38. The armature may spin at extremely high speed without altering the total geometry of the device. This allows very high velocity spin with minimal inertia or momentum required to adjust spin velocity. It also creates a high degree of stability due to centripetal and centrifugal forces. The relatively few moving parts also increases the efficiency of the device whether in use as a pump or a generator. [0029] Referring now to Figure 6, the embodiment of Figure 5 is further modified to include an inverted version of the device shown in Figures 1-4 so that the volume of fluid traveling through the device, either as a pump, motor or generator. The interior armature 90 has two helical magnetic bands 92 and 94 that are of opposite polarity to each other. Optionally, bands 92 and 80 are of the same polarity so that they compliment each other's affects on the bladders. The same is true for helical magnetic bands 38 and 94 - they are optionally complimentary to each other, creating a magnetic field in the same direction.

[0030] Magnetic bands 92 and 94 create a cavity 100 between bladder 96 and floor 14 in a manner that is the inverse of the cavity formed by the device as shown in Figures 1 - 4.

Optionally, the armatures 36 and 90 may be stationary while 14 is spun at high velocity.

Optionally, all three of armatures 36, 90 and 14 are rotated.

[0031] Referring now to Figure 7, alternative embodiment 110 includes an armature 120 having magnetic bands 122 and 124 of opposite polarity. Bladder 150 includes a plurality of magnets 152 that cause the bladder to form a sinusoidal wave as the armature rotates about embodiment 110. This forms a cavity 156 that carries fluid along the length of the device.

[0032] Figures 8a - 8c show the embodiment 110 of Figure 7 as part of a larger device that is similar to a jet engine in that is uses one peristaltic device 130 on one half the device to compress fluid using a pumping action. In the center of the device a compression and/or combustion chamber 127 may be used to combust one or more components of the fluid fed into the chamber 127 such that it expands rapidly and forces its way through the second half of the device 142. This pressurized fluid moving through the second half 142 causes armature 140 to rotate in an action inverse to using the device as a pump. In this manner, rotational motion that may be transformed into other types of energy may be harnessed while fluid flowing out of the device may optionally additionally create momentum in a longitudinal direction along a vector that passes between both sides 130 and 142 of the device.

[0033] The system of the present invention may also be used to generate energy. When a fluid is forced through the pump, the raised magnets of the bladders will attract the magnets of the helical magnetic strip of the armature. This attraction will induce the armature to move so that the strip is closer to bladders raised by the presence of a fluid in a cavity. This induces the armature to spin. This rotation may be captured to generate energy. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the induced movement of the helical magnetic strip will create a flux in a local magnetic field which may be harnessed as electrical current.

[0034] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIM OR CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A helical peristaltic device comprising:

an inner cylindrical shaft;

a plurality of parallel longitudinal ridges on the outside of the inner cylindrical shaft extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft;

a plurality of channels on the outside of the inner cylindrical shaft between the parallel longitudinal ridges and extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft; a plurality of flexible bladders within the channels and attached to the parallel longitudinal ridges by a plurality of skirts, the flexible bladders having magnetic upper surfaces; and

a cylindrical armature surrounding the inner shaft and the bladders and having a helical magnetic band, the armature being rotatable about the inner shaft and the bladders.

2. The helical peristaltic device of Claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of parallel longitudinal ridges on the inside of the inner cylindrical shaft extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft;

a plurality of channels on the inside of the inner cylindrical shaft between the parallel longitudinal ridges and extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft; a plurality of flexible bladders within the channels and attached to the parallel longitudinal ridges by a plurality of skirts, the flexible bladders having magnetic upper surfaces; and a cylindrical armature concentric with and inside the inner shaft and the bladders and having a helical magnetic band, the armature being rotatable along the inner shaft and the bladders.

3. A method for pumping a fluid comprising:

providing a helical peristaltic pump comprising an inner cylindrical shaft, a plurality of parallel longitudinal ridges on the outside of the inner cylindrical shaft extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft, a plurality of channels on the outside of the inner cylindrical shaft between the ridges and extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft, a plurality of flexible bladders within the channels and attached to the parallel longitudinal ridges by a plurality of skirts, the flexible bladders having magnetic uppers surfaces, and a cylindrical armature surrounding the inner shaft and the bladders and having a helical magnetic band, the armature being rotatable about the inner shaft and the bladders;

rotating the armature such that a portion of each of the bladders is actuated to raise out of the channel and define a cavity within the channel and causing the cavity to move down the entire length of the inner shaft as the armature rotates; and

exposing fluid to a front end of the helical peristaltic pump such that the fluid enters the cavities and travels within the cavities to an end of the helical peristaltic pump and exits the helical peristaltic pump.

4. A method for generating rotational energy comprising:

providing a helical peristaltic pump comprising an inner cylindrical shaft, a plurality of parallel longitudinal ridges on the outside of the inner cylindrical shaft extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft, a plurality of channels on the outside of the inner cylindrical shaft between the ridges and extending the length of the inner cylindrical shaft, a plurality of flexible bladders within the channels and attached to the ridges by a plurality of skirts, the flexible bladders having magnetic uppers surfaces, and a cylindrical armature surrounding the inner shaft and the bladders and having a helical magnetic band, the armature being rotatable about the inner shaft and the bladders; and allowing a fluid to flow through the helical peristaltic pump and thereby inducing the armature to rotate.