Precision and Efficiency in Pump Control for Modern Systems

Introduction

In industries that rely on fluid transport and control, the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of pumps can have a significant impact on operations. Whether it’s an HVAC system managing the temperature of a building or an industrial machine controlling the flow of chemicals, precise pump operation is critical to maintaining performance, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring system longevity. Our advanced pump control system offers an innovative approach to managing pumps with higher precision, enhanced efficiency, and reduced operational risks.

Current Limitations in Pump Systems

Many traditional pump systems lack the precise control mechanisms needed to optimize fluid flow in real time. Without dynamic control, these pumps often run inefficiently, consuming more energy than necessary and increasing the risk of mechanical failure due to overuse or improper operation. This inefficiency results in higher operational costs, increased wear and tear on machinery, and greater environmental impact due to excessive energy consumption.

Whether you are operating an HVAC system that needs to respond to fluctuating temperatures or running a manufacturing process that requires controlled fluid flow, the inability to accurately control pump performance can lead to costly downtime, higher maintenance needs, and decreased system efficiency.

A Smarter, More Adaptive Pump System

Our patented pump and control system is designed to meet the demands of modern industrial and HVAC systems by providing real-time, automated control over pump operations. By adjusting pump output based on system needs, this technology ensures that pumps run at optimal levels, reducing energy consumption while preventing mechanical failures. This makes it ideal for applications where fluid flow needs to be tightly regulated, such as cooling systems, water treatment plants, or manufacturing production lines.

The system’s advanced sensors and control mechanisms enable it to react quickly to changes in demand, allowing for smoother operation and reducing wear on the pump itself. This improves overall system reliability, extends pump lifespan, and ensures a more sustainable and energy-efficient operation.

Key Advantages

  • Energy Savings: The control system optimizes pump performance, reducing energy consumption and lowering operational costs across a range of applications.
  • Improved Reliability: By maintaining pumps at their optimal levels, the system reduces mechanical stress, leading to fewer breakdowns and longer equipment lifespans.
  • Enhanced Precision: Real-time adjustments to pump output provide precise control over fluid flow, improving performance in applications requiring exact specifications.
  • Versatility: From HVAC systems to industrial manufacturing, this technology can be applied to a variety of industries, making it a flexible and adaptable solution.

The Next Step in Pump Efficiency

Licensing this innovative pump control system will provide industries with the precision, efficiency, and reliability they need to optimize their fluid management processes. Whether enhancing an HVAC system’s performance or improving the efficiency of an industrial production line, this technology offers a smart, sustainable solution for modern operations.

A pump with a controller for adjusting head pressure using a pressure boost is provided. The pressure boost may be dynamically adjusted during a surgical procedure based on the device being used and inflow and/or outflow settings.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of controlling a pump to adjust pressure at a surgical site, the method comprising:

providing a pump for motivating a flow of fluid to a surgical site;
providing a pump controller which has the capability of receiving flow information and causing the pump to provide a pressure boost;
providing a surgical device in communication with the pump controller;
providing a set head pressure which is communicated to the pump controller;
activating the surgical device;

wherein the pump controller executes the following steps:

(a) receiving information from the surgical device in communication with the pump controller;
(b) using the information provided by the surgical device to determine a desired surgical site pressure and a surgical site fluid flow rate, and using the desired surgical site pressure and surgical site fluid flow rate to determine whether a pressure boost is needed to be added to or subtracted from the set head pressure to result in an appropriate pressure at the surgical site;
(c) if a pressure boost is needed, calculating the amount of pressure boost needed by using the information provided by the surgical device;
(d) adjusting the pump flow to a level at which the amount of pressure boost needed is achieved.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information provided by the surgical device and which is used by the pump controller to determine whether a pressure boost is needed comprises at least the type of surgical device.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the flow information includes the mode of inflow and outflow and is used by the pump controller in calculating the amount of pressure boost needed.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein if the surgical device is not on, the pump controller determines that a pressure boost is not needed.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein information concerning the type of surgical device is used in calculating the amount of pressure boost needed.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein information concerning whether the surgical device is manufactured by the manufacturer of the pump is used in calculating the amount of pressure boost needed.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the pump controller has a look-up table for information concerning surgical devices to be used to calculate the amount of pressure boost needed.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein if the pump system is not in an Inflow/Outflow mode, a maximum outflow value is used in calculating the amount of pressure boost needed.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein if the pump system is in an Inflow/Outflow mode, a set outflow value is used in calculating the amount of pressure boost needed.

10. A method of controlling a pump to adjust pressure at a surgical site, the method comprising:

providing a pump for motivating fluid to a surgical site;
providing a pump controller which has the capability of causing the pump to provide a pressure boost;
providing a surgical device in communication with the pump controller;
providing a set head pressure which is communicated to the pump controller;
providing a set trigger boost flow rate which is communicated to the pump controller;
the pump controller determining if the surgical device is activated;
if the surgical device is activated, the pump controller determining whether a pressure boost is currently being delivered and whether the site is in an overpressure state;
if the surgical device is activated, a pressure boost is currently being delivered and the site is in an overpressure state, the pump controller determining if a pressure boost is needed based at least on the current head pressure in relation to the desired head pressure;
if at least one of the surgical device is activated, a pressure boost is currently being delivered, and the site is in an overpressure state is not true, the pump controller determining if a pressure boost is needed based at least on the current head pressure in relation to the desired head pressure and a prior flow rate in relation to the current flow rate;
once it is determined whether a pressure boost is needed, the pump controller calculating the needed pressure boost by using the information provided by the surgical device and whether the system is in an Inflow/Outflow mode;
the pump controller adjusting the pump flow rate to a level at which the amount of pressure boost needed is achieved,
wherein the pump has a manufacturer, and the information provided by the surgical device includes whether the surgical device is manufactured by the pump manufacturer.

11. A method of controlling a pump to adjust pressure at a surgical site, the method comprising:

providing a pump for motivating fluid to a surgical site;
providing a pump controller which has the capability of causing the pump to provide a pressure boost;
providing a surgical device in communication with the pump controller;
providing a set head pressure which is communicated to the pump controller;
providing a set trigger boost flow rate which is communicated to the pump controller;
the pump controller determining if the surgical device is activated;
if the surgical device is activated, the pump controller determining whether a pressure boost is currently being delivered and whether the site is in an overpressure state;
if the surgical device is activated, a pressure boost is currently being delivered and the site is in an overpressure state, the pump controller determining if a pressure boost is needed based at least on the current head pressure in relation to the desired head pressure;
if at least one of the surgical device is activated, a pressure boost is currently being delivered, and the site is in an overpressure state is not true, the pump controller determining if a pressure boost is needed based at least on the current head pressure in relation to the desired head pressure and a prior flow rate in relation to the current flow rate;
once it is determined whether a pressure boost is needed, the pump controller calculating the needed pressure boost by using the information provided by the surgical device and whether the system is in an Inflow/Outflow mode;
the pump controller adjusting the pump flow rate to a level at which the amount of pressure boost needed is achieved,
wherein the pump controller increments a boost counter until the boost counter reaches a predetermined boost counter limit, at which time the boost is turned on.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the flow information includes an inflow RPM value.
13. The method of claim 12, and further including the step of determining whether the inflow RPM value is greater than a predetermined trigger boost RPM.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein if the inflow RPM value is not greater than the trigger boost RPM, the pressure boost is set to OFF.
15. The method of claim 1, and further including the step of determining whether the surgical device is activated.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein if it is determined that the surgical device is not activated, either returning to the step of receiving information from the surgical device or setting the pressure boost to OFF.

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Title

Pump and means for controlling a pump

Inventor(s)

Brady L. WOOLFORD

Assignee(s)

Stryker Corp

Patent #

10293099

Patent Date

May 21, 2019

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