Adaptive programmable pump

A method of controlling an adaptive programmable pump comprising:

• monitoring, via a sensor, one of a pressure or a flow rate of a fluid in the adaptive programmable pump, wherein the adaptive programmable pump comprises a diaphragm that includes a variable stiffness element, and wherein the variable stiffness element comprises a thermoplastic material;
• determining a level of a stiffness of the variable stiffness element that is required for operation of the adaptive programmable pump;
• controlling the stiffness of the variable stiffness element by applying a voltage to a control element coupled to the variable stiffness element, wherein the control element comprises an electrically resistive wire or film, wherein when the voltage is applied to the control element, the control element controls the stiffness of the variable stiffness element by applying heat to the thermoplastic material to cause a change in the stiffness of the thermoplastic material, and
• wherein controlling the stiffness of the variable stiffness element comprises one or more of decreasing the stiffness of the variable stiffness element responsive to a high flow rate condition for the adaptive programmable pump or increasing the stiffness of the variable stiffness element responsive to a high pressure condition for the adaptive programmable pump.

At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to perform operations comprising:

• monitoring, via a sensor, one of a pressure or a flow rate of a fluid in an adaptive programmable pump, wherein the adaptive programmable pump comprises a diaphragm that includes a variable stiffness element, and wherein the variable stiffness element comprises a thermoplastic material;
• determining a level of a stiffness of the variable stiffness element that is required for operation of the adaptive programmable pump;
• controlling the stiffness of the variable stiffness element by applying a voltage to a control element coupled to the variable stiffness element, wherein the control element comprises an electrically resistive wire or film, wherein when the voltage is applied to the control element, the control element controls the stiffness of the variable stiffness element by applying heat to the thermoplastic material to cause a change in the stiffness of the thermoplastic material, and
• wherein controlling the stiffness of the variable stiffness element comprises one or more of decreasing the stiffness of the variable stiffness element responsive to a high flow rate condition for the adaptive programmable pump or increasing the stiffness of the variable stiffness element responsive to a high pressure condition for the adaptive programmable pump.