Frangible-Compartment Acid Concentrate Bag for On-Site Dialysis Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for preparing dialysis solutions, such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, involve shipping heavy containers of solution or mixing large batches of dry concentrates on-site, which are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A container system with compartments separated by frangible seals is used to prepare acid concentrate solutions, where components are kept separate until mixed by applying internal pressure from a dialysis machine, forming the solution within the bag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heavy containers of solution are shipped, then dialysis solutions can be prepared without on-site mixing, but shipping costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution components are segmented into separate compartments within a single container. The container is divided into multiple sealed compartments, each holding different dry compositions (e.g., acid concentrate, dextrose, electrolytes). This segmentation allows the components to be shipped in a compact, lightweight form while maintaining the ability to prepare the complete dialysis solution on-site by simply adding water and activating the frangible seals.
2Weight of moving object
If large batches of dry concentrate are mixed on-site, then shipping costs are reduced, but mixing time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dry compositions are pre-packaged in separate compartments with frangible seals designed to breach at specific activation points. The container is pre-configured with all necessary components in measured quantities, and the frangible seals are positioned to release automatically when water is introduced to a predetermined level. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual measurement and mixing operations, reducing both time and labor requirements while maintaining the benefits of shipping lightweight dry materials.
3Stability of the object's composition
If components are kept separate in compartments, then stability and prevention of degradation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple compartments are nested within a single outer container, creating a compact integrated structure. Each compartment is sealed within the overall container assembly, allowing components to be kept separate for stability while maintaining a unified, manageable container system. The nested design reduces the overall complexity compared to multiple separate containers, as all components are housed within one structure that activates simultaneously when water is introduced.
4Ease of operation
If frangible seals are used to separate compartments, then on-site mixing is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible seals are designed to activate automatically based on the introduction of water into the container. The seals are positioned and engineered to breach at specific activation points determined by the water volume introduced, eliminating the need for manual activation or complex control mechanisms. This self-activating mechanism simplifies the user operation to merely adding water, while the manufacturing precision is built into the seal design and positioning during container fabrication.
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
This method allows for easy, safe, and cost-effective preparation of dialysis solutions without the need for shipping heavy containers or on-site mixing, ensuring uniform concentration and compliance with medical standards.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one frangible seal is configured to breach upon an internal filling pressure applied when a threshold amount of liquid is dispensed through the nozzle to the inside of the bag
Implementation Method 2
The first dry composition and the second dry composition are components of a dry acid concentrate, and when combined with water, form the acid concentrate solution
Data Source
AI summary
A container system used for preparing an acid concentrate solution. The container system includes at least one flexible wall forming a bag that includes at least a first compartment and a second compartment, separated by at least one frangible seal. A nozzle is coupled to the at least one flexible wall and forms a fluid communication to an inside of the bag. A first dry composition is disposed in the first compartment and a second dry composition is disposed in the second compartment. The first dry composition and the second dry composition are components of a dry acid concentrate, and when combined with water, form the acid concentrate solution. The at least one frangible seal is configured to breach upon an internal filling pressure when a threshold amount of liquid is dispensed through the nozzle to the inside of the bag. Water and acid concentrate may flow through one conduit.