Alkalizing Solution Container Adapter for Existing Blood Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insert containers for alkalizing solutions in extracorporeal blood treatment machines, such as bicarbonate cartridges, are designed for single-use and require frequent replacement, leading to high plastic waste and inefficiency due to their limited capacity.

Innovation Solution

A container arrangement with an adapter that allows for the use of larger containers with adaptable connection topologies, enabling multiple treatments without frequent replacement, and reducing plastic waste by allowing reuse of the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional insert containers with small capacity are used, then compatibility with existing machines is maintained, but frequent replacement is required leading to high plastic waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplastic wasteVSAvoidcompatibility with existing machines

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a reusable container holder with machine-compatible connections and replaceable containers that can hold larger quantities of alkalizing solution. This segmentation allows the holder to maintain machine compatibility while containers can be optimized for reduced waste through larger capacity and potential reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container holder is designed with universal connection interfaces that maintain compatibility with existing blood treatment machines while also supporting larger, reusable containers. This multi-functionality allows the same holder structure to serve both compatibility requirements and waste reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If larger containers are used to reduce replacement frequency, then operational efficiency improves, but compatibility with existing machine connection topologies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidconnection topology compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container holder acts as an intermediary component between the machine's connection system and the larger containers. It provides the machine-compatible connection topology at its interface with the blood treatment machine, while simultaneously supporting larger container configurations that reduce replacement frequency and improve operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If single-use insert containers are replaced frequently, then safety and reliability are maintained, but operational effort and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic container selection where operators can choose between single-use containers for maximum safety assurance or larger reusable containers for reduced operational effort. The holder design accommodates both approaches, allowing flexibility in balancing safety requirements against time and effort constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables efficient and safe intermittent blood treatment by allowing larger containers to be used multiple times, reducing plastic waste and operational effort, while maintaining compatibility with existing blood treatment machines.

Implementation Method 1

a dialyzer with a semipermeable membrane for a mass transfer between a patient's blood carried in an extracorporeal blood circuit and a dialysis fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

a dialyzer with a semipermeable membrane for a mass transfer between a patient's blood carried in an extracorporeal blood circuit and a dialysis fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Implementation Method 3

ultrapure water is provided by a water treatment system, in particular a reverse osmosis system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Data Source

PatentUS20250303034A1Container arrangement for the preparation and supply of an alkalizing solution, and extracorporeal blood treatment machine with the container arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 B BRAUN AVITUM

AI summary

A container arrangement for an extracorporeal blood treatment machine serves as a replacement for an insert container designed with a predetermined topology for supplying an alkalizing solution. The container arrangement includes a container for holding an alkalizing dry substance. The container has a container intake, a container drain, and an adapter. The adapter has an inflow connection section for coupling and fluidic connection to an inflow of an insert container holder of the extracorporeal blood treatment machine and an outflow connection section for coupling to an outflow of the insert container holder of the extracorporeal blood treatment machine. A solvent flow path can be formed from the inflow connection section of the adapter, via the container intake, through the container, and to the container drain.