APD Damping Chamber for Pressure Pulsation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pressure pulsations induced by pumps in automated peritoneal dialysis systems cause challenges in capturing accurate pressure readings and can lead to patient discomfort, particularly in small-pressure ranges.

Innovation Solution

Damping devices with a single chamber defined by cavities and membranes that absorb pressure pulsations, positioned in a vertical orientation to remove air bubbles, are integrated into the system to reduce pressure fluctuations and facilitate accurate pressure measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If pumps are used to introduce and remove solution in automated peritoneal dialysis, then solution exchange can be automated, but pressure pulsations are induced that cause inaccurate pressure readings and patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of solution exchangeVSAvoidpressure reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A damping device is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump and the patient's peritoneal cavity. This device includes a compliance chamber that absorbs pressure pulsations generated by the pump, allowing automated solution exchange to continue while eliminating the harmful pressure fluctuations that cause inaccurate readings and discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping device converts the harmful pressure pulsations generated by the automated pump into a beneficial damping effect. The compliance chamber captures the pressure energy and dissipates it, transforming the problematic pulsations into smooth, controlled pressure delivery to the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Extent of automation

If pumps are used to introduce and remove solution in automated peritoneal dialysis, then solution exchange can be automated, but patient discomfort occurs due to pressure pulsations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of solution exchangeVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The damping device serves as a mediator between the automated pump system and the patient's body. It intercepts the pressure pulsations before they reach the patient, allowing the benefits of automation to be realized without the harmful effects of pressure fluctuations causing discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The compliance chamber in the damping device provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-configured to absorb pressure pulsations. This protective mechanism is built into the system in advance, cushioning the patient from pressure variations before they can cause discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If damping devices with multiple chambers are used to reduce pressure pulsations, then pressure damping effectiveness increases, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure damping effectivenessVSAvoiddamping device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure. The compliance chamber simultaneously dampens pressure pulsations and can be configured in vertical orientation to facilitate air removal, eliminating the need for separate air venting components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the pressure damping function with the air removal function into a single damping device structure. By combining these functions, the device achieves effective pressure pulsation reduction without requiring multiple separate chambers or components, thereby reducing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 damping devices effectively dampen pressure pulsations, enhance accurate pressure readings, reduce patient discomfort, and minimize the risk of air introduction, while being cost-effective and lightweight for disposable sets.

Implementation Method 1

damping devices configured to reduce pressure pulsation amplitudes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure pulsation damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

positioned in a vertical orientation to remove air bubbles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity separation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20260083889A1Damping devices, including damping devices for automated peritoneal dialysis systems, and associated systems, devices, and methods

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 BYONYKS MEDICAL DEVICES INC

AI summary

Damping devices, including damping devices for automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) systems, and associated systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a damping device includes a body portion, a first membrane, and a second membrane. The body portion can include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inlet, and a cavity fluidly coupled to the inlet. The cavity can be defined at least in part by a lumen in the body portion extending from the first side to the second side. The first membrane can be affixed to the first side of the body portion such that the first membrane hermetically seals the cavity at the first side. The second membrane can be affixed to the second side of the body portion such that the second membrane hermetically seals the cavity at the second side.