APD Fluid Line Control With Diaphragm Pump Volume Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and size of past machines and associated disposables for Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) modalities have dampened widespread patient acceptance, making it less attractive as an alternative to manual peritoneal dialysis methods.

Innovation Solution

A system for measuring liquid volume in a pneumatically actuated diaphragm pump using a controller to control valves and pressure sensors, employing an ideal gas model to calculate chamber volumes, and adjusting polytropic coefficients based on pre-defined functions or look-up tables for accurate volume measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional APD machines and disposables are used, then automated peritoneal dialysis treatment can be provided, but the complexity and size of the system increases, reducing patient acceptance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated peritoneal dialysis treatmentVSAvoidsystem complexity and size

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the peritoneal dialysis treatment into multiple fluid lines with distinct functions: a first fluid line for dialysate infusion and drainage, a second fluid line for medication administration, and a third fluid line for irrigation. This segmentation allows each line to be optimized for its specific purpose, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive automated treatment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller integrates multiple functions into a single device, managing dialysate delivery, medication administration, and irrigation through a unified control system. The system can automatically switch between different treatment modes and fluid lines, providing multi-functional capability without requiring separate machines for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fluid lines are used for different treatment functions, then treatment versatility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment versatilityVSAvoidfluid line management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that monitor fluid flow, pressure, and volume in each fluid line, providing real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection of line status, flow rate adjustment, and treatment phase transition, simplifying the management of multiple fluid lines while maintaining treatment versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages the coordination of multiple fluid lines without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously determines when to switch between dialysate infusion, medication administration, and irrigation based on treatment protocols and sensor feedback, reducing the operational complexity for the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of liquid measurement in diaphragm pumps, facilitating more precise control and reducing the complexity of APD systems, thereby improving patient acceptance and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

employing an ideal gas model to calculate chamber volumes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIdeal gas model: Boyle's Law

Implementation Method 2

adjusting polytropic coefficients based on pre-defined functions or look-up tables for accurate volume measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolytropic process:

Implementation Method 3

pneumatically actuated diaphragm pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

Diffusion and osmosis exchanges take place between the solution and the bloodstream across the natural body membranes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 5

The diffusion of water across the peritoneal membrane during dialysis is called ultrafiltration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Implementation Method 6

The diffusion of water across the peritoneal membrane during dialysis is called ultrafiltration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrafiltration:

Data Source

PatentEP4714477A2Medical treatment system and methods using a plurality of fluid lines

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 DEKA PRODUCTS LP

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Figure 1A
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AI summary

There is disclosed herein a control system (2932A) for a heater of an automated peritoneal dialysis apparatus comprising: a resistive heating element; a solid state relay connecting an electrical power source to the heating element; a first processor (2931) configured to generate and send a pulse width modulated signal to a gating circuit; a second processor (2933) configured to generate and send a safety signal to the gating circuit; wherein the gating circuit is configured to reproduce or transmit the pulse width modulated signal to operate the solid state relay if the safety signal is in a first mode, and is configured to prevent the operation of the solid state relay if the safety signal is in a second mode.