Temperature-Independent Balancing Apparatus for Medical Fluid Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
In blood treatment processes like dialysis, precise balancing of liquid flows is crucial for patient safety, but existing devices face challenges in accurately managing temperature-dependent volume changes and fluid balance, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A medical functional device with a heat exchange system integrated into the fluid circuit, connected to flow sensors and pumps, which regulates volume flows by equalizing temperatures between sections and using fluid balance data to control pump rates and cross-sectional areas, thereby minimizing temperature-related errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and complex temperature management systems are used to compensate for temperature effects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by using the heat exchange device to equalize temperatures between the first and second sections, converting the harmful temperature difference into a beneficial condition for accurate flow measurement. The temperature equalization eliminates the need for complex temperature compensation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange device acts as an intermediary between the first and second sections, mediating the temperature difference by transferring heat between the two fluid streams. This intermediary device enables temperature equalization without requiring direct thermal contact between the sections, thus simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If temperature sensors are added to compensate for temperature effects, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of temperature differences on flow measurement into a beneficial condition by actively equalizing temperatures using the heat exchange device. This eliminates the need for temperature sensors and complex compensation algorithms, maintaining reliability while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves temperature equalization through self-service by using the heat exchange device to automatically balance temperatures between sections based on the fluid flows themselves, without requiring external temperature sensing or active control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If heat exchange device is added to equalize temperatures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange device serves as an intermediary that enables precise volume flow balancing by equalizing temperatures between the first and second sections. This intermediary component allows the system to achieve high manufacturing precision without requiring complex temperature compensation mechanisms throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling the temperature parameter through the heat exchange device. By changing the temperature parameter to be equal in both sections, the system achieves precise volume flow measurement and balancing, as volume flow measurements become temperature-independent when temperatures are equalized.
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 solution enables precise and efficient fluid balancing independent of temperature effects, reducing errors by at least a factor of 10 and allowing for accurate volume control without the need for temperature sensors or complex temperature management systems, enhancing safety and efficiency in blood treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchange device is arranged and/or configured between at least two different sections of the fluid circuit, in particular between the first section and the second section
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchange device is arranged and/or configured between at least two different sections of the fluid circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a functional apparatus (17), in particular a medical functional apparatus, comprising at least one fluid circuit (1) that includes at least one heat exchanging device arranged and/or designed between a first leg (A1) of the fluid circuit (1) and a second leg (A2) of the fluid circuit (1). The invention further relates to a balancing apparatus (4), a treatment unit (3) and a balancing method.