Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenator Flow Path for Uniform Fiber Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current designs for extracorporeal blood conditioning devices using hollow fiber mats are inefficient and require improvements in manufacturing methods to enhance performance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The devices incorporate a housing with a fluid inlet and outlet that transition from linear to partially circumferential flow paths, and use orthogonal fiber assemblies with potting material to form circular or cylindrical internal chambers, enhancing blood conditioning efficiency and manufacturing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional linear flow paths are used in blood conditioning devices, then manufacturing is simpler, but blood distribution and collection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from linear flow paths to partially circumferential flow paths that follow a curved trajectory. The blood flow path includes a circumferential portion that wraps around the fiber mat assembly, improving blood distribution across the fibers and enhancing conditioning efficiency without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a circumferential dimension to the flow path configuration. Instead of simple linear inlet-to-outlet flow, the blood flow now includes a circumferential component that moves blood around the fiber assembly in multiple directions, improving contact efficiency between blood and fibers
2Manufacturing precision
If orthogonal fiber assemblies are used, then manufacturing precision and gap reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of fiber assemblies with orthogonal orientations. Rather than uniform symmetric arrangement, the fiber mats are positioned at right angles to each other in a specific asymmetric configuration that eliminates gaps and improves manufacturing precision through defined spatial relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested positioning where fiber assemblies are arranged concentrically or in nested patterns around a central axis. The orthogonal fiber mats are positioned within defined radial and axial boundaries, creating a compact nested structure that reduces gaps and improves alignment precision
3Productivity
If circular or cylindrical internal chambers are formed with potting material, then blood conditioning effectiveness is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent forms circular or cylindrical internal chambers using potting material that is applied in a curved or rotational manner. The potting process creates a circumferential border that defines a rounded internal chamber geometry, improving blood flow patterns and conditioning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical state or application parameters of the potting material to achieve circular chamber formation. By controlling the viscosity, application method, or curing characteristics of the potting material, the desired circular internal chamber geometry is achieved while managing manufacturing complexity
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 new designs facilitate improved distribution and collection of blood, reduce potential gaps between fiber mats, and enhance manufacturing consistency, resulting in more effective extracorporeal blood conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid, such as a heat or gas exchange fluid, can be passed through the hollow fibers while blood is directed through the chamber. The blood is conditioned as it moves across the individual fibers, responding to the particular fluid passing through the fibers in the mats.
Implementation Method 2
spinning the cartridge and fiber assembly precursor in the centrifuge to achieve a radial dispersion of the potting material throughout the fiber assembly precursor to form a fiber assembly in which the potting material forms a circumferential border and defines a flow path having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to devices and methods for extracorporeal conditioning of blood. Extracorporeal blood oxygenators and blood oxygenator components, such as conditioning modules, are described. An extracorporeal blood oxygenator includes a conditioning module having an external frame, an inlet cover, an outlet cover, and an internal chamber. A fiber assembly is disposed within the internal chamber and a potting material on the fiber assembly creates a circumferential seal that defines a passageway through the fiber assembly having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. A fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the passageway, has a lumen that extends along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the fiber assembly, and has an internal curvilinear surface adjacent the fiber assembly. A fluid outlet on the opposite side of the fiber assembly also has a lumen that extends along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the fiber assembly.