Blood Purification Apparatus Air Detection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood purification apparatuses face issues with liquid spill prevention during the transition from a closed to an open circuit, where the introduction of air is not uniformized, leading to insufficient spill prevention or interference with liquid pressure sensors, and requiring excessive cleaning fluids.
Innovation Solution
A blood purification apparatus with an air detection system using electrodes, optical sensors, or ultrasonic sensors to monitor air introduction through the opened portion, allowing precise control of the liquid spill prevention operation to ensure uniform air introduction and prevent dialysate overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liquid spill prevention operation is performed by opening the base end side of the dialysate introduction line or dialysate discharge line to allow dialysate to discharge to the outside due to head difference, then dialysate spillage is prevented, but the amount of air introduced is not uniformized and may be too small or too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs air detection means (such as air bubbles detection sensor) to detect the presence and amount of air introduced into the dialysate lines. The control means receives detection results and adjusts the liquid spill prevention operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures uniform air introduction while maintaining spill prevention effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the liquid spill prevention operation based on detected air introduction levels. The control means adjusts timing, duration, or intensity of the spill prevention operation to achieve uniform air introduction, transforming a fixed-parameter operation into a dynamically adjustable process
2Reliability
If a large amount of air is introduced through the opened portion during liquid spill prevention operation, then dialysate spillage is prevented, but air may reach the vicinity of the liquid pressure sensor and prevent accurate pressure measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air detection means positioned to detect air before it reaches the liquid pressure sensor. The control means receives feedback about air presence and adjusts the spill prevention operation to stop air introduction when the sensor vicinity is reached, preventing interference with pressure measurement while maintaining spill prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The air detection means acts as an intermediary between the air introduction process and the liquid pressure sensor, detecting air presence and providing feedback to the control means, which then mediates the operation to prevent air from reaching the sensor
3Reliability
If a large amount of air is introduced during liquid spill prevention operation, then dialysate spillage is prevented, but a large amount of cleaning liquid or antiseptic liquid is needed during cleaning or disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the air introduction parameters during the spill prevention operation to introduce only the minimum necessary amount of air. The control means monitors air introduction and modulates the operation to achieve spill prevention with optimized air volume, reducing subsequent cleaning fluid requirements
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 apparatus effectively prevents dialysate spillage by uniformly introducing air and minimizing interference with pressure sensors, optimizing the liquid spill prevention operation while reducing the need for excessive cleaning fluids.
Implementation Method 1
an air detection means, by which air introduced through the opened portion is detectable, is provided in a vicinity of the coupling means
Implementation Method 2
the air detection means has a pair of electrodes formed in a flow path of the dialysate introduction line or the dialysate discharge line, and is comprised of an electrical sensor that is electrically connectable via dialysate
Data Source
AI summary
A blood purification apparatus that is capable of performing a liquid spill prevention operation and uniformizing the amount of air introduced through an opened portion. The blood purification apparatus includes a dialysate introduction line that allows dialysate to be introduced into a dialyzer; a dialysate discharge line that allows the dialysate to be discharged from the dialyzer; coupling tools that allow free switching between a connected state which causes a closed circuit, and an opened state which causes the closed circuit to be opened to form an opened portion; and a control means that performs a liquid spill prevention operation in which external air is introduced through the opened portion. An air detection means, by which air introduced through the opened portion is detectable, is provided in the vicinity of the coupling tools, and the control means stops the liquid spill prevention operation when air is detected by the air detection means.