Bubble Trap Element With Segmented Compartments For Clot Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extracorporeal hemodialysis circuits face issues with clot formation, which obstructs the circuit and limits flow, and existing solutions do not effectively release air from bubble traps without fluid contacting pressure sensors, leading to damage and clot formation.
Innovation Solution
A bubble trap element with a body divided into two compartments, where the pressure orifice is in one compartment and the evacuation orifice is in another, featuring an air intake that allows air to escape without fluid reaching the pressure sensor, preventing damage and reducing air introduction into the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the serum level is raised in the bubble trap to evacuate clots through the exhaust port, then clot removal is achieved, but the serum also rises in the pressure orifice and contacts the pressure sensor causing damage or distorted readings
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble trap is divided into two separate compartments: a first compartment containing the pressure orifice and pressure sensor, and a second compartment containing the exhaust orifice. An internal wall separates these compartments, preventing fluid communication between them. This segmentation allows independent operation of each function - pressure monitoring in the first compartment and clot evacuation in the second compartment - resolving the contradiction between protecting the pressure sensor and enabling efficient clot removal.
2Reliability
If air is released from the bubble trap during fluid delivery, then air removal is achieved, but fluid contamination of the air intake conduit occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake conduit is positioned to open only into the second compartment, which is separated from the first compartment by an internal wall. This segmentation ensures that when air is released through the air intake, fluid cannot contaminate the air intake conduit because the internal wall creates a physical barrier. The design maintains easy air release functionality while protecting the air intake system from fluid contamination.
3Productivity
If air is entrained in the recirculation line during clot evacuation, then clot removal is facilitated, but new clots form due to air introduction in the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake conduit is specifically designed to extract air from the second compartment during the clot evacuation process. By providing a dedicated air removal pathway separate from the fluid circulation path, the system efficiently removes air that would otherwise be entrained in the recirculation line and cause new clot formation. This extraction of air prevents the harmful effect of air-induced clotting while maintaining effective clot evacuation capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5a~5e
AI summary
The invention relates to an element (12) for a bubble trap (4, 10) of an extracorporeal hemodialysis circuit (1). The element comprises: a body defining a space inside the element (12); an inner wall (14) separating the inner space of the element (12) into first (15) and second (16) compartments; a pressure port (62) which can be connected to a pressure sensor, in order to measure the pressure inside the bubble trap (4, 10); and a discharge opening (63) for discharging clots (C) located in the bubble trap (4, 10). According to the invention, the pressure port (62) opens into the first compartment (15) of the element (12), while the discharge opening (63) opens into the second compartment (16) of the element (12). In addition, the element (12) includes an air intake (66) which is provided in the partition (22) and which opens into the second compartment (16) of the element (12).