Capillary Dialyzer Without End Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and high manufacturing costs of capillary dialyzers are attributed to the numerous individual parts, including end caps, sealing rings, and support rings, which complicate the production process.
Innovation Solution
A capillary dialyzer design that eliminates end caps, sealing rings, and support rings by using a single trough-shaped molded part with a bonded cover, featuring integrated blood and dialysate ports, and a process involving injection molding and potting of hollow fiber membranes within a trough-shaped housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dialyzers use multiple individual parts (end caps, sealing rings, support rings), then sealing and structural support are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (end caps, sealing rings, support rings) into a single integrated housing structure. The housing comprises a body portion and an integrated closure portion that combines the functions of end caps and sealing elements, eliminating the need for separate sealing rings and support rings. This integration maintains reliable sealing and structural support while significantly reducing the number of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates sealed compartments for blood and dialysate flow paths, supports the hollow fiber bundle, and eliminates the need for separate sealing and support components. The closure portion integrates both sealing and end cap functions into a single element.
2Strength
If conventional dialyzers use multiple individual parts (end caps, sealing rings, support rings), then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing steps and components into a single injection molding process. The housing is formed as a single integrated part using injection molding, which creates the body portion, closure portion, and internal sealing structures in one operation. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of end caps, sealing rings, and support rings, significantly simplifying production while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If conventional dialyzers use separate end caps and sealing rings, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sealing functions directly into the housing structure through the closure portion and internal sealing features formed during injection molding. This eliminates the need for separate sealing rings and reduces assembly steps, as the housing itself provides the sealing interfaces for connecting to blood and dialysate lines.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a capillary dialyzer for blood purification which does not comprise end caps, sealing rings, or support rings.