Integrated Cassette Fluid Layout for Precise Balancing and Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cassette systems for fluid pumping lack efficient integration of mixing, balancing, and metering functions, leading to suboptimal fluid management and control in applications such as hemodialysis systems.
Innovation Solution
A cassette system comprising a mixing cassette, a middle cassette, and a balancing cassette, connected by fluid lines, with reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps and metering pumps, along with membrane valves and fluid lines, to precisely control and balance fluid flow and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cassettes are used for mixing, balancing, and metering functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mixing, balancing, and metering functions into a single integrated cassette system. Multiple cassettes (first cassette with mixing chamber, second cassette with balancing chamber, third cassette with metering pump) are fluidly connected and operated as a unified system, allowing versatile fluid management while simplifying the overall device architecture compared to using completely separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cassette system performs multiple functions (mixing, balancing, metering) within a unified platform. The system can handle different fluid paths, perform various operations on fluids, and adapt to different operational requirements all through one cassette assembly, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Device complexity
If integrated cassette system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct cassette modules (first cassette, second cassette, third cassette) that can be manufactured separately with standardized precision requirements, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured with controlled precision while maintaining overall system integration, reducing the burden on single-step manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a modular nested structure where multiple functional cassettes are integrated within a unified system architecture. The cassettes are fluidly connected and can be nested or arranged in a compact configuration, allowing complex functionality to be achieved through hierarchical integration rather than monolithic manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps are used, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pump mechanisms with reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. These membrane pumps use flexible membranes to displace fluid through pressure changes rather than traditional mechanical gears, pistons, or valves, achieving precise flow control while reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible membranes as the core pumping mechanism. The membrane's elastic deformation under pressure control enables precise fluid displacement without complex mechanical linkages. This flexible film approach simplifies the pump structure while maintaining accurate flow control capability.
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 system enables precise control and balancing of fluid flow, ensuring equal volumes of different fluids, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of fluid management in applications like hemodialysis systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump fluidly connected to the housing. The pressure pump pumps at least one fluid from the fluid inlet line to at least one of the fluid outlet line
Implementation Method 2
The mixing cassette, middle cassette and balancing cassette further include at least one valve. In some embodiments the valve is a membrane valve
Implementation Method 3
The balancing pod includes a membrane wherein the membrane forms two balancing chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.