Concentrate Container Adapter for Dialysis Machine Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems face challenges in efficiently handling and preparing dialysis fluid concentrates, leading to increased time and effort for nursing staff, and potential safety risks due to the need for frequent handling and cleaning of concentrate containers.
Innovation Solution
A concentrate tank adapter and connector housing system that allows for easy and secure attachment of concentrate bags to dialysis machines, reducing handling steps and preventing slipping, while incorporating detection units for correct positioning and type identification of concentrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If concentrate bags are manually handled and connected to dialysis machines, then flexible concentrate supply is achieved, but handling time and cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the concentrate supply into disposable concentrate bags containing dry concentrate powder and a separate dialysis machine with water supply. The concentrate bag is a self-contained unit that can be independently handled, connected, and discarded, separating the concentrate reservoir from the mixing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrate bags are designed as disposable single-use containers. After one treatment, the entire concentrate bag is discarded rather than cleaned and sterilized. This eliminates cleaning time and prevents cross-contamination, while the low cost of the disposable bag makes this economically viable.
2Reliability
If concentrate containers are made heavy-duty for safe transport, then handling safety is improved, but ease of handling by nursing staff deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the concentrate supply into lightweight disposable bags containing only the necessary dry concentrate powder, rather than using heavy-duty reusable containers. The safety is maintained through the disposable nature preventing contamination, while the lightweight design improves handling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Using disposable concentrate bags eliminates the need for heavy-duty reusable containers with complex cleaning requirements. The bags are lightweight, easy to handle, and their disposable nature ensures safety without requiring robust construction for repeated use and sterilization.
3Reliability
If multiple manual steps are used for concentrate bag connection and disconnection, then secure attachment is achieved, but treatment preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrate bag connector is designed to integrate multiple functions into a single connection action. The connector simultaneously attaches the concentrate bag to the dialysis machine, establishes fluid connections, and engages locking mechanisms in one motion, eliminating the need for separate steps for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrate bags are pre-packaged with pre-attached connectors in a sterile state. The dialysis machine has pre-configured receiving ports with alignment features. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid connection without manual assembly or alignment adjustments during the treatment preparation phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a concentrate container adapter for use in a blood treatment apparatus, more particularly a dialysis machine. The concentrate container adapter has a fastening body (1) to which a concentrate bag can be fastened, the fastening body (1) having a filling opening (11) and two connecting openings (12a, 12b) lying on laterally opposite sides of the filling opening (11), a housing receiving region (13) on the fastening body (1) which is designed such that the concentrate container adapter can be attached to a connector housing (10) by means of the housing receiving region (13), the housing receiving region (13) being arranged on the exterior of the material forming the openings.