Concentrate Container Coupling for Hygienic Blood Treatment Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood treatment devices require manual connection of concentrate containers post-disinfection, leading to potential contamination risks and liquid concentrate spillage or dripping, which can cause crystallization and clogging.
Innovation Solution
A container design with upward-opening connection elements and a plug-and-socket attachment mechanism, allowing pre-attachment before disinfection, and a guiding element for automated or manual fluidic coupling, minimizing handling and reducing spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is connected to the blood treatment device after disinfection, then the device can be properly prepared for treatment, but medical personnel must be present at a specific time and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is attached to the blood treatment device before disinfection is completed, so that when disinfection ends, the container is already in position and only fluidic coupling remains. This preliminary attachment action eliminates the need for medical personnel to be present at a specific time and reduces contamination risk.
2Ease of operation
If the connection element opens downward to assist gravity, then the connection process is easier, but liquid concentrate drips after disconnection causing crystallization and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the connection element downward to use gravity for connection, the connection element is opened upward. This inversion prevents liquid concentrate from dripping after disconnection, eliminating crystallization and clogging problems while maintaining ease of operation through the guiding element.
3Reliability
If manual connection is required post-disinfection, then proper fluidic coupling is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and increases contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The container is pre-attached to the device body before disinfection completes, so that after disinfection only the simple action of moving the guiding element is needed to establish fluidic coupling. This eliminates time-consuming manual connection steps while ensuring reliable fluidic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service through the guiding element mechanism that automatically aligns and couples the connection elements when the container is attached, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the fluidic coupling process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for connecting a concentrate container with a blood treatment device with improved hygiene. Furthermore, a container and blood treatment device useful with the system and method are also provided.