Conduit System With Flexible Member Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis machines face challenges in controlling fluid flow between disposable elements and the machine, particularly in ceasing fluid flow during or at the conclusion of treatments, which can lead to waste and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A conduit system with a flexible member and clamp head configuration that occludes the conduit lumen when deformed, allowing for precise control of fluid flow, including mixing of materials using a venturi nozzle, to manage fluid delivery and prevent waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible member is used to occlude the conduit lumen, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible member (thin film) that can deform under clamping force to occlude the conduit lumen. This flexible membrane approach enables simple and effective fluid flow control without requiring complex mechanical structures, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp head is designed to pass through an opening in the conduit wall, extracting the clamping mechanism from the main conduit structure. This allows the flexible member to be deformed for occlusion while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, addressing the complexity issue.
2Ease of operation
If a clamp head is designed to pass through the conduit wall opening, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the conduit wall is designed with sufficient size to accommodate the clamp head during operation, allowing the clamp to be inserted and removed easily. This dynamic design approach prioritizes ease of operation over minimal opening dimensions, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining effective clamping functionality.
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 conduit system effectively controls and ceases fluid flow, preventing waste and ensuring efficient use of dialysate, particularly beneficial in home dialysis systems by allowing users to manage fluid flow and mixing processes accurately.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi nozzle configured to mix a first material and a second material and discharge the mixture to the conduit lumen
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a conduit system includes a conduit defining a conduit lumen configured to provide a flow path for a fluid between a container and a medical machine. A flexible member secured to the conduit is configured to substantially occlude (e.g., close) the conduit lumen when deformed by a force acting on the flexible member toward the lumen. The conduit system includes a clamp head configured to pass through an opening defined by the conduit and exert the force on the flexible member, such that the flexible member occludes the conduit lumen. In examples, the conduit is substantially rigid conduit configured to provide a relatively constant geometry and/or flow path for the discharge of a nozzle.