Deformable Pressure Vessel for Stable Dialysis Solution Mixing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure-controlled methods for preparing dialysis solutions in rigid containers within closed hydraulic systems risk damaging downstream equipment due to excessive pressure changes and mixing errors.

Innovation Solution

A pressure vessel with a deformable member, elastic biasing means, and air detection system that allows for variable chamber volume and air expulsion, ensuring stable pressure and preventing mixing errors by maintaining a predetermined pressure range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pressure vessel is disassembled into multiple parts for cleaning, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure vessel is divided into a vessel body and a lid that can be separated from each other. The lid can be rotated relative to the vessel body and disassembled completely for thorough cleaning of all surfaces including the sealing surface, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure with only two main separable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a pressure vessel operates at high pressure, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A safety valve is pre-installed on the pressure vessel that automatically releases pressure when it exceeds a predetermined safe level. This preventive measure cushions against the harmful effects of excessive pressure before they can cause damage, allowing the vessel to operate effectively at high pressures for sterilization while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If liquid is injected quickly into the pressure vessel, then productivity is improved, but mixing homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid injection speedVSAvoidmixing homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed to rotate relative to the vessel body during the liquid injection process. This periodic rotational motion distributes the incoming liquid flow more evenly throughout the vessel interior, improving mixing homogeneity while allowing rapid injection to maintain high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution enables a stable and controlled liquid mixing process, preventing equipment damage and ensuring accurate solution preparation by maintaining a consistent pressure and expelling air, thus ensuring a desired solution concentration is achieved.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic biasing means (14) configured to interact with the deformable member (111) so that a volume of the chamber (11) is variable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an air detection means (15) configured to detect the presence of air within the chamber (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4081277B1Pressure vessel, liquid mixing equipment, liquid mixing system, method for preparing solution, control system and computer readable program carrier
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4081277B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4081277B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4081277B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A pressure vessel (1) for liquid mixing, comprising: a housing (16); a deformable member (111) configured to define a chamber (11) in combination with at least one portion of the housing (16); an inlet port (12) fluidly communicated with the chamber (11); an outlet port (13) fluidly communicated with the chamber (11); an elastic biasing means (14) configured to interact with the deformable member (111) to make a volume of the chamber (11) variable; and an air detection means (15) configured to detect the presence of air within the chamber (11). Also disclosed are a liquid mixing equipment, a liquid mixing system (2), a method for preparing a solution, a corresponding control system and a corresponding computer readable program carrier. According to the present disclosure, the solution pump can draw the solution in a substantially constant flow toward the mixing chamber and can operate at a relatively stable pressure.