Dialysate Conductivity Monitoring with Dynamic Reference Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dialysate concentration monitoring methods require manual resetting of reference values for electrical conductivity, which is cumbersome and inaccurate, especially during dialysis treatment, as they rely on nominal component concentrations and do not account for varying mixing ratios of liquid A and liquid B.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine the ratios of changes in electrical conductivity to concentration changes of liquid A and liquid B separately, allowing for easy setting and adjustment of reference values based on actual measurements, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment during dialysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual resetting of reference values is performed using conventional methods, then the reference value can be set based on nominal component concentrations, but the setting process becomes cumbersome and inaccurate when mixing ratios vary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference value accuracyVSAvoidreference value setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically calculates and updates the reference value based on actual measured concentrations of liquid A and liquid B, eliminating the need for manual resetting. The microprocessor computes the reference value using the measured concentrations and predetermined ratios, making the system self-adjusting without operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously measures the actual concentrations of liquid A and liquid B during dialysis treatment and uses this feedback to automatically update the reference value. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the reference value remains accurate despite variations in mixing ratios or component concentrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If reference values are calculated based on nominal component concentrations, then calculation is simplified, but the calculated reference value may differ from actual measured values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation complexityVSAvoidreference value accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual calculation based on nominal values with automated electronic computation using actual measured concentrations. The microprocessor calculates the reference value using the measured concentrations and predetermined ratios, substituting manual operations with electronic automation to achieve both simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically measures the actual concentrations of liquid A and liquid B during dialysis treatment and uses these measured values to compute the reference value, eliminating the need for manual input of nominal values and ensuring accuracy without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the reference value is set before dialysis treatment, then the monitoring system can be configured in advance, but the reference value cannot be adjusted during treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcentration adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtime for reference value resetting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reference value transitions from a static pre-set parameter to a dynamic value that automatically updates during dialysis treatment. The system continuously measures the concentrations of liquid A and liquid B and recalculates the reference value in real-time, enabling adaptation to changing conditions without interruption of treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses real-time feedback from concentration measurements during dialysis treatment to automatically update the reference value. This continuous feedback loop allows the reference value to be adjusted dynamically based on actual mixing ratios and component concentrations, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach allows for accurate and efficient setting of reference values for dialysate concentration monitoring, enabling easy concentration changes during treatment and ensuring precise monitoring of dialysate conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

measuring means for measuring electrical conductivity of the dialysate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2494998B1Method for monitoring dialysate concentration and device therefor
Publication Date: 2014.12.03 NIPRO CORP
  • EP2494998B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2494998B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A concentration monitoring method/apparatus measures electrical conductivity of dialysate prepared by mixing liquid A, liquid B, and dilution water and monitors concentration by comparing the electrical conductivity with a predetermined reference value. First, the method/apparatus determines a ratio (straight line A) of changes in the electrical conductivity of the dialysate to concentration changes of liquid A alone as well as a ratio (straight line B) of changes in the electrical conductivity of the dialysate to concentration changes of liquid B alone. Next, the method/apparatus determines the electrical conductivity of the dialysate to be newly prepared, in accordance with concentration of liquid A and concentration of liquid B in the dialysate to be newly prepared, based on the ratios of the electrical conductivity of the dialysate to the determined concentration changes of liquid A and liquid B and sets the reference value based on the determined electrical conductivity. This makes it easy to set the electrical conductivity according to concentration of the dialysate to be prepared and allows concentration changes to be made even during dialysis treatment.