Dialysate Reservoir Level Sensing With Load Cell Tilt Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hemodialysis systems are large, complicated, expensive, and difficult to use, limiting their portability and accessibility for in-clinic or in-home use, and lack a reliable reservoir level sensor for ensuring sufficient dialysate supply and detecting faults during therapy.
Innovation Solution
A portable, lightweight hemodialysis system with a reusable dialysis machine and disposable dialyzer, incorporating a reservoir with a level sensor using a lever arm and load cell for accurate fluid measurement, and a processor for controlling operation and safety features like tilt detection to prevent treatment if the machine is not level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reservoir level sensor is added to the hemodialysis system, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical or electronic level sensing systems with a simple mechanical lever arm and load cell mechanism. The load cell provides direct mechanical measurement of reservoir level through the lever arm, eliminating the need for complex sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates reservoir level changes into measurable displacement or force at the load cell. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the sensing system by providing a direct mechanical coupling between the reservoir and the measurement device.
2Reliability
If tilt detection and safety features are added, then reliability and patient safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt detection system automatically monitors the machine orientation and self-activates safety protocols when improper positioning is detected. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and automatically responding to safety conditions without requiring external intervention or complex control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt detection feature provides beforehand protection by detecting improper machine positioning before treatment begins or during therapy, preventing potentially harmful conditions. The safety mechanism is in place beforehand to cushion against safety risks.
3Ease of operation
If a portable and lightweight design is implemented, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hemodialysis system is divided into modular components including a reusable machine and disposable dialyzer units. This segmentation allows the main machine to be designed for portability while critical components can be manufactured with high precision using standardized processes, reducing the impact of portability constraints on manufacturing precision.
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 system provides enhanced patient safety and ease of use, allowing for in-clinic or in-home hemodialysis with reliable dialysate management and fault detection, reducing the risk of single-point failures and ensuring continuous treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a reservoir level sensor including a lever arm and a load cell
Implementation Method 2
a reservoir level sensor including a lever arm and a load cell
Data Source
AI summary
A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient to the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. In addition, the hemodialysis system includes two reservoirs which can be alternately placed in the dialysis flow path using various controllable fluid valves. The weight, and therefore the level of dialysate, of each reservoir is measured by a preferred level sensor having a strain measuring device which includes a load cell and a tilt sensor. The load cell and tilt sensor are electrically connected to a processor for sending force and tilt measurements to the processor. The processor may analyze the tilt measurements to correct for any inaccurate measurements of the load cell caused by the tilt.