End Cap Curved Geometry for Dialyser Flow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diffusion and filtration devices, such as dialysers and hemofilters, face challenges in achieving uniform liquid flow distribution and preventing the formation of dead zones, which can lead to blood clots and mechanical stress on the blood due to velocity gradients and turbulent flow.
Innovation Solution
The design of the end cap with specific geometric parameters, including a two-start thread, constant or increasing inner diameter, and a predetermined angle, ensures axially symmetrical flow and minimizes dead zones by optimizing the fluid compartment and hollow fiber membrane arrangement, enhancing flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inlet cross-section is made smaller than the fiber bundle cross-section, then the device capacity is increased, but the blood flow velocity is reduced causing dead zones and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet channel is designed with a curved, axially symmetrical geometry rather than a sharp-edged rectangular or circular cross-section. The curved transition from the inlet to the fiber bundle ensures smooth flow lines, eliminates sharp corners that cause turbulence, and maintains homogeneous flow distribution across all fibers, thereby preventing dead zones and mechanical stress on blood while preserving high device capacity
2Ease of operation
If the inlet channel cross-sectional area decreases in the direction of flow, then uniform circulation rate is achieved, but turbulent flow and mechanical stress are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet channel employs a curved, axially symmetrical geometry with smooth transitions and no sharp edges. This curved design maintains uniform circulation rate across all fibers while avoiding the turbulence caused by sharp-edged geometric changes, as the curved surfaces guide flow smoothly from the inlet through the fiber bundle
3Ease of operation
If the inlet is located parallel to the plane of fiber ends, then the flow direction is changed by 90 degrees, but this causes turbulences and mechanical stress on blood
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet channel is designed with a curved, axially symmetrical geometry that allows the flow direction to change gradually rather than abruptly. This curved transition eliminates sharp corners and right-angle turns that cause turbulence, while still achieving uniform flow distribution across the fiber bundle, thereby preventing dead zones and mechanical stress on blood
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 design achieves homogeneous liquid flow and reduces mechanical stress on the blood, improving the operational efficiency and capacity of the filtration device by minimizing dead zones and turbulent flow.
Implementation Method 1
Diffusion and/or filtration device
Implementation Method 2
Diffusion and/or filtration device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a diffusion and/or filtration device, such as a dialyser, hemofilter, or ultra- filter, having improved flow characteristics. The invention also relates to an end cap for the device.