Dialysis Machine Cart With Wireless Docking for Continuous Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peritoneal dialysis machines are cumbersome and difficult to move between locations, limiting patient mobility during treatment due to their size and weight, and require frequent reconnection to power sources, which can be inconvenient and pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cart with a wireless inductive charging system and energy storage devices allows the peritoneal dialysis machine to operate independently of fixed power sources, featuring a power supply that can be charged wirelessly and includes sensors for object detection and automatic braking, enabling safe and convenient movement during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the PD machine is made large and heavy to include sufficient power supply and components, then the power capacity is improved, but the ease of moving the machine deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a mobile cart that can be easily moved and an external power source that remains stationary. The cart includes a receiving device for wireless power transfer, while the power source contains the energy storage devices. This segmentation allows the cart to remain lightweight and mobile while still having access to sufficient power capacity through wireless charging.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless power transfer technology serves as an intermediary between the mobile cart and the stationary power source. The receiving device on the cart communicates with and draws power from the external power source without physical connection, enabling the cart to operate independently while maintaining access to sufficient power capacity.
2Ease of operation
If the PD machine is moved frequently between locations, then the patient mobility is improved, but the treatment interruption increases due to reconnection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transfer system enables continuous operation of the PD machine during movement. The cart can be moved to different locations without disconnecting or recharging, as the receiving device maintains wireless communication with the power source. This eliminates treatment interruptions that would otherwise occur during reconnection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical connections (physical plugging and unplugging of power cables) with wireless power transfer. The receiving device on the cart communicates with the power source through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical reconnection when moving between locations and thus preventing treatment interruptions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If additional batteries are added to increase power backup capacity, then the power supply duration is improved, but the weight of the machine increases making it more difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is extracted from the cart and placed in a separate stationary unit. The cart contains only the receiving device for wireless power transfer, which is lightweight. The energy storage devices are housed in the external power source, providing sufficient power backup capacity without adding weight to the mobile cart.
4Reliability
If the PD machine requires connection to wall outlets for recharging, then the power supply is maintained, but the patient convenience deteriorates due to bending and manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the cart to recharge automatically without patient intervention. The receiving device on the cart wirelessly communicates with and draws power from the external power source autonomously. The patient does not need to manually connect or disconnect power cables, eliminating the need for bending and manual handling while maintaining reliable power supply.
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 enhances patient mobility and convenience by allowing uninterrupted dialysis treatment while moving, reducing the need for frequent reconnection and minimizing health risks associated with manual handling of heavy machines.
Implementation Method 1
The cart may also be charged via wireless inductive charging such that the cart never needs to be tethered to a wall outlet to recharge the power supply.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile cart for a medical device is disclosed. The cart is designed to transport a medical device such as a dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine). The medical device can be connected to a power supply included in the cart, where the power supply includes one or more energy storage devices (e.g., batteries), a charging circuit, and (optionally) an inverter. The cart can also include a number of features such as automatic brakes, UV light sterilization, sensors such as object detection safety features, environmental sensors, and the like. The cart can include electronic components that enables certain functionality such as hosting a wireless local area network or communicating wirelessly with the medical device. A docking station is also disclosed that enables wireless charging of the power supply such that neither the medical device nor the cart needs to be plugged into an external power supply.