Disposable Dialysis Cartridge Locking for Easy Pump Track Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home hemodialysis systems are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to operate, making them non-portable and economically unfeasible for frequent use, especially for patients who require regular treatment.
Innovation Solution
A dialysis system featuring a disposable cartridge with alignment features and an actuation mechanism that securely locks into a dialysis machine, allowing for easy installation and operation, including a U-shaped tubing design and a sliding cassette mechanism for engaging and disengaging tubing lines, facilitated by actuatable side fingers and a gear assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If home hemodialysis systems are made portable and easy to operate, then ease of operation and accessibility improve, but device complexity and cost control become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis system is divided into modular components: a reusable dialysis machine and disposable cartridges containing pre-filled dialysate and blood access components. This segmentation allows the complex dialysis function to be packaged in simple, easy-to-install units that patients can operate at home without extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable cartridges that are pre-filled with dialysate and contain single-use components. These disposable units simplify the overall system operation while controlling costs through standardized, replaceable modules rather than requiring expensive, complex reusable systems for each treatment.
2Reliability
If disposable cartridges are designed with secure locking mechanisms, then reliability of connection improves, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge incorporates self-aligning features with the dialysis machine, including guide rails and complementary geometric shapes that automatically position the cartridge correctly during insertion. The locking mechanism engages automatically when the cartridge is properly seated, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex fastening procedures while ensuring reliable connection.
3Ease of operation
If tubing lines are made flexible and movable, then ease of installation improves, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The tubing lines are pre-configured in the disposable cartridge during manufacturing with predetermined routing and connection points. This preliminary arrangement ensures precise manufacturing specifications are met while the flexible tubing allows for easy installation and adaptation during use. The tubing is pre-sterilized and pre-assembled to exact tolerances before being packaged with the cartridge.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are example embodiments of a dialysis machine having a frame, a cartridge cassette, one or more alignment-locking features, and an actuation mechanism. The frame is fixedly coupled to the dialysis machine, and the cassette is slidably coupled to the frame. The cassette can have one or more track structures, with each of the one or more track structures having a rotor and one or more rollers. The one or more alignment-locking features extend from the frame and are configured to be inserted into one or more alignment features of a disposable cartridge that functions to secure or release the disposable cartridge. The actuation mechanism is made to slide the cassette with respect to the one or more track structures.