Dialysis Cassette Bubble Detection Using a Transparent Sensing Region

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air bubbles in peritoneal dialysis fluid can interfere with accurate measurement and delivery, necessitating the need for systems and methods to detect their presence.

Innovation Solution

A sensor, such as an optical or ultrasonic sensor, is positioned over a transparent portion of the peritoneal dialysis cassette to detect air bubbles in the fluid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If air bubble detection is implemented using optical or ultrasonic sensors, then measurement accuracy and treatment safety are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair bubble detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary transparent window or air bubble sensing region in the dialysis fluid path that allows optical or ultrasonic sensors to detect air bubbles without direct contact with the fluid. This mediator enables accurate detection while simplifying sensor integration and reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical air bubble detection methods with optical or ultrasonic sensing systems. This substitution provides more accurate and reliable detection while enabling automated monitoring and reducing mechanical wear and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If transparent portions are added to the cassette for sensing, then air bubble detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair bubble detection reliabilityVSAvoidcassette manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible transparent windows or thin film membranes in the cassette structure that allow air bubble detection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. These thin film components can be easily integrated into the existing cassette manufacturing process without requiring complex molding or assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then treatment safety is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment safetyVSAvoidsensor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sampling of the fluid stream at critical points in the dialysis circuit rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic detection approach maintains treatment safety by catching air bubbles when they are most likely to occur while significantly reducing the energy consumption of the sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Ensures accurate detection and prevention of air bubbles in the peritoneal dialysis fluid, ensuring proper treatment delivery by stopping the process or draining the fluid if bubbles are detected.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor is an optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Light

Implementation Method 2

the sensor is an ultrasound or ultrasonic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic detection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS20260021228A1Peritoneal dialysis cassette with a bubble detector

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 MOZARC MEDICAL US LLC

AI summary

Systems, components, and methods are provided for detection of air bubbles in a fluid moving through a peritoneal dialysis cassette. The systems, components and methods include a sensor capable of detecting air bubbles in the fluid positioned complementary to an air bubble sensing region of the peritoneal dialysis cassette.