Dialysis Concentrate Container With Top-Mounted Camlock Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dialysis concentrate containers face challenges in handling, connectivity, and manufacturing efficiency, requiring easy transport, leak-proof connections, and cost-effective production while ensuring compatibility with dialysis machines.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring a top-mounted bag-side connector with a Camlock coupling system, comprising a base part and insert part, allows for easy connection to a hose line, ensuring leak-proof sealing and ergonomic handling, while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional connector design is used for the container, then manufacturing may be simpler, but connection reliability and leak-proof performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate parts: a bag-side connector attached to the container and a hose-side connector attached to the hose line. This segmentation allows each connector to be optimized for its specific function - the bag-side connector for reliable container attachment and the hose-side connector for secure hose connection - thereby improving overall connection reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bag-side connector acts as an intermediary component between the container and the hose line. It provides a standardized interface that ensures leak-proof connection while simplifying the overall system design, as the connector mediates the connection requirements of both the container and hose line without requiring direct integration between them

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the connector is mounted at the bottom or side of the container, then manufacturing may be easier, but handling and connection become less ergonomic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling ergonomicsVSAvoidconnector mounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting the connector at the traditional bottom or side position of the container, the invention inverts the conventional approach by mounting the bag-side connector at the top opening of the container. This inversion improves handling ergonomics as the connector is now positioned at the natural access point for connection operations, while the mounting process remains straightforward as it utilizes the existing top opening structure of the container

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional connection systems are used, then compatibility with existing equipment is maintained, but risk of crystallization and leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystallization riskVSAvoidequipment compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container with its integrated bag-side connector is designed as a disposable unit that is replaced when empty or contaminated. This eliminates the risk of crystallization buildup and leakage that would accumulate in reusable systems, while the standardized connector design ensures compatibility with existing hose lines and dialysis machines, maintaining equipment adaptability without compromising safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4609890A1Container for receiving a liquid dialysis concentrate and dialysis concentrate supply device for providing dialysis concentrate
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4609890A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4609890A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4609890A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a container 1 for connection to a hose line of a dialysis concentrate feed device for providing dialysis concentrate for the production of a ready-to-use dialysis fluid in a dialysis center, a container 3 comprising a folding carton 4 and such a container 1, as well as a method for producing such a container 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a dialysis concentrate feed device 83 for providing dialysis concentrate. The container has a film bag 2, which has a bag-side connecting piece 9, which is designed for connecting a hose-side, complementary connecting piece of a hose line of the dialysis concentrate feed device. The bag-side connecting piece 9 has a base part 12, into which an insert part 13 is inserted.The upper part 25 of the insert part 13 is designed like a male plug of a camlock coupling. The lower part 20 of the insert part 13 comprises a hollow cylindrical outer insert piece 32, which is inserted into a central passage 19 of the base part 12, and a hollow cylindrical inner connecting piece 33, to which a hose 10 extending into the interior volume of the bag is connected.