Multi-Compartment Dialysis Concentrate Container for On-Site Mixing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dialysis systems for patients with chronic renal failure lack a practical and location-independent solution for preparing dialysis solutions, as they require large reservoirs of dialysate that are cumbersome and require disinfection, and previous solutions have inefficiencies in mixing and dissolving concentrates.

Innovation Solution

A concentrate container with multiple compartments, each with a medical fluid outlet and a diluent inlet, allowing for separate storage and efficient dissolution of different concentrate components, which can be combined in situ to form a medical fluid, reducing mixing issues and promoting complete dissolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dialysis solution is stored in large reservoirs for location-independent use, then availability and mobility are improved, but device complexity and disinfection requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation-independent useVSAvoidreservoir system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The concentrate is divided into multiple separate compartments within the container, each containing different concentrate components. This segmentation allows for simplified storage and transport without requiring large reservoirs, while maintaining the ability to prepare complete dialysis solutions at the point of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The concentrate components are pre-prepared and stored in separate compartments in their concentrated form. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for large reservoirs of ready-to-use dialysis solution, reducing device complexity while enabling location-independent use through on-site reconstitution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If concentrates are mixed together before dissolution, then preparation time is reduced, but degradation and caking increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation speedVSAvoiddissolution quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different concentrate components are stored in separate compartments rather than mixed together. This segmentation prevents degradation and caking that would occur with premature mixing, while still enabling rapid preparation through simultaneous dissolution of multiple compartments into the dialysis solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each compartment is designed with specific local characteristics (separate inlet and outlet arrangements) that optimize the dissolution process. The diluent inlet and medical fluid outlet are positioned to ensure proper flow patterns and complete dissolution of each concentrate component before it enters the dialysis solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If separate compartments with individual inlets and outlets are used, then dissolution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedissolution completenessVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple concentrate compartments are integrated into a single container structure, combining what would otherwise be separate devices. This merging approach maintains the dissolution efficiency benefits of separate compartments while reducing overall device complexity compared to using multiple independent containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container structure serves multiple functions: it provides separate storage compartments for different concentrate components, incorporates diluent inlets and medical fluid outlets for each compartment, and facilitates the dissolution process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate devices and components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient preparation of dialysis solutions by allowing separate storage and controlled dissolution of concentrates, reducing degradation and caking, and facilitating location-independent use with easy assembly and disposal.

Implementation Method 1

a concentrate container for preparing a medical fluid, preferably for preparing a dialysis solution, the concentrate container including at least two concentrate compartments, wherein at least one of the concentrate compartments has a medical fluid outlet, and at least one of the concentrate compartments has a diluent inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP2670373B1System for preparing a medical fluid and method for preparing a medical fluid

Publication Date: 2016.02.03 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A concentrate container for preparing a medical fluid, preferably for preparing a dialysis solution, is provided, the concentrate container including at least two concentrate compartments, wherein at least one of the concentrate compartments has a medical fluid outlet, and at least one of the concentrate compartments has a diluent inlet. Further, systems for preparing a medical fluid and a method for preparing a medical fluid are described.