Dialysis Device Conductivity Gas Detection Incomplete Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dialysis devices, incomplete disconnection and connection of the concentrate passage from the dialysis solution concentrate container to the cleaning port section can lead to incomplete cleaning processes, as the disconnection and connection are manually performed, resulting in potential failures in supplying cleaning solutions to the concentrate passage.
Innovation Solution
A dialysis device with a control device that includes a determining means to detect incomplete connections between the concentrate passages and the cleaning port section, using conductivity and gas detection signals to alert and stop the cleaning process, allowing for immediate correction and ensuring complete disconnection before proceeding with the cleaning solution supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual disconnection and connection of the concentrate passage is performed, then the cleaning process can be initiated, but incomplete connection or disconnection may occur leading to cleaning failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a sensor that detects whether the concentrate passage is properly connected to either the dialysis solution concentrate container or the cleaning port section. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information to the control device, which then determines whether to proceed with the cleaning process, preventing cleaning operations when connection is incomplete
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects connection status and controls the cleaning process initiation without requiring manual verification. The control device self-regulates by receiving sensor signals and automatically determining whether to supply cleaning solution, eliminating the need for manual checking and reducing human error
2Device complexity
If connection status is not monitored, then the device structure remains simple, but cleaning process may proceed with incomplete connection causing cleaning failure
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is integrated into the system to detect connection status, providing feedback signals to the control device. This relatively simple sensing mechanism enables reliable detection of whether the concentrate passage is properly connected, allowing the system to prevent cleaning operations when connection is incomplete without significantly complicating the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The manual verification process is replaced with an automated sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring manual checking of connection status, an electrical or optical sensor automatically detects connection state and transmits signals to the control device, replacing mechanical/manual verification with an automated sensing system
3Loss of time
If cleaning process continues with incomplete connection, then time is saved, but cleaning solution is wasted and cleaning is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of connection status before initiating the cleaning process. The control device receives sensor signals and determines whether the concentrate passage is properly connected before allowing cleaning solution to be supplied, preventing both time waste from ineffective cleaning and waste of cleaning solution
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides continuous feedback on connection status during the cleaning process. If incomplete connection is detected at any point, the control device can immediately stop the cleaning process, preventing further waste of cleaning solution and time, and allowing for prompt correction of the connection issue
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
Prevents incomplete cleaning by ensuring complete disconnection and connection of the concentrate passages, allowing for prompt detection and correction of any issues, thereby preventing the need for restarting the main cleaning process and ensuring effective cleaning without waste of time or cleaning solution.
Implementation Method 1
a conductivity meter (29) for detecting a circulation of the dialysis solution by detecting a conductivity of the fluid flowing through the fluid supply passage (16)
Implementation Method 2
a downward movement detecting sensor (34b) for detecting a downward movement of the float needle valve (34a) by a predetermined amount
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
AI summary
A dialysis device 1 includes a fluid circuit 2 including a water supply passage 12 for supplying purified water to a measuring chamber 11, concentrate passages 13A and 13B which join the purified water passage and are connected to dialysis solution concentrate containers 20A and 20B respectively, a branched passage 14 branched from the purified water passage, cleaning solution passage 15 for circulating a cleaning solution through the branched passage, a conductivity meter 29 as a dialysis solution detector, and a deaeration tank 34 as a gas detector. In cleaning the dialysis device, first, the concentrate passage is disconnected from the dialysis solution concentrate container and is connected to the branched passage, and a pre-cleaning process is performed in which the fluid circuit is replace with the purified water, and determining means 4a of a control device 4 determines that the fluid circulating in the fluid circuit is not the dialysis solution by using a conductivity meter, and also determines that gas is not contained in the fluid circuit by using a downward movement detecting sensor 34b in a deaeration tank, and then a main cleaning process is performed by using a cleaning solution. Incomplete cleaning due to incomplete connection can be prevented.