Dialysis Concentrate Connector Layout for Faster Clean Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis machine concentrate handling is cumbersome and time-consuming, with heavy concentrate containers and complex handling procedures that can lead to contamination and extended breaks between treatments, while centralized systems lack flexibility and require significant maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A connection element and system for a blood treatment device that includes an inlet line, an outlet line, and a discharge line, allowing for efficient fluid handling and cleaning, with features such as cylindrical or tapered designs and extensions for fluid deflection, and a cleaning device for automatic or manual operation to facilitate easy connection and disconnection of concentrate bags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If concentrate containers are provided as pre-prepared products in canisters or bags, then the concentrate can be easily handled and stored, but the containers become heavy and difficult for nursing staff to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrate supply system is segmented into a stationary storage component (canister remaining at the machine) and a removable connection component (connector with suction rod). Only the lightweight connector needs to be handled and moved, while the heavy canister remains fixed, resolving the contradiction between ease of handling and weight.
2Productivity
If suction rods are inserted into concentrate containers for each treatment, then the concentrate can be delivered to the dialysis machine, but the handling procedure becomes time-consuming and leads to longer breaks between treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The connector with suction rod is pre-attached to the canister before treatment. This preliminary action eliminates the need for insertion procedures during treatment setup, reducing preparation time and increasing treatment throughput without compromising concentrate delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the connector automatically engages with the canister outlet, and the suction rod is self-positioned. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual manipulation steps, reducing the time nursing staff need to spend on setup while ensuring proper connection for concentrate delivery.
3Reliability
If concentrate containers are returned to the dialysis machine for cleaning after each treatment, then contamination is prevented, but the cleaning process increases maintenance effort and time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector component that requires cleaning is extracted as a separate, removable element from the main machine. This allows the connector to be cleaned independently using simplified procedures, reducing the complexity of cleaning the entire machine while maintaining contamination prevention through regular cleaning of the extracted component.
4Ease of operation
If a centralized supply system is used for dialysis fluid concentrates, then handling is simplified, but the system lacks flexibility and requires significant maintenance effort for the lines
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis machine is equipped with a universal connector design that can interface with both centralized supply lines and decentralized canister systems. This multi-functional connector maintains handling simplicity while providing adaptability to different supply methods, allowing clinics to choose centralized or decentralized based on their specific needs without requiring separate infrastructure.
Data Source
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Figure 6~8b
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection element (1) for a blood treatment device, in particular for a dialysis machine. The connection element (1) has an inlet conduit (2), for admitting a fluid into the connection element (1), an outlet conduit (3), for draining a fluid from the connection element (1), and at least one first discharge conduit (21) for discharging a fluid from the connection element (1), a sub-section (22) of the first discharge conduit (21) being formed around the inlet conduit (2), the inlet conduit (2) and the first discharge conduit (21) opening into a first end section (23) of the connection element (1), and the first end section (23) being fluidically connected to the sub-section (22).