Non-Circular Dialysis Coupling Prevents Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dialysis concentrate production assemblies face operational safety and fluidic tightness issues due to risk of erroneous operation and leaks, particularly in the connection of fluidic ports between the mobile interchangeable container and the stationary production system.

Innovation Solution

The dialysis concentrate production assembly employs non-circular cross-sectional coupling assemblies with complementary liquid line connectors and sockets, allowing for secure, single rotational positioning to prevent inversion and ensure reliable sealing, along with a pneumatic connection for pressure monitoring and RFID identification for container and content verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional coupling assemblies with circular cross-sections are used, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but operational safety is poor and fluidic tightness is compromised due to risk of erroneous operation and leaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidcoupling assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by using non-circular cross-sectional shapes (such as D-shaped, rectangular, or irregular profiles) for the coupling bodies and sockets. This asymmetric design ensures that connections can only be made in the correct rotational orientation, preventing erroneous connections and improving operational safety. The complementary asymmetric shapes of male and female coupling parts guarantee proper alignment and sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional circular (rotationally symmetric) cross-sections to non-circular cross-sections, adding orientational constraints in the rotational dimension. This dimensional change from 2D circular symmetry to 2D non-circular asymmetry introduces a new degree of control over connection orientation, ensuring that only correct pairings can be connected while preventing mismatched connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional coupling assemblies are used, then the ease of operation is high, but fluidic tightness is poor due to risk of leaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluidic tightnessVSAvoidconnection operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric non-circular cross-sectional design provides tactile and visual feedback that guides operators into the correct connection orientation, reducing the risk of erroneous connections. The unique shape profile ensures that only properly oriented coupling parts can be connected, thereby guaranteeing fluidic tightness while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The self-aligning asymmetric coupling design allows the connection to automatically orient itself correctly during the connection process. The complementary non-circular shapes guide the coupling parts into proper alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional alignment features, ensuring both fluidic tightness and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If non-circular cross-sectional coupling assemblies are used, then operational safety is improved and fluidic tightness is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluidic tightnessVSAvoidcoupling assembly manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

While non-circular asymmetric cross-sections do increase manufacturing complexity compared to simple circular profiles, the patent achieves this through standard manufacturing processes such as injection molding or CNC machining. The asymmetric shapes are integrated into the coupling body design and manufactured as single pieces or with minimal additional steps, making the increased complexity manageable within industrial manufacturing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10561777B2Dialysis-concentrate production assembly
Publication Date: 2020.02.18 INTERMEDT MEDIZIN & TECHN GMBH
  • US10561777B2 patent drawing
  • US10561777B2 patent drawing
  • US10561777B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dialysis concentrate production assembly for producing a dialysis concentrate liquid by dissolving a dry concentrate in water. The dialysis concentrate production assembly includes a mobile interchangeable container which contains the dry concentrate and a stationary production system. The mobile interchangeable container includes an outlet port and a combined port. The stationary production system is fluidically connected to the outlet port and to the combined port via coupling assemblies via which the dry concentrate is mixed with the water to form the liquid dialysis concentrate. At least one coupling assembly includes a system-side coupling body with a liquid line connector having a non-circular cross-section, and a container-side coupling body with a liquid line socket having a non-circular cross-section which is complementary to the non-circular cross section of the liquid line connector. The liquid line connector and the liquid line socket can be plugged together in only one single rotational position.