Dialysis Device Differential Pressure Sensor Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialysis devices face challenges in reliably monitoring the functioning of pressure sensors, particularly in detecting issues such as needle disconnection and sensor malfunction, which can lead to safety hazards for patients.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a differential pressure sensor between sections of the liquid conducting system allows for reliable monitoring of pressure differences, enabling the detection of operating status anomalies and immediate intervention to prevent safety hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are used for monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure sensor monitoring functions into a single integrated pressure sensor that can measure both the first pressure (p1) and second pressure (p2) simultaneously. This merging approach maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensors and their associated signal processing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: measuring absolute pressures, measuring differential pressures, and enabling various test modes (zero-point test, coupling test) within a single device. This universal approach allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors.
2Reliability
If redundant pressure sensors are used for each measurement point, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the single pressure sensor's measurements are continuously monitored and evaluated against expected physiological ranges. The control unit receives the pressure signals, evaluates them for plausibility, and can trigger alarms or notifications when deviations are detected, thereby ensuring reliability without redundant hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor system performs self-verification through built-in test functions (zero-point test, coupling test) that allow the sensor to monitor and validate its own functionality. This self-service capability ensures reliability by detecting sensor malfunctions or needle disconnections without requiring external redundant sensors.
3Measurement precision
If elaborate pneumatic tubing system is used for pressure testing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure testing function from the main patient connection system by providing a separate, dedicated test connection (test port) on the pressure sensor housing. This allows calibration and testing to be performed independently without requiring elaborate pneumatic tubing systems connected to the patient line, significantly simplifying the operation while maintaining measurement precision.
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
This solution enhances the safety of dialysis treatments by allowing for real-time monitoring and intervention in case of pressure anomalies, thereby reducing the risk of complications such as blood loss.
Implementation Method 1
a differential pressure sensor (6) is provided, which determines a differential pressure (pdiffm) between a first pressure (p1) in the first section (3) of the liquid conducting system (2) and a second pressure (p2) in the second section (4) of the liquid conducting system (2)
Implementation Method 2
a monitoring unit (11) is provided, which is configured to determine an operating status based on the measured differential pressure (pdiffm)
Data Source
AI summary
A dialysis device for performing a dialysis treatment can include a liquid conducting system, which comprises a first section and a second section. A differential pressure sensor can be included for measuring a differential pressure pdiffm between a first pressure (p1) in the first section of the liquid conducting system and a second pressure (p2) in the second section of the liquid conducting system. A monitoring unit is also provided, which is configured to determine an operating status based on the measured differential pressure pdiffm. A control device is also provided, which is configured to interrupt and/or block the dialysis treatment according to the determined operating status. A display device is also provided, which is configured to output a notification based on the determined operating status.