Reusable Dialysis Drain Container with Load Cell and Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems, particularly peritoneal dialysis, face challenges with the manual handling and disposal of spent dialysate, which is cumbersome, costly, and poses hygiene risks due to the need for long tubing and heavy disposable drain bags.
Innovation Solution
A reusable, semi-rigid drain container designed for easy connection, transportation, and fluid management, equipped with a load cell for weight measurement, wheels for mobility, and features for efficient effluent handling and sampling, reducing the need for extensive tubing and improving hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable drain bags are used to collect spent dialysate, then hygiene is maintained, but cost increases and the bags become heavy and difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reusable drain container that collects spent dialysate throughout multiple dialysis treatments, replacing the disposable bag model. The container is designed to be cleaned and sterilized between uses, maintaining hygiene while eliminating the weight and cost issues of continuously replacing heavy disposable bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the disposable drain bag model in favor of a durable, reusable container. This transition from short-living disposable items to long-living reusable equipment reduces both the cumulative cost and the physical burden of handling multiple heavy bags.
2Adaptability or versatility
If long runs of tubing are used to deliver spent dialysate to bathtub or toilet, then disposal flexibility is improved, but cost increases and it becomes a nuisance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drain container as an intermediary device between the dialysis system and the final disposal location. The container collects spent dialysate and includes an integrated drain outlet, eliminating the need for long runs of tubing to reach bathtub or toilet locations. The container itself serves as the interface for effluent removal.
3Ease of operation
If manual peritoneal dialysis is performed, then patient control is maintained, but time and effort requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) machines that perform the dialysis treatment cycles automatically while patients sleep. The system autonomously handles drain, fill, and dwell cycles, eliminating the need for patients to manually perform these time-consuming tasks during the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables patients to prepare for treatment by loading fresh dialysate bags and positioning equipment before bedtime. The automated system then executes the complete treatment sequence during sleep hours, allowing patients to have a normal daytime routine while still receiving comprehensive dialysis treatment.
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
The solution simplifies the handling and disposal of spent dialysate, reduces the burden on patients, and enhances hygiene by providing a convenient, cost-effective, and efficient means to manage effluent dialysate, facilitating easier transportation and sampling.
Implementation Method 1
The container is equipped with a load cell for weight measurement
Implementation Method 2
wheels for mobility
Implementation Method 3
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the peritoneal membrane and into the dialysate due to diffusion and osmosis
Implementation Method 4
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the peritoneal membrane and into the dialysate due to diffusion and osmosis, i.e., an osmotic gradient occurs across the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A dialysis system includes a source of dialysis fluid; at least one pump for pumping dialysate to or from a patient or dialyzer; and a drain container configured to receive effluent dialysis fluid from the patient or dialyzer through a drain tube, the drain container including an at least semi-rigid body, the body including a handle, a drain tube receiving portion, a spout, and wherein at least a portion of the body is non-opaque such that effluent dialysis fluid inside the at least semi-rigid body can be viewed.