Dialysis Drain Line Plug Device for Secure Waste Fluid Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems face challenges in securely connecting and directing waste fluid from dialysis treatments into drains, leading to potential leaks and increased cleanup needs, especially in residential and commercial settings where standard connectors may not fit all drain fixtures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of plug devices and guide devices that securely connect and position dialysis system drain lines over drains, ensuring waste fluid is directed into the drain receptacle, reducing leakage risks and simplifying waste disposal by using Luer type fittings and adaptable designs for various drain sizes and fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If standard connectors are used for drain lines, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various drain fixtures is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a connector assembly that can adapt to multiple drain fixture types (drain holes, drain pipes, shower drains) through interchangeable components. The universal base plate with multiple mounting hole patterns and the ability to accommodate different connector types (basketball hose connector, garden hose connector) allows a single system to serve multiple drainage configurations without requiring entirely different connector designs.
2Reliability
If secure connection mechanisms are implemented, then reliability of waste fluid disposal is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the connector components (connector body, sealing elements, mounting hardware) into a integrated connector assembly before installation. The base plate is pre-configured with multiple hole patterns and the connector is pre-attached with sealing elements in place, so that during installation, the user simply needs to position and secure the pre-assembled unit rather than assembling multiple separate components during the connection process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized connectors are used for all drain fixtures, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector system into modular components: a universal base plate, interchangeable connector bodies (basketball hose connector, garden hose connector), and mounting hardware. This segmentation allows the system to handle various drain fixture types by simply swapping connector bodies while keeping the base plate and mounting mechanism the same, thereby providing adaptability without requiring complete specialized connectors for each fixture type.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A dialysis system includes a dialysis machine, a drain line configured to be connected to the dialysis machine to direct waste fluid from the dialysis machine to a drain, and a plug device configured to be inserted into and secured to an opening of the drain. The plug device is connectable to the drain line to allow the waste fluid to be directed from the dialysis machine, through the drain line, through the plug device, and into the drain.