Peritoneal Dialysis Drain Purge Using Peristaltic Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) systems face issues with pneumatic cassette sealing delays, acoustic noise, and user inconvenience due to manual handling and transport of dialysis supplies.
Innovation Solution
A peristaltic pump-based APD system with a disposable cassette and user-friendly design, featuring a peristaltic pump actuator, color-coded bag markers, and automated drain management, along with sensors and actuators for precise fluid control and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic cassette sealing is used to seal the disposable cassette, then the sealing function is achieved, but treatment start time is delayed and user experience is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pneumatic sealing mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of using pneumatic actuators to seal the cassette, the design employs a mechanical snap-fit or bayonet coupling mechanism that allows the user to quickly attach and seal the disposable cassette without requiring complex pneumatic systems, thereby eliminating sealing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate modular components: a reusable cycler unit and a disposable cassette. The cassette is designed with pre-formed sealing features and connection interfaces that align with the cycler, allowing for rapid attachment and sealing without requiring active pneumatic actuation during the sealing process.
2Reliability
If pneumatic cassette systems are used, then sealing and actuation functions are achieved, but acoustic noise is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates pneumatic actuators from the system, removing the source of acoustic noise generated by compressed air movement and pneumatic valve operation. Instead, mechanical or electromagnetic actuators are used for valve control, which operate silently or with minimal noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic actuation system with an alternative mechanism such as electromagnetic valves or motor-driven actuators. These alternatives provide the necessary sealing and actuation functions without the acoustic noise characteristic of pneumatic systems, improving user comfort during overnight treatment.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling and transport of dialysis supplies is required, then user control is maintained, but user inconvenience increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated features that perform fluid handling, cassette sealing, and drainage operations without requiring user intervention. The cycler automatically manages the dialysis fluid flow, dwells, and drainage cycles, freeing the user from manual handling tasks while maintaining full control over treatment parameters through programmable settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cassette is pre-filled and pre-prepared with all necessary fluids and pathways configured before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the user to manually handle, transfer, or prepare fluids during treatment, reducing user inconvenience and interaction time while ensuring proper setup for automated operation.
4Productivity
If automated peritoneal dialysis is implemented, then treatment frequency can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a reusable cycler unit containing the automated control system and a disposable cassette containing the fluid pathways and reservoirs. This segmentation allows the complex automated functions to be concentrated in the cycler while the disposable cassette remains simple and easy to replace, managing overall system complexity while enabling frequent automated treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The cycler unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform filling, dwelling, draining, and purging operations automatically. The disposable cassette is designed to be universally compatible with the cycler and can be quickly exchanged between treatments. This universality allows the system to handle multiple treatment cycles without requiring complex reconfiguration, supporting increased treatment frequency while keeping the user interface simple.
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
Enhances treatment efficiency, reduces user interaction, minimizes noise, and optimizes disposable costs by automating fluid handling and drainage processes.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump actuator (60)
Data Source
AI summary
A peritoneal dialysis system having a drain purge is disclosed. The peritoneal dialysis system comprises a cycler including a pump, a patient line positioned to fluidly communicate with the pump, and a drain container positioned to fluidly communicate with the pump. The peritoneal dialysis system also comprises a control unit configured to operate the pump during a peritoneal dialysis treatment to cause (i) used dialysis fluid to be pumped from a patient through the patient line to the drain container, and (ii) at an end of the peritoneal dialysis treatment, the used dialysis fluid to be pumped from the drain container, through the patient line, to a house drain.