Dialysis Machine Eco Mode for Adaptive Energy and Fluid Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dialysis machines operate with a fixed demand for operating resources such as electrical energy and water without adjusting to actual needs, leading to inefficient resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

The dialysis machine operates in either a normal or eco mode, adjusting resource demand based on predefined criteria, including reducing energy and fluid consumption in the eco mode to enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the dialysis machine operates in normal mode with fixed resource demand, then the dialysis effectiveness is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedialysis effectivenessVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the dialysis machine to switch between normal operating mode and eco operating mode based on monitored criteria. The system dynamically adjusts resource consumption (water and energy) according to actual operational needs, transitioning from fixed resource demand to variable resource demand that adapts to different operating conditions while maintaining dialysis effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying operational parameters such as water consumption rate and energy usage levels between different operating modes. In eco mode, parameters are adjusted to reduce resource consumption while maintaining adequate dialysis performance, allowing the system to optimize resource utilization without compromising treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the dialysis machine reduces resource consumption in eco mode, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but operational flexibility may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource consumptionVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring operational criteria and using this information to determine when to switch between normal and eco operating modes. The system receives feedback from sensors and control units about actual resource consumption and dialysis performance, then adjusts operational mode accordingly, ensuring that resource reduction does not compromise treatment effectiveness or operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the operating modes into distinct normal mode and eco mode, each with specific resource consumption characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for resource efficiency when conditions permit while maintaining the ability to switch to normal mode when flexibility or higher performance is required, thus balancing resource consumption with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the dialysis machine switches between operating modes manually, then operational control improves, but automation level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational controlVSAvoidautomatic mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the dialysis machine to automatically monitor operational criteria and switch between operating modes without requiring constant manual intervention. The control unit autonomously evaluates system conditions and determines the appropriate operating mode, reducing the burden on operators while maintaining ease of control and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4599860A1Method, dialysis machine and dialysis system
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 B BRAUN AVITUM
  • EP4599860A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4599860A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4599860A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a dialysis machine (1), wherein the dialysis machine (1) has: a normal operating mode (NM), in which the dialysis machine (1) requires a normal demand (NB) for at least one operating resource (R) supplied to the dialysis machine (1), and an eco operating mode (EM), in which the dialysis machine (1) requires an eco demand (EB) for the at least one operating resource (R) supplied to the dialysis machine (1) that is reduced relative to the normal demand (NB); wherein the method has the step of: operating the dialysis machine (1) depending on at least one criterion (K) either in the normal operating mode (NM) or in the eco operating mode (EM).