Dialysis Effluent Power Harvesting With an Integrated EPM Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wearable artificial kidneys for dialysis are heavy and cumbersome due to battery weight, and existing energy harvesting technologies are poorly integrated, costly, or require specific conditions, limiting their effectiveness and comfort.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electricity generation and purification membrane (EPM) in the dialysis system to generate electricity from dialysate flow, powering electronic components and reducing reliance on batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If batteries are used to power wearable dialysis machines, then the machine can function, but the weight increases and mobility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidbattery weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system harvests energy from the dialysate flow that is already moving through the wearable machine during normal operation. The piezoelectric material converts the mechanical energy of the flowing dialysate into electrical energy, allowing the system to power itself without requiring separate battery power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical energy conversion system. Piezoelectric material converts the mechanical motion of dialysate flow directly into electrical energy, eliminating the need for heavy battery components while maintaining continuous power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If existing energy harvesting technologies are integrated into wearable dialysis machines, then power can be supplemented, but the device becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an energy harvesting device to generate electricity from dialysate flow, and it can be integrated into the existing structural components of the wearable machine. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to adding separate dedicated energy harvesting modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The energy harvesting function is merged with the existing dialysate delivery system. The piezoelectric material is integrated into the tubing or channels through which dialysate flows, combining the therapeutic function with the power generation function in a single integrated structure rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If existing energy harvesting technologies are used, then power can be generated, but they require specific conditions or active wearer movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidoperational condition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically harvests energy from the dialysate flow that is inherently present during normal dialysis operation. No additional user action or external conditions are required - the therapeutic flow of dialysate through the wearable machine directly drives the piezoelectric energy generation, making the system adaptable to all normal operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 EPM system provides a lightweight and efficient power source for wearable dialysis machines, enhancing mobility and reducing the need for bulky batteries.

Implementation Method 1

an electricity generation and purification membrane (EPM) in a filtering path of the filtering component, wherein the EPM is coupled to the electric circuit. In some embodiments, the EPM is configured to generate electricity in response to dialysate moving through the filtering path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260014304A1System and methods for dialysis effluent power harvesting

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Provided herein are embodiments for a wearable or portable dialysis system. The wearable or portable dialysis system includes a dialysis machine including a pump to move dialysate through a filtering component thereof. The wearable or portable dialysis system further includes an electric circuit in communication with the dialysis machine for controlling electronic components of the dialysis machine. The filtering component includes an electricity generation and purification membrane (EPM) in a filtering path of the filtering component, and the EPM is coupled to the electric circuit. In response to dialysate moving through the filtering path of the filtering component, electricity is generated by the EPM and provided to the electric circuit to power the electronic components of the dialysis machine.