Dialysis Fluid Dosing Control With One Concentration Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dialysis systems for on-line preparation of medical fluids require multiple concentration sensors and complex control systems, leading to increased costs and potential inaccuracies in dosing multiple concentrates during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that initially control the dosing of the first concentrate using feedback from a main concentration sensor, determining a feeding parameter when a preselected concentration level is reached, and then switch control to the second pump for precise dosing of both concentrates, using a single or secondary concentration sensor to maintain desired concentration levels or follow a profiling curve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple concentration sensors are used to monitor each concentrate stream separately, then dosing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple concentration monitoring functions into a single concentration sensor that measures the mixed concentrate stream after combining point. Instead of using separate sensors for each concentrate stream, the system uses one sensor to monitor the combined mixture, thereby reducing component count while maintaining dosing accuracy through feedback control of the mixing process
Solution Approach 2:
The single concentration sensor performs multiple functions: it monitors the concentration of the mixed concentrate stream, provides feedback for controlling the mixing process, and enables accurate dosing of multiple concentrates simultaneously. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex control system with multiple sensors is used, then dosing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple control functions into a unified control architecture that uses a single concentration sensor reading to regulate the mixing of multiple concentrates. This reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and calibrated, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining dosing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from the single concentration sensor to dynamically adjust the flow rates of individual concentrate streams. This feedback mechanism enables precise dosing control without requiring multiple sensors, simplifying the control system and reducing manufacturing complexity
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
This approach reduces the number of components needed, lowers production costs, and achieves more accurate dosing of medical fluids, allowing for efficient and precise preparation of dialysis solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a main concentration sensor arranged in the main line downstream both the first and the second mixing points
Implementation Method 2
a second pump for feeding of a second concentrate into the main line
Implementation Method 3
a first mixing point, a second mixing point
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses for preparing a medical fluid are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a system is configured to initially control a dosing of a first concentrate, while not feeding a second concentrate, under feedback control via a concentration sensor to a first pump to feed the first concentrate. When a concentration has reached a preselected concentration level, a value for a feeding parameter for the first pump to feed the first concentrate is determined. Additionally, the system is configured to control the dosing of both the first and the second concentrates by switching the feedback control via the concentration sensor, from control of the first pump to control of a second pump to feed the second concentrate. During this time, the system controls the first pump to feed the first concentrate based on the determined value of the feeding parameter.