Peritoneal Dialysis Manifold Assembly for Pulsation and Bubble Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peritoneal dialysis systems face challenges in accurately controlling low fluid flow rates, managing gas bubbles, and reducing pulsatile flow, which can cause discomfort and inefficiencies in treatment, while also requiring frequent calibration and being prone to acoustic noise and bubble formation.
Innovation Solution
A manifold assembly for peritoneal dialysis apparatus featuring a casing with compartments and a yielding pump tube, coupled with a peristaltic pump, that allows for precise control of fluid flow, reduces pulsation, and includes features for bubble removal and pressure monitoring, ensuring smooth operation and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If peritoneal dialysis systems use conventional pumping mechanisms, then fluid can be moved through the system, but accurate control of low fluid flow rates cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air buffer volume as an intermediary element between the peristaltic pump and the fluid path. This air buffer acts as a mediator that absorbs pressure pulsations and enables precise control of low flow rates by smoothing out the intermittent pumping action, transforming the discontinuous pump output into a continuous, controllable flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the fluid path by introducing a compressible gas phase (air buffer) into the system. This parameter change from purely liquid to gas-liquid combination allows the system to absorb and regulate flow variations, enabling accurate low flow rate control that would be impossible with conventional liquid-only pumping systems.
2Ease of operation
If peristaltic pumps are used to move dialysis fluid, then fluid can be pumped, but pulsatile flow is generated causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by positioning an air buffer volume upstream in the fluid path, before the fluid enters the patient's peritoneal cavity. This air buffer预先 absorbs and dampens the pressure pulsations generated by the peristaltic pump, cushioning the patient from the harmful pulsatile flow while maintaining the effectiveness of the dialysis treatment.
3Reliability
If conventional dialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but gas bubbles cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by designing the fluid path to include a dedicated air buffer volume that captures and holds gas bubbles separate from the main dialysis fluid stream. This allows gas bubbles to be extracted and isolated in the air buffer, preventing them from entering the patient's body while the cleared fluid continues its therapeutic function.
4Ease of operation
If expansion chambers are added to attenuate pressure pulsations, then patient comfort improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated manifold assembly structure. The expansion chamber is combined with the fluid path, air buffer volume, and pump tube connections in one unified component rather than separate additions. This merging approach provides pressure pulsation attenuation and improved patient comfort while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.
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 manifold assembly provides accurate and continuous fluid flow management, reduces treatment time, minimizes patient discomfort, and enhances the reliability and ease of use of peritoneal dialysis systems by addressing issues of pulsatile flow, bubble presence, and noise, while ensuring accurate fluid levels and pressure monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
A manifold assembly for a peritoneal dialysis apparatus, comprising: a casing delimiting internally a first compartment and a second compartment; a yielding pump tube having a first end connected or connectable to the first compartment and a second end connected or connectable to the second compartment, wherein the yielding pump tube extends outside the casing to be coupled to a peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
an air buffer volume for gas bubble removal
Implementation Method 3
incorporating expansion chambers to attenuate pressure pulsations
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold assembly for a peritoneal dialysis apparatus, comprises: a casing delimiting internally a first compartment and a second compartment; a yielding pump tube having a first end connected or connectable to the first compartment and a second end connected or connectable to the second compartment. The yielding pump tube extends outside the casing to be coupled to a peristaltic pump of a cycler of a peritoneal dialysis apparatus. The second compartment delimits expansion chambers configured to attenuate pressure pulsations from the peristaltic pump.