Dialysis system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems are unsuitable for home use due to their large size, high energy consumption, water requirements, and noise levels, limiting the flexibility and convenience for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable dialysis system that uses lower flow rates of dialysate and blood, consumes less energy, and can produce real-time pasteurized water from a household water source, enabling hemodialysis, ultrafiltration, and hemodiafiltration with improved control over ultrafiltration levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If current dialysis systems are used, then effective dialysis treatment can be provided, but the systems are too large and bulky to fit within a typical home
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis system is divided into separate functional modules including a water treatment module, dialysate preparation module, blood processing module, and control module. Each module can be independently optimized for size and function, allowing the overall system to be compact enough for home use while maintaining complete dialysis functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller functional units are integrated within larger housing structures. The dialysate preparation system is nested within the main system housing, and fluid pathways are routed through integrated channels that minimize external volume requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If current dialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but they consume large amounts of energy and require enormous amounts of water
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates at lower flow rates for both dialysate and blood compared to conventional systems. The water treatment module uses optimized heating and cooling parameters that reduce energy consumption while maintaining water quality standards. Flow rate parameters are carefully controlled to achieve effective dialysis with minimal resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The water treatment module recovers and reuses heat from outgoing dialysate to preheat incoming water, reducing the energy required for heating. The system monitors and adjusts its own operation to maintain efficiency, with sensors detecting flow rates and temperatures to optimize energy usage in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If home dialysis systems are made available, then patient scheduling flexibility can be improved, but complex flow-balancing technology increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical flow-balancing mechanisms are replaced with electronically controlled pumps and valves that can be precisely programmed through software. The control system uses microprocessors to manage fluid flow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical flow dividers and reducing manufacturing complexity while improving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions including flow regulation, temperature control, treatment timing, and safety monitoring. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining full dialysis capability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If home dialysis systems use solenoid valves for flow control, then flow management can be achieved, but high noise levels are generated
Solution Approach 1:
Solenoid valves that generate high noise levels are replaced with electronically controlled proportional valves or peristaltic pumps that provide flow control through electronic means. These alternatives operate quietly while maintaining precise flow management capability, making the system suitable for home environments where noise would be problematic.
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 system provides a more convenient and energy-efficient dialysis solution for home use, reducing patient burden and increasing treatment flexibility while maintaining effective waste removal and fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange system in thermal communication with the fluid flow pathway adapted to heat and cool the single fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
a dialyzer having a blood side thereof and a dialysate side thereof, said dialyzer membrane separating said blood side of said dialyzer from said dialysate side of said dialyzer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 4C~6
AI summary
A dialysis system includes a filtration system capable of filtering a water stream, a water purification system capable of purifying said water stream in a non-batch process, a mixing system capable of producing a stream of dialysate from mixing one or more dialysate components with the water stream in a non-batch process, and a dialyzer system. The dialyzer may be a microfluidic dialyzer capable of being fluidly coupled to the stream of dialysate and a blood stream.