Dialysis Tube Insert With Deflected Flow for Dead-Volume-Free Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tube inserts for fluid sampling in blood treatment systems suffer from dead volumes that can distort measurement results and require manual rinsing, leading to inefficiencies and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A tube insert with a deflection element and a Luer-activatable valve that directs fluid flow from the main line into a secondary line, minimizing dead volume and enabling easy sampling while maintaining fluid integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tube inserts are used for fluid sampling, then sampling can be performed, but dead volumes form that distort measurement results and require manual rinsing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the dead volume problem by designing a sampling system where the secondary line connects directly to the main line flow path. The Luer-activatable valve is positioned to allow direct fluid access without creating stagnant zones, thereby removing the harmful dead volume that causes measurement errors and fluid waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary flushing action automatically through the Luer-activatable valve mechanism. When a Luer connector is attached, the valve opens and directs main line fluid through the secondary line, pre-flush the sampling path before actual sampling begins, ensuring accurate measurements without requiring separate manual rinsing steps.
2Productivity
If conventional tube inserts with T-pieces are used, then fluid sampling is possible, but manual rinsing is required leading to inefficiencies and material waste
Solution Approach 1:
The Luer-activatable valve enables the system to perform its own rinsing operation automatically. When a Luer connector is attached to the third connection point, the valve self-activates and directs fluid flow through the secondary line, performing the rinsing function without requiring external manual intervention, thus improving productivity and eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary flushing action automatically through the Luer-activatable valve mechanism. When a Luer connector is attached, the valve opens and directs main line fluid through the secondary line, pre-flush the sampling path before actual sampling begins, ensuring accurate measurements without requiring separate manual rinsing steps.
3Reliability
If conventional sampling systems are used, then samples can be taken, but fluid stagnation occurs in dead volumes affecting sample parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The design removes stagnant fluid zones by positioning the Luer-activatable valve and secondary line connection to maintain continuous flow through the sampling path. This extraction of dead volume zones prevents fluid stagnation and maintains the stability of fluid composition, ensuring reliable sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous fluid flow through the secondary line during sampling operations. The Luer-activatable valve ensures that fluid continuously moves through the sampling path rather than stagnating, preserving the original fluid composition and ensuring reliable sample integrity throughout the sampling process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a tube insert for a dialysis liquid line or a hydraulic tubing set, the tube insert including at least one housing; a first connection point for connecting a tube section of the hydraulic tubing set to the tube insert; a second connection point for connecting a second tube section of the hydraulic tubing set to the tube insert; a third connection point for connecting a fluid receptacle to the tube insert; a main line in fluid communication with the first connection point and with the second connection point; a secondary line in fluid communication with the third connection point; and a deflection element for deflecting the liquid, or parts thereof, flowing in the main line out of the flow direction and towards the secondary line.