Interactive Operating Mode Approval for Dialysis Water Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In large clinics, manual testing and approval of water technology systems for producing dialysis water is time-consuming and prone to delays, risking patient safety and complicating daily operations due to the need for users to physically check multiple components, leading to outdated measurements and potential errors.

Innovation Solution

A device with a user interface and control unit that automatically determines and compares real-time measurements against setpoint values, providing an interactive approval process to ensure timely and safe operation of water technology systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual checking of water technology components is performed, then user convenience is maintained, but time delay increases and patient safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidtime delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-evaluation of water technology components through automated sensors and control units that continuously check parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating time delays while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical checking of components is replaced by automated electronic sensors and control systems that electronically monitor water quality parameters, component status, and system performance, reducing time delay while preserving ease of operation through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual inspection of water technology system is performed, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement up-to-dateness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement up-to-dateness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The automated monitoring system operates continuously without interruption, providing constant real-time measurements of water quality and system parameters, ensuring measurements are always up-to-date while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through integrated sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated checks and evaluations before manual intervention is needed, continuously monitoring parameters in advance so that when inspection is required, the most current data is already available, eliminating delays in measurement updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If automated approval process is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated approval system is segmented into distinct functional modules including sensors for parameter measurement, control units for data processing, communication interfaces for user interaction, and decision-making algorithms, allowing complex safety functions to be implemented through organized modular components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions including data collection, parameter comparison against standards, anomaly detection, communication with users, and approval decision-making, consolidating complex safety requirements into a single multi-functional device that manages reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If manual determination of malfunction is performed, then user independence is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser independenceVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automatic feedback to users about system status and detected malfunctions through the user interface, informing users of issues and required actions without requiring users to independently investigate, thereby maintaining user independence while significantly improving productivity through automated information provision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250342948A1Device and method for the interactive release of an operating mode

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for automatically, dynamically approving an operating mode of a system, wherein the device has a user interface and a control unit, which is programmed to automatically determine the most recent measured value available from a database with regard to a plurality of parameters recorded on the basis of an input made by means of the user interface as required for an operating mode to be approved, to compare the determined measured value in each case with a setpoint value and/or a tolerance range surrounding this and to output an indication of the comparison result and its criticality by means of the user interface for each determined measured value, preferably directly adjacent to the measured value, wherein the output by means of the user interface is in the form of an overview of the parameters recorded as required, which enables a user to centrally approve or reject the operating mode to be approved with regard to the plurality of parameters recorded as required.