Dialyzer Automatic Classification via Blood Access Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dialysis machines lack an efficient method for automatically classifying dialyzers, which is crucial for adapting operating modes to the specific characteristics of the dialyzer, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves operating the dialyzer under different conditions, detecting variables such as conductivity and transmembrane pressure, and assigning it to a predetermined class based on these measurements, allowing for adaptive setting of dialysis machine parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dialysis machines use manual or non-automatic dialyzer classification methods, then operators can identify dialyzer types, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedialyzer classification accuracyVSAvoidpre-dialytic preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dialyzer performs self-classification by automatically providing identification information through its blood access structure. The machine reads this information automatically without requiring manual intervention, enabling the dialyzer to identify itself and its compatibility characteristics, thus eliminating time-consuming manual classification while ensuring accurate matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection and classification methods with an automated optical or electromagnetic reading system. The machine uses sensors or cameras to read identification marks, barcodes, or RFID tags on the dialyzer, substituting human visual inspection with automated detection technology to achieve faster and more accurate classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dialysis machines adapt operating modes to specific dialyzer characteristics, then treatment optimization is achieved, but complex classification systems are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode adaptationVSAvoidclassification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dialyzer's blood access structure is pre-configured with embedded identification information during manufacturing. This preliminary encoding of compatibility data allows the machine to quickly determine the appropriate operating mode without requiring complex real-time analysis, simplifying the classification system while enabling comprehensive adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses changes in physical or chemical parameters of the blood access structure (such as reflectivity, conductivity, or geometric dimensions) to encode dialyzer type information. By varying these parameters systematically, the system can distinguish between different dialyzer classes using simple sensors, achieving high adaptability without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated dialyzer classification is implemented, then classification speed and accuracy improve, but additional sensors and processing systems are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification speedVSAvoidsensor and processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential identification information from the dialyzer's blood access structure that is necessary for classification. By focusing on specific, easily detectable features rather than analyzing the entire dialyzer, the system achieves fast classification using minimal sensors and processing power, improving productivity without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The blood access structure serves as an intermediary carrier that contains encoded identification information. This intermediary element translates complex dialyzer characteristics into simple, machine-readable signals, allowing the classification system to operate quickly using basic sensors while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different dialyzer types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables reliable and simple automatic classification of dialyzers, optimizing treatment parameters and improving treatment efficiency by accurately determining the dialyzer type and properties.

Implementation Method 1

the property of the dialysate fluid is the electrical conductivity of the dialysate fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the absorption, in particular the wavelength-specific absorption, of the dialysate fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 3

a dialyzer membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDialysis membrane separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 4

measuring a transmembrane pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransmembrane pressure measurement: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP4442292A1Method for automatically classifying a dialyzer and method for operating a dialysis machine having a dialyzer
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 B BRAUN AVITUM
  • EP4442292A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4442292A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP4442292A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Method for the automatic classification, in particular pre-dialytic, of a dialyzer (1), comprising the steps: - operating the dialyzer (1) under different operating conditions, - recording operating variables under the different operating conditions, and - assigning the dialyzer (1) to a dialyzer class depending on the measured operating variables.