Contact-Free Dialyzer Sensor Using Radiation Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the efficiency and identifying dialyzer apparatuses during dialysis treatments are limited, as they often require contact-based measurements and cannot accurately measure parameters like hematocrit concentrations in real-time, which are crucial for coagulation and hemolytic effects.
Innovation Solution
A reusable sensor device system that allows for contact-free measurement and identification of dialyzer apparatuses and membrane filter devices using radiation signals, enabling direct measurement of parameters such as dialysance and hematocrit levels through a detachable sensor unit that can be attached to the dialyzer apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-based measurements are used to monitor dialyzer efficiency, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for real-time hematocrit concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical measurement systems with contact-free optical measurement using radiation signals. The sensor device uses optical radiation to measure hematocrit concentrations and dialyzer efficiency parameters without physical contact with the blood or dialysate, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding the complexity and contamination risks of contact-based mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical radiation as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the dialyzer apparatus. The radiation signals pass through the dialyzer housing and internal volume to interact with the blood and dialysate, enabling indirect measurement of hematocrit concentrations and efficiency parameters without direct contact between sensors and biological fluids.
2Loss of information
If external measurements are made to assess dialyzer performance, then some information can be obtained, but direct measurement of internal parameters is not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed to be detachably attached to the dialyzer apparatus housing, with radiation transmitting units positioned to project radiation through the housing walls into the internal volume. This nested configuration allows the external sensor device to access and measure internal parameters (hematocrit concentrations, dialysance) directly within the dialyzer's blood and dialysate regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized radiation transmission through specific regions of the dialyzer housing. The housing is designed with radiation-permeable areas or windows that allow optical radiation to pass through to specific internal zones, enabling targeted measurement of hematocrit concentrations and efficiency parameters in the blood or dialysate regions as needed.
3Reliability
If single-use dialyzer apparatus are used, then patient safety is improved, but the ability to attach reusable sensors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed as a universal, reusable unit that can be detachably attached to multiple different dialyzer apparatus. The attachment mechanism and radiation measurement system are configured to work with various dialyzer models and configurations, allowing a single sensor device to serve multiple patients and treatments while maintaining patient safety through the single-use nature of the dialyzer apparatus itself.
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 precise, direct, and error-free measurement of dialyzer efficiency parameters, including dialysance and hematocrit levels, facilitating real-time adjustments during dialysis treatments and improving the reliability of dialysis processes.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device has a radiation transmitting unit that is designed to emit radiation into the internal volume portion
Implementation Method 2
The sensor device has a signal receiving unit that is designed to receive at least one radiation signal from the internal volume portion
Data Source
AI summary
A system for acquiring or measuring information relating to a state of dialysance, identifying a dialyzer apparatus, or identifying a membrane filter device during the operation of the dialyzer apparatus in a dialysis treatment of a patient. The dialyzer apparatus includes a housing having an internal volume portion and a membrane filter device arranged within the internal volume portion. The housing allows transmission of radiation. A sensor device connected to the housing of the dialyzer apparatus includes a signal receiving device designed to receive a radiation signal, from the housing, the signal characteristic of the state or the identification of the dialyzer apparatus or of the membrane filter unit of the dialyzer apparatus.