Double-Membrane Cassette Module for Fluid Contamination Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cassette modules for fluid control in blood treatment and infusion systems face challenges in minimizing the probability of fluid contamination due to membrane tears, which can allow pneumatic medium to mix with the treated fluids.
Innovation Solution
The cassette module incorporates two membranes separated by an underpressure-generating layer, ensuring that both membranes move synchronously, preventing sagging and potential contamination, with a third layer for actuating the second membrane and controlling fluid flow through valve or pump mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single membrane is used to separate fluid from pneumatic actuator, then the structure is simple, but the probability of fluid contamination increases due to potential membrane tears
Solution Approach 1:
The single membrane separation is segmented into two membranes (first membrane and second membrane) with a second functional layer between them. This segmentation creates multiple barriers, so that if one membrane tears, the other still prevents fluid contamination from the pneumatic actuator medium.
2Reliability
If two membranes are used to prevent fluid contamination, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two membranes and the second functional layer are merged into an integrated double-membrane structure where the membranes are coupled through underpressure. This merging allows the membranes to move synchronously, preventing sagging and ensuring that both membranes work together as a unified barrier system.
3Ease of operation
If membranes are allowed to move independently for flexibility, then ease of operation improves, but fluid channel closure due to sagging may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The underpressure in the second functional layer acts as an intermediary force that couples the two membranes together. This intermediary mechanism ensures that when one membrane moves, the other follows accordingly, preventing independent sagging while maintaining the flexibility needed for pump and valve operations.
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
This design effectively prevents fluid contamination by ensuring that both membranes move in unison, maintaining separation between the fluid and actuator medium, and allows for precise control of fluid flow, enhancing the reliability and safety of the cassette module.
Implementation Method 1
the second functional layer is arranged between the two membranes and has means for generating an underpressure between the membranes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cassette module for controlling fluid flows, in particular for use in blood treatment systems or in infusion systems, wherein the cassette module has at least one first functional layer and at least one second functional layer, wherein the first functional layer has means for the flow guidance of at least one fluid flow, and wherein the cassette module furthermore has at least two membranes of which the first is in contact with the means for the flow guidance of a fluid flow, and wherein the second functional layer is arranged between the two membranes and has means for generating an underpressure between the membranes.