Expandable Flow Reservoir for Variable Dialysis Draw Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dialysis systems face challenges in home settings due to variable fluid demand, requiring large water reserves and inefficient water usage, especially with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, leading to cumbersome installations and waste of dialysis fluid.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulation device that expands and contracts to match the variable fluid demand of dialysis machines, using compliant materials or pleated walls to adjust internal volume and regulate fluid flow, and a system with a controller to synchronize fluid supply with machine needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous flow of fluid is provided to meet maximum instantaneous draw rate, then the fluid supply capacity is sufficient, but a significant amount of dialysis fluid is produced but not used and is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fluid reservoir expandable and contractile to match the variable draw rate of the dialysis device. The reservoir dynamically adjusts its volume - expanding when the device draws fluid at low rates and contracting when draw rates are high - thereby enabling the fluid source to provide exactly the right amount of fluid at each moment rather than continuously, thus eliminating waste while ensuring sufficient supply capacity.
2Device complexity
If a single dialysis device is connected to a single water supply without fluid reservoir, then the system is simplified, but the device lacks water reserve capabilities and cannot handle variable draw rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells by constructing the fluid reservoir from expandable and contractile materials such as elastic membranes or collapsible containers. This flexible structure allows the reservoir to dynamically change volume in response to the dialysis device's variable fluid demand, providing water reserve capability without requiring a large fixed tank or complex reservoir system, thus maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
3Reliability
If large tanks are used to provide backup reservoir for institutional dialysis systems, then water reserve capabilities are sufficient, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces large static tanks with a dynamic, expandable-reservoir that adjusts its volume based on real-time fluid demand. The reservoir expands to store water when the dialysis device is not drawing fluid or drawing at low rates, and contracts when draw rates are high, thereby providing adequate water reserve capability without requiring the large fixed volume of traditional backup tanks, significantly reducing the space required.
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
The flow regulation device stabilizes fluid supply, reducing the need for large water reserves and minimizing waste, making dialysis systems more efficient and convenient for home use while maintaining sterility.
Implementation Method 1
The flow regulation device is constructed from an expandable and contractile material, such as an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A flow regulation device is disclosed. The flow regulation device is fluidly located between a fluid source and a dialysis machine. In some embodiments, the flow regulation device includes an inlet in fluid communication with the fluid source to receive a fluid and an outlet in fluid communication with the dialysis machine to provide the fluid. The flow regulation device also includes a closed volume defined by walls that are configured to expand and contract to provide a variable internal volume. A cross-sectional width of the variable internal volume of the flow regulation device is larger than diameters of the inlet and the outlet to smooth changes in a draw rate of the fluid from the dialysis machine.