Flat Plate Warming System for Dialysis Fluid

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing warming systems for medical fluids in peritoneal dialysis are cumbersome and hinder patient mobility due to their size and weight, as they often rely on metallic basins and high voltage, which complicates transportation and use.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight and compact warming system featuring a flat metal warming plate with a short rim, a polymer housing, and a 12V heater, designed to maximize heat transfer while minimizing leakage risks, with proximity sensors and visual indicators for easy bag alignment and temperature monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a metallic basin is used to maximize contact between dialysis bags and high wattage heaters, then heating efficiency is improved, but device weight and size increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage (line power) to low voltage (12V), which allows the use of lighter heating elements and reduces the power requirements while maintaining adequate heating performance for the intended application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the heavy metallic basin structure and replaces it with a flat plate design, removing unnecessary mass while retaining the essential heating function through direct contact with the dialysis bag

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Power

If a metallic basin is used to maximize contact between dialysis bags and heaters, then heating efficiency is improved, but device portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidpatient mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage (line power) to low voltage (12V), which allows the use of lighter heating elements and reduces the power requirements while maintaining adequate heating performance for the intended application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the heavy metallic basin structure and replaces it with a flat plate design, removing unnecessary mass while retaining the essential heating function through direct contact with the dialysis bag

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Weight of moving object

If a flat plate is used instead of metallic basin, then device weight and size are reduced, but heat transfer area is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoidheating surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a three-dimensional basin structure to a two-dimensional flat plate, simplifying the geometry while maintaining effective heating through direct contact with the flexible dialysis bag that conforms to the plate surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If rim height is increased to prevent leakage, then containment is improved, but package height and portability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidpackage height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a moderate rim height that provides sufficient containment for normal operation without excessive height, balancing leakage prevention with portability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 system significantly enhances patient mobility by reducing the weight and size of the warming device, ensuring efficient heat transfer, and providing clear visual cues for fluid warming status, making it easier to use in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

a heater element attached to the warming plate to conduct heat through the warming plate and bag into the contained infusible liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230381388A1Modular Warming System for Dialysis Fluid

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 PEDIGO PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

An extremely lightweight and compact heating system greatly increasing patient mobility is provided. The use of a flat plate can be used to greatly decrease package size and weight while providing comparable heat transfer by exploiting the ability of the dialysis bags to conform to this surface and through the greater heating area possible with the flat plate design. A short rim around the plate provides centering and protecting against minor leakage without substantially increasing package height. Protection against leakage is buttressed by sealing the rim to the plate and the use of 12 V only within the heating unit. The result is a lightweight warming device with a short that can be easily transported by the patient greatly improving patient lifestyle and freedom.