Flexible Circuit for Dialysate Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical solution delivery systems for dialysis do not effectively maintain the temperature of dialysate solutions, which can lead to discomfort for patients and inefficiencies in dialysis processes.

Innovation Solution

A container system with a flexible material-supported heat conductive circuit that can flex with the container wall, receiving electrical power to generate heat and maintain the temperature of dialysate solutions, ensuring they are at body temperature for comfort and efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid heating circuit is used in a flexible container system, then heating function is provided, but the system cannot accommodate wall flexing and movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of container systemVSAvoidheating function reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible circuit board instead of a rigid circuit board to support the heating element. The flexible circuit board can bend and flex with the container wall while maintaining electrical connectivity and heating function, resolving the contradiction between container flexibility and heating reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by making the circuit board flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt to wall movements and flexing. This dynamic flexibility ensures the heating circuit remains functional despite container deformation, maintaining heating reliability while accommodating adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the circuit is made flexible to move with the wall, then adaptability is improved, but electrical connectivity and heat generation reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible circuit board that incorporates flexible electrical traces and conductors designed to maintain electrical connectivity even when bent or flexed. This flexible circuit structure allows the circuit to move with the container wall while preserving reliable electrical connectivity and heating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If no temperature control is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but patient comfort and dialysis efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of heating systemVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a temperature control system with a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the dialysate temperature and provides feedback to a control circuit. The control circuit adjusts the heating element power accordingly, ensuring the dialysate reaches and maintains the desired temperature for patient comfort and dialysis efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a temperature sensor to detect temperature parameters and a control circuit to adjust heating parameters dynamically. This parameter-based control ensures the dialysate temperature is optimized for patient comfort and dialysis effectiveness without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively heats and maintains the temperature of dialysate solutions, enhancing patient comfort and the efficiency of dialysis processes by ensuring the dialysate is at a consistent body temperature.

Implementation Method 1

the circuit is configured to receive electrical power and generate heat using the electrical power to heat the fluid held within the container volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a wall configured to transfer heat to a container volume configured to hold the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11766509B2Heat conductive circuit

Publication Date: 2023.09.26 MOZARC MEDICAL US LLC

AI summary

A container system configured to transfer heat to a fluid contained within the container system, such as dialysate. The container system may be configured to fluidly couple to a medical machine. The container system includes a flexible material comprising a wall of the container system. In examples, the flexible material defines a container volume configured to contain the fluid. The flexible material mechanically supports a circuit configured to generate and transfer heat to the fluid. The circuit is configured to flex and/or bend when the flexible material flexes and/or bends. In examples, the container system includes control circuitry configured to cause the circuit to generate heat based on a temperature of the fluid.