Integrated Fluid Cassette Layout for Mixing and Flow Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cassette systems for pumping fluids lack efficient integration of mixing, balancing, and metering functions, leading to suboptimal fluid management and control in applications such as hemodialysis systems.
Innovation Solution
A cassette system comprising a mixing cassette, a middle cassette, and a balancing cassette, connected by fluid lines, with reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps and valves, including a balancing pod to equalize fluid volumes and metering pumps for precise fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate cassettes are used for mixing, balancing, and metering functions, then each function can be independently optimized, but the overall system complexity increases and integration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mixing, balancing, and metering functions into a single integrated cassette system. The mixing cassette and balancing cassette are fluidly connected through fluid lines, allowing multiple functions to be performed within one unified structure rather than requiring separate independent systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - mixing of fluids, balancing of flow rates, and metering of precise volumes. The reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps and balancing pods enable the same system to handle different fluid management tasks through integrated design.
2Measurement precision
If reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps are used, then precise fluid metering and control are achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps that utilize pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to drive fluid movement. The membrane pumps respond to pressure changes from the balancing pod, enabling precise metering through pressure-controlled displacement rather than complex mechanical metering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls fluid metering precision by changing pressure parameters dynamically. The balancing pod equalizes pressure between chambers, and the membrane pumps adjust their displacement based on pressure differentials, allowing precise fluid control through parameter modulation rather than fixed mechanical configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cassettes are fluidly connected with multiple fluid lines, then functional versatility is improved, but the risk of fluid leakage and system failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functions into connected cassettes within a single system, the patent reduces the number of external connections and interfaces required. The fluid lines connecting the mixing cassette and balancing cassette are part of a unified system, minimizing potential leakage points compared to completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid lines act as controlled intermediaries between the mixing and balancing cassettes, providing dedicated fluid pathways with controlled connections. This intermediary structure allows versatile fluid management while maintaining reliable, controlled connection points rather than multiple exposed interfaces.
4Measurement precision
If a balancing pod is used to equalize fluid volumes, then flow balancing precision is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing pod is integrated within the cassette structure, with balancing chambers nested within the overall cassette volume. The membrane and chambers are incorporated into the existing cassette housing, allowing flow balancing functionality to be achieved without adding significant external volume to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing pod utilizes a flexible membrane to create variable-volume chambers that can expand and contract based on fluid pressure. This flexible membrane structure provides precise flow balancing capability while occupying minimal space, as the membrane itself forms the chamber walls without requiring rigid structural volume.
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 enables efficient fluid pumping, mixing, and balancing, ensuring precise control and continuous flow, enhancing the performance of fluid management in applications like hemodialysis by integrating mixing, balancing, and metering functions within a single cassette system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump in said mixing cassette housing... said pressure pump pumping said at least one fluid from said at least one fluid inlet line to at least one of said at least one fluid outlet line
Implementation Method 2
The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod includes a membrane wherein the membrane forms two balancing chambers.
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.