Fluid Filling Device with Automatic Stop Valve for Blood Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid containers for extracorporeal blood treatment devices require frequent replacement due to contamination, leading to wastage of fluid and increased manufacturing costs, as they are designed for single-use with two separate connectors, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A filling device utilizing a conventional fluid container with a single puncturable connector and an integrated fluid blocking mechanism, such as a stop valve, that automatically closes after fluid flow, allowing for multi-use of the container and reducing fluid loss during handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid container with two separate connectors is used for filling and circulation, then the system can be filled and circulated, but the container becomes contaminated and must be discarded after one use, leading to fluid wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fluid container into two separate functional parts: a reusable storage container and a disposable filling device with connectors. This segmentation allows the container to be reused while the filling device is discarded, eliminating fluid wastage from container contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling device extracts the connector functionality from the fluid container itself. Instead of having connectors integrated into the container, the invention uses a separate filling device with connectors that can be attached to the container, allowing the container to be reused without contamination.
2Reliability
If a fluid container with two separate connectors is used, then filling and circulation can be performed, but the manufacturing cost increases due to custom-made design
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device is designed as a universal component that can be used with multiple different fluid containers. The standardized connector design allows the same filling device to work with various container types, reducing manufacturing costs through economies of scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the connector mechanism with the filling device rather than integrating it into the container. This merging allows the connector system to be manufactured as a separate, standardized component that can be produced more efficiently and reused across different container applications.
3Ease of operation
If the venous line section remains open to atmosphere or drain during filling, then air can escape, but fluid may be lost during handling and connection
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device establishes fluid-tight connections before the filling process begins. The connectors are designed to create sealed connections in advance, preventing fluid loss during the filling operation while still allowing air to escape through the designated venting pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling device acts as an intermediary between the fluid container and the system connectors. It provides a controlled interface that allows air venting while maintaining fluid-tight seals, preventing fluid loss during handling and connection 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
Enables efficient and cost-effective operation by allowing the reuse of conventional fluid containers, minimizing fluid wastage, and simplifying the handling process by maintaining fluid connection without significant fluid loss, thus reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid blocking mechanism is designed in such a way that it closes automatically as a result of a fluid flow in spike flow direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a filling device of a fluid conducting system of an extracorporeal blood treatment device that includes a spike for connecting to the single fluid connector of a medical fluid container and a manually operable fluid blocking mechanism arranged directly downstream of the spike that fluidly connects with the spike while the filling device is in operation. The fluid blocking mechanism has at least one fluid outlet connector that is adapted so that a line section or hose of the fluid conducting system such as the arterial line section of a blood purification device can be connected to it in a detachable manner while the filling device is in operation.