Guide Pipe Tube Routing for Peritoneal Dialysis Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peritoneal dialysis systems require patients to manually route a new flexible tube between the preparator and automatic cycler for each dialysis session, which is time-consuming, impractical, and prone to damage due to the devices often being in different rooms, and existing solutions do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tube routing accessory comprising a guide pipe, a spiral guide wire, and a drive mechanism with a winding mechanism, including a pulley and electric motor, to facilitate easy and damage-free routing of the tube through pathways, including walls, with features like clamps and structural reinforcements for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual routing of flexible tube is performed for each session, then the tube can be routed between preparator and automatic cycler, but the process is time-consuming and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pipe is installed in advance through the wall between rooms, creating a pre-established pathway. The guide wire is then used to pull the flexible tube through this pre-prepared route, eliminating the need for manual routing during each dialysis session and significantly reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pipe acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates tube routing. It provides a protected pathway through the wall, allowing the flexible tube to be transmitted between rooms without manual manipulation in exposed environments, thereby reducing damage and time consumption.
2Ease of operation
If flexible tube is exposed during routing, then the tube can be manually manipulated, but the tube is prone to kinking and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tube is routed through the guide pipe, which provides a protective nested structure. The guide pipe shields the flexible tube from external damage, kinking, and contamination during routing and throughout the dialysis session, while still allowing the tube to be manipulated through the guided pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pipe serves as a protective intermediary that shields the flexible tube during the routing process. It provides a controlled environment for tube transmission through the wall, preventing direct exposure to damaging conditions while enabling necessary manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If preparator and automatic cycler are positioned in different rooms, then patient comfort is improved, but tube routing becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pipe is pre-installed through the wall separating the rooms, creating a ready-made pathway for tube transmission. This preliminary infrastructure allows the flexible tube to be rapidly transmitted between rooms during dialysis sessions without time-consuming manual routing, enabling the devices to be positioned in separate rooms for patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pipe transmits the flexible tube through the wall, utilizing the third dimension (vertical penetration through the wall) to connect the two rooms. This dimensional approach allows seamless connection between preparator and automatic cycler in different rooms, maintaining patient comfort while enabling efficient tube routing.
4Extent of automation
If guide wire is used to pull flexible tube, then routing is automated and protected, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire acts as a mediator between the drive mechanism and the flexible tube. It transmits force from the motor-driven winding mechanism through the guide pipe to pull the flexible tube, enabling automated routing while using a simple, well-understood mechanical intermediary rather than a complex direct actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of routing the tube is replaced with an electric motor-driven winding mechanism. The motor provides automated control of the guide wire, substituting manual operation with electrical actuation while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical transmission system through the guide pipe.
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 accessory simplifies and expedites the tube routing process, reduces user workload, and protects the tube from damage, allowing for more convenient and cost-effective peritoneal dialysis setup and maintenance while maintaining sterility.
Implementation Method 1
a winding mechanism including a pulley for the guide wire to wrap around
Implementation Method 2
The winding mechanism includes an electric motor to drive rotation of the pulley
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible pipe routing accessory for routing a flexible tube between a preparator and an automatic cycler of a peritoneal dialysis system, comprising: a guide pipe through which the flexible tube is to be routed; a guide wire configured to pass through the guide pipe and selectively connect to the flexible tube; and a winding mechanism configured to move the guide wire through the guide pipe.