Hydrogen Dissolution Device for Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for producing hydrogen-containing peritoneal dialysate are inconvenient and prone to contamination due to the need to immerse the dialysate container in hydrogen-containing water, leading to bacterial growth on the outer surface and potential contamination during peritoneal dialysis.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a dialysate bag and a hydrogen dissolution device with an air supply module and hydrogen supply device that dissolves hydrogen in the dialysate, eliminating the need for immersion and reducing contamination risks by using a permeable supply tube and hydrogen generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the container with dialysate is immersed in hydrogen-containing water to add hydrogen, then hydrogen molecules can permeate into the dialysate, but the container outer surface becomes contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogen concentration in dialysateVSAvoidbacterial contamination on container surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hydrogen permeable membrane as an intermediary between the hydrogen source and the dialysate. This membrane allows hydrogen molecules to pass through while preventing bacterial contamination, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving hydrogen dissolution and preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a hydrogen permeable membrane with specific porosity characteristics that selectively allows hydrogen molecules to pass through while blocking larger bacterial cells and other microorganisms. This porous structure enables hydrogen transfer while maintaining sterility of the dialysate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If the container is taken out of hydrogen-containing water for dialysis, then dialysis can proceed, but convenience is decreased due to the need to remove and reinsert the container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene during dialysisVSAvoidconvenience of dialysis operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogen permeable membrane acts as a permanent intermediary that allows the container to remain immersed in hydrogen-containing water throughout the dialysis process without risk of contamination. This eliminates the need to repeatedly remove and reinsert the container, improving both hygiene and convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed so that hydrogen dissolution is achieved before dialysis begins and maintained throughout the process. The membrane allows continuous hydrogen permeation, ensuring the dialysate remains hydrogen-enriched without requiring repeated handling of the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If hydrogen molecules are added to dialysate by immersing the container in hydrogen-containing water, then hydrogen dissolution occurs, but the process lacks control over hydrogen concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogen dissolution in dialysateVSAvoidcontrol mechanism for hydrogen concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the parameter of membrane permeability to control hydrogen transfer. By selecting membranes with specific permeability characteristics, the system achieves controlled hydrogen dissolution without requiring complex control mechanisms. The permeability parameter itself becomes the control variable for hydrogen concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogen permeable membrane serves as a controlled intermediary that regulates hydrogen transfer based on its inherent permeability properties. This natural regulation through the membrane simplifies the control system while maintaining consistent hydrogen dissolution in the dialysate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enhances the convenience and hygiene of peritoneal dialysis by allowing controlled hydrogen dissolution in the dialysate, maintaining desired hydrogen concentrations and preventing bacterial contamination.

Implementation Method 1

a flow passage formed of a gas permeable membrane which selectively allows hydrogen to permeate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

adding hydrogen to the liquid by making the hydrogen contained in the hydrogen transporting fluid permeate through the gas permeable membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3831422B1Manufacturing device for hydrogen-including peritoneal dialysis fluid
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 NIHON TRIM KO LTD
  • EP3831422B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3831422B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3831422B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus (1) for manufacturing hydrogen-containing peritoneal dialysate includes a dialysate bag (4) housing dialysate (27), a peritoneal dialysis apparatus (40) connected to the dialysate bag (4) and configured to be supplied with the dialysate (27) from the dialysate bag (4), and a hydrogen dissolution device (6) interposed between the dialysate bag (4) and the peritoneal dialysis apparatus (40) and configured to dissolve hydrogen in the dialysate (27). The hydrogen dissolution device (6) includes: an air supply module (7) connected to the dialysate bag (4) and the peritoneal dialysis apparatus (40) and configured to dissolve hydrogen in the dialysate (27); and a hydrogen supply device (8) connected to the air supply module (7) and configured to supply hydrogen to the air supply module (7).