Infusate Container with Filter Partition for Dialysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for infusate containers that ensure proper solutes are added to the dialysate in specific concentrations during dialysis, preventing particulate matter from entering the dialysis system, and ensuring all necessary components are correctly connected to the dialysate flow path, while being cost-effective and easily manufactured.

Innovation Solution

The infusate containers feature a filter partitioning them into top and bottom compartments, a draw tube for fluid extraction, and bi-channel connectors for connection to a dialysis system, allowing for the dissolution of solid infusates into known concentration solutions, with visual indicators for correct substance identification and easy connection to the dialysis system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter is used to separate compartments and prevent particulate matter from entering the dialysis system, then the reliability and safety of the dialysis system is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of dialysis systemVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two compartments by a filter: a first compartment for receiving solid infusate and a second compartment for storing dissolved infusate solution. The filter acts as a partition that allows liquid to pass through while blocking solid particles, enabling separation of dissolution and storage functions while ensuring patient safety by preventing particulate contamination of the dialysis system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter serves as an intermediary component between the solid infusate and the dialysis system. It mediates the transition from solid to liquid state by allowing dissolved substances to pass through while blocking undissolved particles, thus ensuring that only safe, particulate-free infusate enters the dialysis circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If multiple components (filter, draw tube, connectors) are integrated into the container, then the ease of operation and connection accuracy is improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components are merged into a single integrated container assembly: the filter is incorporated into the container wall, the draw tube is attached to the container, and fluid connectors are integrated into the cap structure. This integration ensures proper alignment and connection accuracy while reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs dissolution, filtration, storage, and fluid delivery functions. The integrated design allows the same structure to serve multiple purposes: the filter both separates compartments and filters particles, the draw tube both supports the filter and delivers fluid, and the cap both seals the container and provides connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If visual indicators are added to identify substances and ensure correct connections, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstance identificationVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Visual indicators such as colored bands or color-coded components are incorporated into the container design to identify different substances (e.g., sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, cations) and to ensure correct connection to the dialysis system. These visual cues enable quick identification and reduce the risk of incorrect connections or substance selection, improving operational safety and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color 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

This solution ensures accurate and controlled addition of solutes to the dialysate, preventing particulate entry and ensuring correct connections, while being cost-effective and easily manufactured, thereby enhancing the efficiency and safety of dialysis procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a filter connected to the container body; the filter separating the container body into the top portion and a bottom portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10561779B2Infusate containers

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 MOZARC MEDICAL US LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to infusate containers and related systems and methods for housing infusates that can be added to a fluid flow path for use during dialysis. The infusate containers can include a filter partitioning the containers into a first and second compartment, a draw tube for drawing up fluid from a bottom portion, a cap, a fluid connector for delivery and withdrawal of fluid from the two compartments, and a fluid connector for connection to a dialysis system.