In-line MEMS Sensors for Dialysis Fluid Composition Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems lack efficient and cost-effective methods for monitoring and controlling the composition of dialysis fluids, particularly in home or institutional settings, where laboratory testing is often required, and there is a need for real-time monitoring of multiple fluid passes during treatments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors in dialysis fluid systems to detect and quantify various analytes, such as ions and contaminants, in real-time, allowing for continuous monitoring and control of dialysis fluid composition, including pH, conductivity, and temperature, both before and after use, using sensors placed strategically throughout the fluid circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory testing is used to monitor dialysis fluid composition, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to frequent sampling and lab processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual sampling and laboratory testing (mechanical/chemical processes) with automated optical sensors that use light absorption and fluorescence detection to measure dialysis fluid composition in real-time. This substitution enables continuous monitoring without removing samples for lab analysis, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring of dialysis fluid composition using in-line sensors positioned in the fluid pathway. This continuous measurement approach eliminates the intermittent nature of laboratory testing, providing uninterrupted data on fluid composition while eliminating the time required for repeated sampling and lab processing.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are integrated into the dialysis system, then measurement capability and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (optical absorption, fluorescence detection, temperature measurement) into a single integrated sensor assembly that interfaces with the dialysis fluid pathway at one location. This merging of multiple measurement capabilities into one device reduces the complexity that would result from separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive fluid composition monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-functional sensors that can detect multiple parameters (concentration of dialysis fluid, temperature, pH) simultaneously using a single sensor platform. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive fluid composition data without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each parameter, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then treatment efficacy and patient safety are improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost, disposable optical sensors that can be discarded after a single use or limited number of uses. These disposable sensors provide reliable real-time monitoring data for patient safety but are designed for limited operational life, reducing the energy investment required to maintain complex long-lived sensing systems while ensuring continuous reliable monitoring.
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 real-time monitoring and control of dialysis fluid composition, ensuring patient safety, improving treatment efficacy, and reducing the need for frequent laboratory testing, while allowing for the reuse of dialysis fluids if composition is suitable, thus enhancing convenience and economy.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor element includes a working portion having a first area adapted to receive light and a second area adapted to emit light in response to the light received at the first area
Implementation Method 2
a second area adapted to emit light in response to the light received at the first area
Implementation Method 3
a heater for heating the water
Implementation Method 4
a filter for filtering the dialysis solution
Implementation Method 5
a device for pumping or measuring the water
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid preparation apparatus for a renal failure treatment is disclosed. In an example, the fluid preparation apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive water from a water source and a fluid line fluidly connected to the inlet. The apparatus also includes a pump fluidly connected to the fluid line. The pump is configured to pump concentrate from a concentrate container to mix with the water to form a fluid mixture. The apparatus further includes a sensor configured to measure a composition characteristic of the fluid mixture. Additionally, the apparatus includes a controller operably coupled to the pump, the sensor, and a valve. The controller is configured to receive a composition characteristic value from the sensor, and cause the valve to route the fluid mixture for the renal failure treatment when the composition characteristic value indicates that the fluid mixture is suitable for the renal failure treatment.