Integrated Suction Unit for Dialysis Canisters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dialysis machines require significant space for quivers and suction pipes to handle aqueous dialysis concentrates, which are not stackable or transportable, and existing solutions are inefficient in terms of space utilization and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A suction unit integrated with a rigid container or canister, featuring an external connection socket and a suction line that can be attached to the container lid or bottom, eliminating the need for quivers and suction pipes, and allowing for flexible integration with containers of varying heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If quivers and suction pipes are integrated into the medical device to handle aqueous dialysis concentrates, then the device can process liquid concentrates, but the device requires significant internal space for these components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to process aqueous dialysis concentratesVSAvoidinternal space required for quivers and suction pipes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction unit is extracted from the medical device and integrated directly onto the container. The container is equipped with its own suction line and connection piece, eliminating the need for the medical device to have internal quivers and suction pipes. This transfers the suction functionality from the device to the container level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into independent functional modules: the container with integrated suction unit, the connection piece, and the medical device. This modular approach allows the suction functionality to be attached only when needed and removed when not in use, reducing the permanent space requirement in the medical device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If rigid canisters are used to store aqueous dialysis concentrates, then the concentrates can be stored in a stable container, but the filled canisters are difficult to stack and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of container for storing concentratesVSAvoidstackability and transportability of filled canisters

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suction unit is merged with the container as an integrated assembly. The connection piece is formed in one piece on the container lid or base, and the suction line is directly attached to the container. This integration ensures that the suction functionality moves with the container, maintaining reliability while simplifying the overall structure for easier handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If the suction unit is integrated onto the container with an external connection piece, then the space inside the medical device is freed up, but the connection between container and device must be precisely coupled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace freed up inside medical deviceVSAvoidprecision required for coupling connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection piece features an asymmetric design with an undercut and groove structure that provides a unique coupling orientation. The groove on the outer circumference engages with a corresponding protrusion on the coupling, ensuring proper alignment without requiring rotational adjustment. This asymmetric geometry simplifies the coupling process while maintaining precise connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4497452A1Suction unit for a medical device

Publication Date: 2025.01.29 B BRAUN AVITUM

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4(a)~4(c)

AI summary

Disclosed are a suction unit (6) and a medical device (100) with a suction unit, and a medical arrangement with a suction unit (6), wherein the suction unit (6) is prepared, designed, and configured for fluidic connection with a container, preferably a canister (10), or wherein the suction unit (6) is attached to a container, preferably a canister (10). The suction unit (6) has an external connection port (3) through which it is mechanically and fluidically connected or detachably connected to the medical device (100), preferably a dialysis machine.