Intermediate Containers for Continuous Dialysate Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Extracorporeal blood treatment systems face interruptions and increased costs due to the need to frequently replace single-use dialysate bags during long or intensive treatments, which disrupts the continuous delivery of treatment solutions and poses handling challenges for healthcare personnel.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a blood treatment apparatus with two intermediate containers between the treatment solution source and the delivery port, where the weight of these containers is monitored to control refilling and emptying, allowing for continuous treatment solution delivery without halting the process, even when switching between containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If single-use dialysate bags are used for treatment solution delivery, then sterility and ease of disposal are improved, but treatment duration is limited and frequent replacement is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesterilityVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment solution supply system is segmented into multiple separate bags (first bag, second bag, third bag) connected in series. Each bag can be independently monitored and replaced, allowing continuous treatment by switching between bags rather than requiring a single large bag or frequent interruption for replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary monitoring of treatment solution levels in each bag using gravimetric scales before complete depletion occurs. This allows advance preparation for bag replacement or refilling, ensuring continuous supply without treatment interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If single-use dialysate bags are used, then cost control through disposable items is improved, but economic costs increase due to frequent bag replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposable sterilityVSAvoidtotal treatment solution consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous delivery of treatment solution by having multiple bags available and using automated monitoring to switch between them seamlessly. This eliminates gaps in treatment and reduces the total number of bags needed compared to manual replacement methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Gravimetric scales continuously monitor the weight of each bag to detect treatment solution levels. This feedback mechanism triggers automated refilling or replacement operations only when necessary, optimizing bag utilization and reducing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If frequent bag replacement is performed, then treatment solution freshness is maintained, but treatment interruptions increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolution freshnessVSAvoidtreatment throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors bag contents in advance using weight sensors before complete depletion, allowing proactive replacement or refilling operations to be initiated while treatment continues uninterrupted. The controller coordinates bag switching to maintain continuous flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple bags are connected in series with automated switching capability, ensuring that treatment solution delivery continues without interruption during bag replacement. The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning between bags.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Device complexity

If manual bag monitoring and replacement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operational difficulty and handling challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidbag handling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring of treatment solution levels in each bag using integrated gravimetric scales. The controller automatically determines when refilling or replacement is needed, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and reducing operational complexity despite adding automated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual visual inspection and judgment for bag replacement is replaced with automated gravimetric monitoring and controller-based decision making. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated systems improves ease of operation despite increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach significantly increases uninterrupted treatment duration, reduces economic costs, and minimizes the handling challenges associated with frequent bag changes by maintaining a continuous flow of treatment solution, enhancing treatment efficiency and reducing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

The weight of the intermediate containers is measured and used to control the refilling and emptying of treatment solution in the intermediate containers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravimetric measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS11020517B2Treatment solution delivery in an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 GAMBRO LUNDIA AB

AI summary

Blood treatment apparatus and methods of using the same are described herein that include two or more intermediate containers located between a treatment solution source and a port through which the treatment solution is to be delivered with the blood treatment apparatus. The weight of the intermediate containers is measured and used to control the refilling and emptying of treatment solution in the intermediate containers.