Layered Dialysis Manifold for Compact Multisystem Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a modular structure that efficiently integrates complex pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems into biomedical devices like dialysis devices, while maintaining compactness and ease of manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer valve manifold system is provided, comprising multiple layers with integrated pathways for fluid, pneumatic, and electrical systems, featuring grooves and through-holes for fluid communication, and includes materials such as metal, polymeric, and elastomeric materials to prevent leaks and facilitate complex flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-block manifold structure is used, then the device has simple manufacturing, but it cannot efficiently integrate complex pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems while maintaining compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple layers (first layer with fluid pathways, second layer with pneumatic pathways, third layer with electrical pathways) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration capability, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-block three-dimensional structure to a layered two-dimensional stacked structure. By distributing different systems (fluid, pneumatic, electrical) across different layers, the design achieves complex integration while maintaining compact footprint and simplifying manufacturing of individual layers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex pathways are integrated into a single-block manifold, then integration capability improves, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex fluid, pneumatic, and electrical pathways are segmented into separate layers that can be manufactured using different optimized processes for each material and pathway type. This avoids the difficulty of machining complex three-dimensional pathways through a single block while maintaining full integration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold uses composite construction with different materials for different layers (e.g., metal layers for structural integrity and fluid pathways, polymer layers for sealing and electrical insulation). This allows each layer to be manufactured with material-optimized processes while achieving integrated functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple systems are integrated into a compact manifold, then installation footprint reduces, but leak prevention difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating fluid, pneumatic, and electrical systems into distinct layers with dedicated sealing interfaces, the design reduces the complexity of leak prevention compared to a single-block structure where multiple systems share common machining surfaces. Each layer can have optimized sealing strategies for its specific medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sealing elements and gaskets between layers that act as mediators to prevent leaks at the interfaces. These specialized sealing components are designed to accommodate thermal expansion, misalignment, and pressure variations, maintaining reliability in the compact integrated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A dialysis system includes a container for holding a dialysis fluid; and a manifold, including: a first layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, where the second surface has a first groove formed thereon, where the first groove extends between a first inlet and a first outlet, a second layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, where the third surface of the second layer is adjacent the second surface of the first layer, where the second layer includes a through-hole extending between the third surface and the fourth surface, and a third layer having a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface, where the fourth surface of the second layer is adjacent the fifth surface of the third layer, where the fifth surface includes a second groove formed thereon, where the second groove extends between a second inlet and a second outlet, where the first outlet is in fluid communication with the through-hole, and the second inlet is in fluid communication with the through-hole, thereby to provide a first flow path, through the manifold, between the first inlet and the second outlet, where the container is in fluid communication with the first inlet of the manifold.