Magnetic Line Holder for Flexible Sterile Fluid Line Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing peritoneal dialysis machine organizers lack flexibility in positioning and angle adjustment, compromising sterile handling and convenience during fluid line management.

Innovation Solution

A line mount system utilizing ferromagnetic elements and magnets allows for flexible positioning and orientation of fluid lines by magnetic attachment to a treatment machine housing, enabling secure and sterile handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge with magnets is used to allow pivoting, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hinge system with magnets and ferromagnetic elements. Instead of using a physical hinge with breaking torque mechanisms, the invention uses magnetic attraction forces to achieve the same pivoting and positioning functionality, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of materials by using ferromagnetic elements that can be magnetically attracted. This allows the line holder to be held in various positions without mechanical constraints, achieving positioning flexibility through magnetic field interactions rather than mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If magnets are used for attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment convenienceVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ferromagnetic elements specifically at the attachment points of the line holder where magnetic attraction is needed. This localized application of magnetic properties ensures secure attachment at critical interfaces while maintaining ease of operation, as the magnetic force is concentrated where it is most needed for reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Facilitates secure, sterile, and convenient management of fluid lines by allowing multiple angles and positions for the line mount, enhancing user convenience and maintaining sterile conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A line holder (108) with at least one complementary one of magnets and ferromagnetic elements such as to cause the line holder to be attachable magnetically to the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3952943B1Line holder

Publication Date: 2025.07.23 NXSTAGE MEDICAL INC

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AI summary

A line mount includes a treatment machine having a housing and one or more magnets or ferromagnetic elements mounted thereon, a line holder having at least one complementary one of magnets and ferromagnetic elements such as to cause the line holder to be attachable magnetically to the housing. The one or more magnets or ferromagnetic elements being numbered and arranged to permit the line holder to be supported thereby in multiple positions and orientations relative to the housing.