Dialysis system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems are unsuitable for home use due to their large size, high energy consumption, water requirements, and complex flow-balancing technology, which limits their portability and flexibility, making them inconvenient for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable dialysis system that uses a microfluidic dialyzer and a water purification system to produce ultra-high-temperature-pasteurized water for dialysate, allowing for real-time dialysis with reduced water and energy consumption, and enabling better control over ultrafiltration and diafiltration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If current dialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but the systems are too large and bulky to fit within a typical home
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis system is divided into separate functional modules including a dialyzer unit, water purification system, and dialysate preparation system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates portable home use while maintaining full dialysis functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional large-scale batch dialysis to a microfluidic dimension with channels and membranes operating at microscopic scales. This dimensional change dramatically reduces the physical footprint of the system while preserving dialysis effectiveness through enhanced surface-area-to-volume ratios.
2Loss of energy
If current dialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but they consume large amounts of energy and water
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous flow dialysis where dialysate and blood flow continuously through the dialyzer membrane, eliminating the need for repeated heating and cooling cycles. This continuous operation maintains therapeutic effectiveness while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow rate parameters to operate at lower, more energy-efficient rates while maintaining effective dialysis through extended contact time with the membrane. Water consumption is reduced by optimizing the dialysate-to-blood flow ratio and implementing water recovery systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If current dialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but they require complex flow-balancing technology that is expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The dialyzer design incorporates passive flow-balancing features where the membrane geometry and channel configuration automatically regulate flow distribution without requiring active control systems or complex balancing technology. This self-regulating approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining flow equilibrium.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If current dialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but they create high noise levels due to solenoid valves
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical solenoid valves with electronically controlled pumping systems that operate silently. This substitution eliminates the high noise levels generated by traditional valve mechanisms while maintaining precise flow control capability, making the system suitable for quiet home environments.
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
The system provides a more convenient and flexible dialysis option for patients by being smaller, more energy-efficient, and capable of producing pasteurized water continuously, improving patient comfort and reducing the need for large water batches, while maintaining effective dialysis processes.
Implementation Method 1
produce ultra-high-temperature-pasteurized water for dialysate
Implementation Method 2
the dialyzer having a membrane separating the stream of dialysate from the blood stream, the membrane facilitating dialysis of the blood stream
Implementation Method 3
control a flow rate of the dialysate stream through one or more of the plurality of pumps so as to perform one or both of the processes of ultrafiltration and hemodiafiltration
Data Source
AI summary
A dialysis system includes a filtration system capable of filtering a water stream, a water purification system capable of purifying said water stream in a non-batch process, a mixing system capable of producing a stream of dialysate from mixing one or more dialysate components with the water stream in a non-batch process, and a dialyzer system. The dialyzer may be a microfluidic dialyzer capable of being fluidly coupled to the stream of dialysate and a blood stream.