Mobile Dialysis Fluid Generation for On-Site Emergency Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved system to meet high treatment demand for acute kidney injury (AKI) and other unique applications, such as home dialysis, particularly during emergencies like pandemics, where there are shortages of dialysis fluid and machines.
Innovation Solution
A mobile dialysis fluid generation system that includes a cargo unit equipped with dialysis fluid preparation units, water purification equipment, and a cleanroom, capable of producing dialysis fluid on-site using tap water and concentrates, and ensuring high-quality filtration and storage in a self-contained, transportable modality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dialysis fluid is produced using centralized production and distribution, then quality control is improved, but delivery time and accessibility worsen during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the centralized production function into distributed modular units. Each mobile dialysis fluid generation system is a self-contained module with water purification equipment, concentrate storage, and mixing apparatus, enabling local production while maintaining quality standards through standardized designs and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile system enables self-sufficient dialysis fluid production at the point of need. The system purifies tap water on-site, mixes it with stored concentrates, and produces dialysis fluid without requiring external delivery infrastructure, making the production process self-service and independent of centralized supply chains.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile dialysis fluid generation systems are deployed, then accessibility and response time improve, but device complexity and initial resource requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile system is designed as a multi-functional unit that can be deployed in various settings (hospitals, clinics, remote locations) and adapted to different dialysis fluid requirements. The system handles water purification, concentrate mixing, fluid production, and quality control in a single integrated platform, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a nested structure where the mobile generation system can be housed within existing healthcare infrastructure or transported in standardized containers. The modular design allows components to be nested within each other, optimizing space utilization and simplifying deployment while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
3Loss of substance
If on-site dialysis fluid production is implemented, then resource efficiency during shortages improves, but manufacturing complexity and operational requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical and chemical parameters of water through purification processes (filtration, reverse osmosis, UV treatment) to transform tap water into dialysis-grade water. The mixing process adjusts concentration parameters by combining purified water with standardized concentrates in precise ratios, ensuring consistent fluid quality despite variations in input water 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
The system provides a reliable source of high-quality dialysis fluid, enabling continuous treatment during emergencies and unique applications, with minimal resource impact, by producing and storing dialysis fluid efficiently and safely.
Implementation Method 1
water purification equipment, capable of producing dialysis fluid on-site using tap water and concentrates, and ensuring high-quality filtration
Implementation Method 2
Hemodialysis (HD), which in general uses diffusion to remove waste products from a patient's blood. A diffusive gradient occurs across the semi-permeable dialyzer between the blood and an electrolyte solution called dialysate or dialysis fluid to cause diffusion.
Implementation Method 3
Hemofiltration (HF) is an alternative renal replacement therapy that relies on a convective transport of toxins from the patient's blood
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile dialysis fluid generation system includes a cargo unit configured to be transported by a vehicle; a cleanroom located inside the cargo unit; water purification equipment; at least one dialysis fluid preparation unit located inside the cleanroom; and at least one area provided outside the cleanroom but inside the cargo unit for storing at least one of a raw material or containers filled with dialysis fluid. The at least one dialysis fluid preparation unit includes at least one concentrate, a mixing device configured to receive purified water from the water purification equipment and to mix the purified water with the at least one concentrate to form dialysis fluid, and a tubing set for transfer of the dialysis fluid from the mixing device to a container positioned and arranged to receive the dialysis fluid.