Mobile Dialysis Fluid Preparation Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for filling and emptying dialysis machines require a high installation effort and are inflexible, making them unsuitable for small dialysis centers, as the devices for producing dialysis fluid are stationary and require moving the machines for filling and emptying.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device that combines a liquid container, a concentrate receptacle, and a preparation unit, allowing for on-site mixing and delivery of dialysis fluid to or from dialysis machines, with connections for filling, emptying, and cleaning, reducing the need to move machines for these processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stationary system with separate water tank and dialysis fluid production unit is used, then dialysis fluid can be produced and stored, but high installation effort and inflexibility result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedialysis fluid production capabilityVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the water tank, dialysis fluid production unit, and dialysis machine into a single integrated mobile device. The water tank (15) and preparation unit (3) are merged with the dialysis machine functions, eliminating the need for separate stationary installations. This integration reduces installation effort while maintaining reliable dialysis fluid production capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device performs multiple functions: it stores water (15), produces dialysis fluid through mixing (3), stores concentrates (25), fills dialysis machines (1, 26), and even disinfects them. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate stationary systems for water storage, fluid preparation, and machine maintenance, reducing overall installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If stationary devices for producing dialysis fluid are used, then fluid production is reliable, but the system lacks flexibility and requires moving machines for filling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedialysis fluid productionVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a stationary configuration to a mobile one, allowing the dialysis machine to remain in place while the fluid production and filling operations move to the machine. The mobile device can be positioned at the dialysis machine location, enabling flexible filling operations without requiring machine relocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the water source and the dialysis machine. It brings the fluid production capability directly to the machine location, serving as a mobile intermediary that eliminates the need for stationary infrastructure and machine movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile device combining liquid container, concentrate receptacle, and preparation unit is used, then flexibility and mobility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem mobilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the liquid container (15), concentrate receptacle (25), and preparation unit (3) into a single integrated mobile device. This combination consolidates multiple functions into one unit, improving mobility while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device is designed as a universal unit that performs water storage, concentrate storage, fluid mixing, machine filling, and disinfection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices, thereby improving mobility while actually reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables flexible and efficient filling and emptying of dialysis machines with minimal effort, reducing installation costs and improving mobility, making it suitable for small centers and enhancing operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a preparation unit which is arranged and designed in such a way that in the preparation unit liquid from the liquid container can be mixed with concentrate from the concentrate receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Implementation Method 2

water is fed from the water tank by means of a pump through a chamber of the unit for producing the dialysis fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP2131891B1Method and device for filling and/or emptying a dialysis machine
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP2131891B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2131891B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2131891B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (100) has a fluid container (15) for accommodating fluid i.e. reverse osmosis water, and a concentrate retainer (3) for accommodating concentrate. A concentrate connection is provided for addition of another container containing the concentrate and a preparation unit. The preparation unit is arranged and designed in such a manner that the fluid from the fluid container is mixed with the concentrate from the retainer and/or from the latter container containing the concentrate, in the preparation unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for filling a dialysis machine with a dialysis fluid and for discharging the dialysis fluid from the dialysis machine.