Mobile Dialysis Fluid Preparation With On-Site Cleanroom Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved system to meet periods of high treatment demand for acute kidney injury (AKI) or other unique applications, such as home dialysis, especially during emergencies like pandemics, where there are shortages of dialysis fluid and machines.
Innovation Solution
A mobile dialysis fluid preparation system that includes a cargo unit equipped with dialysis fluid preparation units, water purification equipment, and mixing devices to produce dialysis fluid on-site using tap water and concentrates, with a cleanroom and laminar HEPA air flow for protection, and a system for filling and storing dialysis fluid in containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized dialysis fluid production is used, then quality control is improved, but availability during emergencies deteriorates due to supply chain constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized production system is segmented into portable, modular units that can be distributed to multiple locations. Each unit contains essential components (water purification, concentrate storage, mixing chambers, filtration) to produce dialysis fluid independently, enabling decentralized production while maintaining quality standards through standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable production units are designed to operate autonomously with automated water purification, concentrate dosing, mixing, and filtration processes. The systems self-regulate quality parameters and can operate independently without requiring centralized control, enabling hospitals and clinics to produce their own dialysis fluid during emergencies.
2Reliability
If portable production units are deployed, then availability during emergencies is improved, but resource consumption increases due to distributed production
Solution Approach 1:
The portable units utilize low-energy water purification methods and efficient mixing processes optimized for small-scale operation. Concentrate formulations are designed to require minimal energy for dissolution and mixing, reducing the overall energy footprint compared to large-scale centralized production transported over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
Concentrates are pre-prepared and stored in stable forms that require minimal processing at the point of use. Water purification is performed on-demand using energy-efficient membranes, and the system pre-fills containers to minimize active production time and energy consumption during emergency deployments.
3Speed
If on-site production is implemented, then response time to emergencies is improved, but initial setup time worsens due to system deployment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The portable production units are designed with nested, space-efficient packaging that allows compact transportation. Essential components (water purification cartridges, concentrate containers, filtration elements, and control systems) are integrated in a nested configuration that minimizes volume and enables rapid unpacking and deployment at emergency sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The units are pre-assembled and pre-tested before deployment, with all critical components installed and calibrated in advance. Concentrate formulations are pre-prepared in stable concentrations, and the system includes pre-configured connections and interfaces that eliminate complex setup procedures during emergency response.
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 enables the production of high-quality dialysis fluid on-site, minimizing resource impact and ensuring availability during emergencies, suitable for both hospital and home use, and adaptable for different treatment modalities.
Implementation Method 1
water purification equipment
Implementation Method 2
uses diffusion to remove waste products from a patient's blood. A diffusive gradient occurs across the semi-permeable dialyzer
Implementation Method 3
relies on a convective transport of toxins from the patient's blood
Implementation Method 4
uses diffusion to remove waste products from a patient's blood. A diffusive gradient occurs across the semi-permeable dialyzer
Implementation Method 5
A diffusive gradient occurs across the semi-permeable dialyzer between the blood and an electrolyte solution
Implementation Method 6
providing a convective transport mechanism that is particularly beneficial in removing middle and large molecules
Data Source
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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, the at least one dialysis fluid preparation unit including 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, a tubing set for transfer of the dialysis fluid from the mixing device to a container positioned and arranged to receive the dialysis fluid; 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.