Modular Dialysate Regeneration Assembly with Segmented Sorbent Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sorbent cartridges are rigid and non-customizable, leading to inefficiencies in sorbent material usage and increased costs due to a one-size-fits-all approach, failing to account for individual patient needs and resulting in waste and suboptimal dialysate regeneration.

Innovation Solution

A modular dialysate regeneration assembly with interchangeable sorbent compartments of varying sizes and weights, allowing for customized configurations based on patient parameters and dialysis requirements, enabling precise selection and arrangement of sorbent materials like activated carbon, ion-exchange resin, and zirconium phosphate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standardized sorbent cartridges are used, then manufacturing simplicity and device compatibility are improved, but adaptability to individual patient needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandardized manufacturingVSAvoidcustomization to patient needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sorbent cartridge is divided into multiple modular compartments, each containing a different sorbent material (activated carbon, ion-exchange resin, zirconium phosphate). These compartments can be selectively assembled to create customized configurations for individual patient needs, while each compartment itself can be manufactured using standardized processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If fixed-configuration sorbent cartridges are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different patient conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge structureVSAvoidsorbent material selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is segmented into standardized compartments that can be assembled in different configurations. This maintains relatively simple individual component designs while enabling complex customized assemblies through modular combination of the segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 modular system optimizes sorbent usage, reduces waste and costs, and enhances patient outcomes by allowing tailored sorbent configurations for each patient, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of dialysate regeneration.

Implementation Method 1

sorbent materials like activated carbon, ion-exchange resin, and zirconium phosphate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

ion-exchange resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon Exchange: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentEP3160535B1Modular dialysate regeneration assembly

Publication Date: 2024.10.02 MOZARC MEDICAL US LLC

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AI summary

A customizable modular dialysate regeneration assembly with connectable sorbent packaging systems. The dialysate regeneration assembly can be customized based on patient parameters or dialysis session parameters. A processor can be included that can determine the correct amount of each sorbent material necessary for a given patient and a given dialysis session.