Modular Flat Sheet Membrane Filter for Sterilization Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an effective and low-cost method to provide additional sterilization for peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid before it is delivered to a patient, as PD fluid is injected into the patient's peritoneal cavity and must be sterile.
Innovation Solution
A modular PD system that includes a PD machine or cycler and a filter set, where the filter set can be configured to provide redundant, double membrane, or single membrane filtration, ensuring effective sterilization and filtration of PD fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single membrane filter is used, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the reliability of sterilization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into separate membrane modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each membrane module contains a filter membrane, and multiple modules are stacked together to form the complete filter assembly, allowing for modular replacement and configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant filter membranes in series configuration where multiple membranes provide backup sterilization capability. If one membrane is compromised, the downstream membranes continue to provide filtration, ensuring sterilization reliability without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems
2Reliability
If multiple membrane modules are stacked in series, then the sterilization reliability is improved, but the flow capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane filtration approach to a multi-layer stacked configuration where multiple membrane modules are arranged in series along the fluid flow path. This dimensional arrangement increases the total filtration surface area available, allowing multiple membranes to work together while maintaining adequate flow capacity through the stacked structure
3Reliability
If a redundant double membrane filter configuration is used, then the sterilization reliability is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple membrane modules are nested within a compact housing structure where each module contains a filter membrane. The modules are stacked and sealed together in a space-efficient arrangement, with fluidic spacers and sealing surfaces that minimize the overall volume while maintaining the redundant filtration configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple membrane modules are combined into a single integrated filter assembly that functions as one unit. The modules share common housing structures, sealing surfaces, and fluidic pathways, merging what could be separate components into a compact unified device that reduces overall size
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 modular filter set provides necessary sterilization even if one filter membrane is compromised and offers double filtration if both membranes are intact, effectively doubling the flow capacity and reducing size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
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 2
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the capillaries in the peritoneal membrane, and into the PD fluid due to diffusion and osmosis, i.e., an osmotic gradient occurs across the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) system (10) including a PD machine (20); a patient line (50) extending from the PD machine (20); and a filter set (100) in fluid communication with the patient line (50), the filter set (100) including a filter body (110, 150, 190) housing first and second filter membranes (112a, 112b, such as a sterilizing grade or bacteria reduction filter membranes), the filter body (110, 150, 190) configured to be placed in different arrangements such that fresh PD fluid (i) flows through the first filter membrane (112a) and then through the second filter membrane (112b) or (ii) splits and flows through first and second filter membranes (112a, 112b) in parallel.