Modular Medical Fluid Circuit Unit with Segmented Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid circuit units for extracorporeal blood treatment are not easily mountable or removable, lack simplicity and economy in design, and are not compact or easy to manipulate.
Innovation Solution
A fluid circuit unit with a compact, modular design that includes a replacement fluid supply line with an ultrafilter for ultrafiltration, a peristaltic pump tube tract, and flexible connections for easy mounting and dismounting from a dialysis machine, featuring a support element with extensions for stable positioning and pressure monitoring zones for efficient fluid mixing and degassing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional medical fluid circuit unit is designed with fixed connections and complex mounting structures, then the circuit unit provides stable fluid transport, but it becomes difficult to mount and remove, and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit unit is divided into modular segments with standardized connection interfaces. Each segment can be independently connected and disconnected through simple coupling mechanisms, enabling easy mounting and removal without complex assembly procedures while maintaining stable fluid transport during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interfaces are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the same coupling mechanism to accommodate different circuit unit configurations. The standardized interfaces enable multi-functional use across various dialysis machine models, simplifying mounting structures while ensuring stable fluid transport
2Ease of manufacture
If the circuit unit uses rigid and complex construction, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing simplicity and economy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit unit employs segmented construction with standardized connection interfaces. Each segment can be manufactured separately using simple, cost-effective processes, then assembled through straightforward coupling mechanisms. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining structural stability during fluid transport
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit unit utilizes flexible tubular structures for fluid transport pathways. These flexible components simplify manufacturing compared to rigid piping while maintaining sufficient structural stability through proper material selection and design. The flexibility also allows for easier assembly and connection
3Volume of moving object
If the circuit unit is designed with larger size for component placement, then all necessary components can be included, but compactness and ease of manipulation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit unit employs nested arrangement where smaller components are positioned within or alongside larger structures. The modular segments are designed to nest together efficiently, maximizing component integration within a compact volume. This nested design enables all necessary components to be included while maintaining small overall dimensions for easy manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit unit utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to optimize component placement. By organizing components across multiple dimensions rather than just linear extension, the design achieves compactness while accommodating all necessary components. This dimensional optimization enables easy manipulation and storage
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 solution enables easy and efficient mounting/remounting, simplifies construction, reduces costs, and ensures effective fluid mixing and degassing, enhancing the operational efficiency of extracorporeal blood treatment systems.
Implementation Method 1
a replacement fluid supply line with an ultrafilter for ultrafiltration
Implementation Method 2
a peristaltic pump tube tract
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A medical fluid circuit comprises a fluid transport unit connected to a source of a medical fluid for infusion into an extracorporeal blood circuit. A support element for the transport line exhibits three engaging projections predisposed for mounting the unit to an external apparatus. A first and a second projection each comprise a first and a second tubular extension (38), while a third projection (37) is distant from an imaginary straight zone which unites the tubular extensions. An ultrafilter (28) for ultrafiltration of the medical fluid is situated in a space comprised between the third projection and the imaginary straight zone. The unit, which is for providing a replacement fluid to a hemo(dia)filtration apparatus, can be easily mounted on the apparatus.