Modular Reservoir Assembly for Portable Hemodialysis Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hemodialysis systems are cumbersome, costly, and lack flexibility, requiring patients to be tethered to dialysis centers due to their large size and complex fluid circuits, which are prone to leakage and breakage, and there is a need for a portable, safe, and cost-effective system that can perform both hemodialysis and hemofiltration with integrated fluid management and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A modular and portable dialysis system with a reservoir module that integrates a dialysate reservoir, heater, weighing system, and sensors, including a non-contact conductivity sensor using a coil and capacitor circuit to monitor sodium concentration, and a wetness sensor for leak detection, allowing for flexible operation in both hemodialysis and hemofiltration modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hemodialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be provided, but the systems are cumbersome, costly, and require patients to be bound to dialysis centers due to large size and complex fluid circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis system is divided into modular components: a pump module, a reservoir module, and a patient interface module. Each module can be independently assembled, disassembled, and sterilized. The fluid circuits are integrated within each module rather than extending externally, reducing complexity and portability barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is nested within the reservoir module housing, which contains integrated fluid management components. The patient interface components are nested within the pump module. This nesting consolidates multiple functions into compact units, eliminating the need for extensive external tubing and connections.
2Reliability
If conventional systems with myriad tubes are used, then fluid circulation is achieved, but the risk of leakage and breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid pathways are merged into integrated channels within the modular housings. The pump module contains integrated fluid distribution manifolds that eliminate the need for separate external tubing connections. This consolidation reduces the number of potential leakage points and structural failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular interfaces act as intermediaries between functional components, providing sealed connection points that eliminate the need for extensive external tubing. The standardized connection interfaces ensure reliable, leak-free assembly while maintaining system modularity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sorbent based hemodialysis procedures are used, then dialysis treatment is provided, but specific hardware requirements are not shared by hemofiltration process, reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The pump module is designed with universal fluid management capabilities that can support both hemodialysis and hemofiltration modes. The integrated reservoir module can accommodate different fluid types and treatment protocols. This multi-functionality is achieved through standardized interfaces and programmable pump control that adapts to different treatment requirements without requiring separate hardware configurations.
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 system provides a safe, reliable, and cost-effective solution for dialysis, enabling portable and flexible operation while reducing the risk of leakage and improving fluid management, allowing for efficient fluid delivery and monitoring in both hemodialysis and hemofiltration modes.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact conductivity sensor using a coil and capacitor circuit to monitor sodium concentration
Implementation Method 2
integrates a dialysate reservoir, heater, weighing system, and sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses a dialysis system having a reservoir module with a reservoir housing defining an internal space, a surface located within the internal space for supporting a container that contains dialysate, and a conductivity sensor located within the internal space, where the conductivity sensor has a coil, a capacitor in electrical communication with the coil, and an energy source in electrical communication with the circuit.