Modular Sorbent Cartridge with Detachable Rechargeable Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sorbent dialysis systems face high costs due to expensive materials and waste generation, with existing systems lacking modular designs for reusable and rechargeable components, which limits their portability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular sorbent cartridge design with detachable and reusable modules, allowing for the separation of sorbent materials into distinct modules for easy recycling, recharging, and disposal, utilizing connectors like quick-connect, twist-lock, or threaded fittings, and a bypass flow path for fluid diversion and recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If sorbent dialysis systems use expensive sorbent materials to reduce water consumption, then water efficiency is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sorbent cartridge is divided into multiple detachable modules, each containing specific sorbent materials. This segmentation allows selective removal and recharging of individual modules rather than discarding the entire cartridge, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining water efficiency benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables recovery and recharging of expensive sorbent materials through detachable modules. Used modules can be removed, recharged externally, and reused, transforming a disposable approach into a recoverable system that reduces long-term material costs
2Ease of manufacture
If sorbent cartridges are designed as single-unit structures, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but recharging capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed with detachable modules that can be separated and recharged independently. Each module contains connectors for fluid flow and can be attached or removed from the cartridge body, providing both manufacturing simplicity and recharging versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-unit cartridge to a dynamic modular structure where modules can be attached, detached, and reconfigured. This dynamic design enables recharging capability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized connector interfaces
3Ease of operation
If all sorbent materials are disposed of after each use, then system simplicity is improved, but waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cartridge into detachable modules, the system allows selective disposal of only the spent sorbent modules while retaining and recharging other modules. This reduces waste generation compared to disposing of the entire cartridge, while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized module interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements selective discarding of spent modules while recovering and recharging valuable modules. This approach reduces overall waste generation while maintaining ease of operation through a straightforward module replacement process
4Loss of substance
If sorbent cartridges are made reusable with detachable modules, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is segmented into modular units with standardized connectors, making the system slightly more complex structurally but enabling cost-effective operation through selective module recharging and reuse. The modular design allows complex functionality to be achieved through simple, repeatable unit 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 design reduces waste, lowers long-term costs, enhances portability, and allows for the reuse of expensive sorbent materials, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of dialysis systems by enabling the recycling and recharging of sorbent components.
Implementation Method 1
The sorbent cartridge contains layers of sorbent material which selectively remove specific toxins, or break down toxins, in the dialysate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A sorbent cartridge, comprising at least one reusable module (11) having one or more connectors (13) fluidly connectable with a fluid flow path or fluidly connectable to a second module (12); the at least one reusable module comprising at least one rechargeable module containing at least one sorbent material, the rechargeable module being rechargeable to restore a functional capacity of the at least one sorbent material; and the rechargeable module being fluidly connected to a recharger wherein the sorbent cartridge is reversibly attachable to and detachable from the recharger.