Multi-Chamber Blood Dialyzing Apparatus for Home Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood dialyzing devices are complex, costly, and difficult to use due to the need for multiple pumps and balancing units, which limits their ability to regulate blood flow rates and requires separate ultrafiltration pumps, making them unsuitable for home use.
Innovation Solution
A blood dialyzing apparatus with multiple fluid chambers that are compressed and expanded to regulate blood flow rates independently, eliminating the need for separate blood pumps and ultrafiltration pumps, and simplifying the system for miniaturization and cost reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple dialysate pumps and balancing units are used to transfer dialysate, then dialysate flow can be transferred, but the device structure becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dialysate pumps and balancing units into a single integrated dialysate flowing unit with multiple fluid chambers. The first and second fluid chambers work together to perform both pump and balancing functions, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dialysate flowing unit with multiple fluid chambers serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a dialysate pump to transfer dialysate, a balancing unit to regulate flow rates, and a control mechanism for ultrafiltration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Measurement precision
If separate blood pumps and ultrafiltration pumps are used to regulate blood flow rates, then blood flow can be controlled, but the device structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple fluid chambers in the dialysate flowing unit serve universal functions: they pump dialysate, regulate blood flow rates indirectly through dialysate flow control, and perform ultrafiltration. This eliminates the need for separate specialized pumps for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the dialysate flow control mechanism to automatically regulate blood flow rates through the blood dialyzing filter. The balancing unit self-regulates the flow based on the pressure differential created by the fluid chambers, without requiring separate control systems for each parameter.
3Reliability
If multiple pumps and balancing units are used in the blood dialyzing device, then fluid transfer can be achieved, but the cost of the dialyzing treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple expensive components (dialysate pumps, balancing units, ultrafiltration pumps) into a single integrated dialysate flowing unit. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional dialysate flowing unit performs multiple critical functions with a single device, reducing the need for multiple specialized components. This universality reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable fluid transfer and flow regulation.
4Reliability
If conventional blood dialyzing devices with multiple components are used, then dialysis treatment can be performed, but the device size is large and not suitable for home use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heavy components into a single integrated dialysate flowing unit, significantly reducing the overall device weight and size. The first and second fluid chambers are integrated into one unit, eliminating the need for separate pump housings and balancing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional design allows a single compact device to perform all necessary dialysis functions (dialysate pumping, blood flow regulation, ultrafiltration), eliminating the need for multiple separate heavy components and making the device suitable for home use.
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 apparatus ensures precise regulation of dialysate flow rates upstream and downstream of the blood dialyzing filter, reducing system complexity and cost, making it suitable for home use and alternative to traditional hospital-based treatments.
Implementation Method 1
Hemodialysis is a method of seeking an electrolyte balance and ridding the body fluid of uremic toxin and excess water, taking advantages of diffusion applied due to the concentration difference and filtration applied due to the pressure difference between blood and dialysate
Implementation Method 2
Hemodialysis is a method of seeking an electrolyte balance and ridding the body fluid of uremic toxin and excess water, taking advantages of diffusion applied due to the concentration difference and filtration applied due to the pressure difference between blood and dialysate
Implementation Method 3
Hemodialysis is a method of seeking an electrolyte balance and ridding the body fluid of uremic toxin and excess water by a semi-permeable dialysis membrane
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of fluid chambers (51a, 51b) each having an internal space, chamber pressurizing members (52a, 52b) compressing or expanding the internal spaces of the chambers
Implementation Method 5
chamber pressurizing members (52a, 52b) compressing or expanding the internal spaces of the chambers
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a blood dialyzing apparatus having multiple fluid chambers each having an internal space to accommodate dialysate, a chamber pressurizing member compressing or expanding the internal spaces of the chambers, and a chamber pressurizing member driver driving the chamber pressurizing member. The chambers are each connected with an inflow tube through which a fluid is provided to the chamber and an outflow tube through which a fluid of the chamber is discharged therefrom. Multiple flow control valves are also provided to regulate flow passages through the tubes.