Multi-Compartment Dialysis Filter with Internal Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices for dialysis and related processes require multiple setups and equipment, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential air entrapment issues during filtration, which can result in inefficient blood filtration and increased thrombogenicity.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with multiple fluid filtration compartments within a single tubular housing, separated by a continuous internal wall, allowing for simultaneous or successive filtration processes, including hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and ultrafiltration, with fluid communication between compartments to facilitate air expulsion and efficient fluid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate filter devices are used for different filtration processes (hemodialysis, hemofiltration, ultrafiltration), then each process can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall device complexity, cost, and setup requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filtration compartments (hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and ultrafiltration) into a single integrated filter device housing. Each compartment contains its own hollow fiber bundles and membrane structures, allowing all three filtration processes to be performed simultaneously or sequentially within one device, thereby reducing the number of separate equipment pieces needed and simplifying the overall setup
Solution Approach 2:
The filter device is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple filtration functions through its different compartments. The housing structure supports various types of hollow fiber bundles and membranes that can be configured for hemodialysis, hemofiltration, ultrafiltration, or plasmapheresis, making the device adaptable to different clinical requirements without needing separate specialized equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate filter devices are used for different filtration processes, then each process can be optimized independently, but the cost and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple filtration compartments into a single housing structure, reducing the total number of devices needed. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant housing, connectors, and support structures that would be required if separate devices were used for each filtration process
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs universal components such as standardized hollow fiber bundles, common housing structures, and shared fluid distribution systems that can serve multiple filtration functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized expensive components for each specific filtration type, thereby lowering overall equipment costs
3Device complexity
If traditional single-compartment filter devices are used, then the structure is simple, but air entrapment occurs during filtration which reduces efficiency and increases thrombogenicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filter device into multiple separate compartments, each with its own fluid pathway and hollow fiber bundles. This segmentation creates isolated filtration zones that prevent air bubbles from traveling between compartments, thereby reducing air entrapment issues while maintaining relatively simple individual compartment structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluid communication pathways that act as intermediaries between compartments, allowing controlled fluid flow that facilitates air expulsion from each compartment. These intermediary pathways enable air to be vented systematically during setup and operation, reducing air entrapment without requiring complex structural modifications
4Productivity
If multiple filtration processes are performed using separate devices, then each process can be optimized, but the overall treatment effectiveness is reduced due to inefficiency and thrombogenicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filtration processes in a single integrated device, allowing blood to be treated through hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and ultrafiltration in sequence or simultaneously within the same circuit. This eliminates the need for multiple device connections and setups, reducing treatment time and minimizing blood exposure to air interfaces, thereby lowering thrombogenicity while maintaining high filtration efficiency
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
This design enables efficient and cost-effective blood filtration by allowing multiple processes to be performed in series or simultaneously, reducing air entrapment and equipment costs, while improving the effectiveness of blood filtration treatments.
Implementation Method 1
Various convection and diffusion processes may thereby take place across the walls of the hollow fibers. These processes serve, for example, to purify and to remove excess fluid from the blood.
Implementation Method 2
Various convection and diffusion processes may thereby take place across the walls of the hollow fibers.
Implementation Method 3
excess fluids, in particular water as well as waste products, are removed from the blood by means of a pressure difference across the membrane
Implementation Method 4
Such filter devices are also used in filtration processes such as reverse osmosis wherein undesirable substances may be removed from blood, water or other fluids.
Implementation Method 5
the infusion fluid can be sterile-filtered by removal of endotoxins, bacteria and other contaminants
Implementation Method 6
Ultrafilters generally have a similar construction to dialyser-type filters although they are generally smaller in dimension
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device having filter means, in particular hollow fiber membranes, arranged in more than one filtration compartment within a filter housing. The filter device thereby allows more than one filtration process to be carried out serially and/or simultaneously within a single housing. For example a dialysis type filtration process such as hemofiltration or hemodiafiltration or hemodialysis may be carried out at the same time as an ultrafiltration process or as another hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration or hemodialysis process. The device may have a split shell construction bonded or welded together along longitudinal seams. Internal separating walls within the housing are formed integrally with the shell portions of the housing to form adjacent filtration compartments when the housing portions are joined together.