Paddle Assembly Fluid Connectors for Dialysis Solute Caddies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dialysis systems require precise control and connection of fluid lines and fittings for adding and removing solutes, posing challenges for users with varying skill levels, especially when used outside standard clinical settings, and there is a need for a system that ensures proper fittings and connections for disinfection and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A paddle assembly with independently movable paddles and fluid connectors that can lock detachable containers in place, featuring a hollow hinge with a central flow line, allowing for secure and correct connection to fluid flow paths in dialysis machines, ensuring proper solute addition and system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dialysis system uses specified amounts of solutions (sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, cations) to be added to dialysate, then the dialysis treatment can be performed, but ensuring proper connection of fluid lines and fittings becomes complex and difficult for users with varying skill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid connection task into separate functional components: detachable containers with pre-configured fluid lines, an infusate caddy with receiving compartments, and a paddle assembly with fluid connectors. Each component has a specific function, and they connect through standardized interfaces that guide proper assembly without requiring users to understand the entire fluid path configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusate caddy acts as an intermediary component between the detachable containers and the dialysis machine. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, allowing users to simply place containers in the caddy rather than directly connecting complex fluid lines to the machine. The caddy manages the complexity of fluid path configuration internally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dialysis system allows flexible configuration for different settings (home use, clinical settings, disinfection), then adaptability improves, but ensuring correct connections and fittings becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The infusate caddy and paddle assembly are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions: holding different types of detachable containers (sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, cations), enabling dialysis treatment, allowing disinfection mode, and supporting home use. The standardized fluid connectors and receiving compartments provide consistent interfaces across all application scenarios, ensuring connection accuracy regardless of the specific configuration needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If detachable containers are used for infusates and solutes, then restocking and cleaning become convenient, but ensuring proper fluid line connections to the correct pumps and valves becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid storage and delivery function into separate detachable containers, each with its own pre-configured fluid line. This allows individual containers to be easily removed for restocking or cleaning without affecting other components. The fluid connectors on the paddle assembly provide standardized interfaces that guide proper connection to the corresponding pumps and valves, reducing the complexity of overall fluid path configuration.
4Measurement precision
If the system provides precise control of solute amounts added to dialysate, then dialysis quality improves, but the complexity of ensuring correct fittings and connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infusate caddy serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of precise solute delivery. It provides standardized receiving compartments and fluid connectors that ensure detachable containers are connected to the correct pumps and valves. This intermediary structure allows the system to maintain precise control over solute amounts while keeping the connection process simple for users, as the caddy internally manages the complex fluid path routing.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to fluid flow paths and fluid connectors for use with detachable containers that can be seated in an infusate caddy for use in a dialysis machine. The detachable containers can contain infusates or other solutes or materials such as disinfectants or cleaners, and can be conveniently seated in the infusate caddy. The detachable containers can be removed from the infusate caddy for restocking, cleaning, or resupply, as needed. The infusate caddy can be positioned or seated in a receiving compartment of a dialysis machine, and can also be removed, as needed. The fluid path and fluid connectors of the present invention provide the required fluid fittings, valve arrangements, pumps, and paddle assemblies for using the infusate caddy.