Fluid Sampling Cartridge Alignment for PD Effluent Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and systems fail to provide an effective mechanism for analyzing peritoneal dialysis effluent, which is crucial for early detection of infections in peritoneal dialysis patients, leading to potential infections and the need to switch to more costly hemodialysis.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sampling and analyzing system that integrates with a peritoneal dialysis machine, using a disposable fluid sampling cartridge with an imaging chamber to capture and analyze PD effluent through digital holography, allowing for early detection of infection indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fluid sampling methods are used for peritoneal dialysis effluent, then the analysis capability is insufficient, but the system complexity and cost increase when implementing effective analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable housing containing imaging devices and a disposable cartridge containing the fluid channel and sample chamber. This segmentation allows the complex imaging system to be separated from the simple sampling function, enabling infection detection capability while managing system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge acts as an intermediary component that interfaces between the PD machine and the imaging system. It provides a standardized connection mechanism with alignment features that simplify integration while enabling sophisticated imaging analysis of the effluent sample.
2Productivity
If imaging operations are performed while fluid is flowing through the channel, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but alignment precision and image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to perform imaging operations dynamically while fluid flows through the channel. The cartridge locator enables rotational adjustment during installation to achieve proper alignment, and the fluid channel is positioned to allow imaging through the channel walls during flow, enabling continuous monitoring without requiring fluid stagnation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is pre-aligned during installation using the cartridge locator and alignment rails before fluid flow begins. The alignment features ensure proper positioning of the fluid channel within the housing, establishing precise alignment conditions before the imaging operation commences during fluid flow.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cartridge locator is made rigid for precise alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but the engagement mechanism with the housing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge locator combines rigid alignment features with flexible engagement capabilities. It integrates alignment rails for precise positioning, rotational adjustment capability, and biasing plunger engagement into a single component, achieving accurate alignment while simplifying the overall engagement mechanism through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge locator serves multiple functions: it provides rigid alignment through alignment rails, enables rotational adjustment for orientation, engages with biasing plungers for secure mounting, and interfaces with the housing. This multi-functionality achieves precise alignment while avoiding the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function.
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
Enables early detection of infections by visually assessing PD effluent for white blood cell counts, potentially reducing infection severity and frequency, and providing cost-effective patient care by detecting infections earlier.
Implementation Method 1
the slide body being made of an at least substantially transparent material configured to facilitate imaging, by an imaging device, of a fluid sample captured within a fluid channel
Implementation Method 2
the cartridge locator is configured to physically engage one or more biasing plungers at a bottom surface of the cartridge locator to facilitate a securing of the fluid sampling cartridge in the installed position based at least in part on one or more biasing forces being applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein relate to methods, apparatuses, and systems for sampling fluid and analyzing fluid samples. In various embodiments, a fluid sampling cartridge for capturing a fluid sample comprises a slide body configured for receiving a fluid sample within a fluid channel; a cartridge locator configured for physical engagement with a housing defined by a fluid sampling system to align the fluid sampling cartridge in an installed position within the housing; a body holder secured relative to the slide body and configured to be dynamically engaged with the cartridge locator, wherein the cartridge locator is configured to rotate about a central axis thereof relative to the body holder; wherein the fluid sampling cartridge is configured for arrangement within the housing in the installed position to facilitate execution of an imaging operation by the fluid sampling system with respect to the fluid sample captured in the fluid channel.