Peristaltic Pump Actuator for Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) systems face issues such as sealing problems, equipment intensity, noise, and high disposable waste, which affect treatment efficiency and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution is a streamlined APD cycler system that incorporates a peristaltic pump and a disposable set with organized tubing, eliminating the need for a separate drain container and reducing waste. The system includes a peristaltic pump actuator capable of pumping in two directions, a heating container, and a drain line that connects directly to a house drain, along with a control unit that manages the treatment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic systems are used for pumping in APD, then pumping function is achieved, but sealing problems and noise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system with an electric motor-driven peristaltic pump. The electric motor drives a rotor that actuates the peristaltic pump to move dialysis fluid through the tubing, eliminating the need for pneumatic pressure and associated sealing issues and noise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex equipment is used for APD treatment, then treatment functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single streamlined device. The peristaltic pump performs both filling and draining operations, the heating element heats dialysis fluid, and the weigh scale measures fluid weight - all within one device, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the heating element and weigh scale into the same housing as the peristaltic pump. The heating element is positioned to heat dialysis fluid in the tubing, while the weigh scale measures the weight of the fluid, integrating multiple functions in one location.
3Reliability
If traditional APD systems are used, then treatment is effective, but disposable waste is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a weigh scale to measure the weight of dialysis fluid before and after treatment, enabling precise tracking and recovery of fluid volumes. This allows for more efficient fluid management and reduced waste by accurately determining how much fluid can be reused or needs to be discarded.
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 solution reduces disposable waste and costs, minimizes equipment complexity, and enhances user experience by eliminating sealing issues and noise associated with pneumatic systems, while maintaining efficient treatment operations.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump actuator (24) capable of pumping in two directions
Implementation Method 2
a heating container (118)
Implementation Method 3
a weigh scale (34a, 34b)
Implementation Method 4
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the capillaries in the peritoneal membrane, and into the dialysis fluid due to diffusion and osmosis
Implementation Method 5
Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the capillaries in the peritoneal membrane, and into the dialysis fluid due to diffusion and osmosis, i.e., an osmotic gradient occurs across the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A peritoneal dialysis system comprises a cycler including a peristaltic pump actuator, and a weigh scale; a disposable set including a peristaltic pump tube operable with the peristaltic pump actuator, a patient line in fluid communication with the peristaltic pump tube, and a heating container in operable communication with the weigh scale; and a control unit configured to cause (i) the peristaltic pump actuator to operate at a rotational speed to cause an amount of fluid to enter the heating container, (ii) weigh the amount of fluid, and (iii) determine at least one of a mass rate or volume rate for the rotational speed.