On-Demand Physiological Solution Generation Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for producing physiological and isotonic solutions are inefficient, leading to waste, environmental issues, and inability to adapt to variable demand, especially in resource-limited areas, and fail to preserve probiotic forms in solutions like Quinton's Plasma.
Innovation Solution
A portable unit that allows on-demand generation of physiological or isotonic solutions by purifying and mixing water with a solute, such as NaCl, using an interface to set desired quantities, with optional sterilization and using sea water to preserve probiotic forms, reducing waste and packaging needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If industrial systems prepare predefined quantities of physiological solution in tanks for packaging, then the solution is available in predetermined packages, but the system cannot adapt to variable demand and generates waste when quantity demanded is lower than package quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-packaged solutions to a dynamic on-demand generation system. The control unit calculates and adjusts the quantities of water and solute in real-time based on the requested volume, enabling the system to adapt flexibly to any demand quantity without waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of solution quantity from fixed predetermined values to variable on-demand values. The control unit receives a requested volume parameter and adjusts the mixing ratios of water and solute accordingly, producing exactly the required amount without excess waste.
2Reliability
If sterilisation is performed after solution preparation to ensure sterility, then the solution becomes sterile, but the process alters the obtained concentration and destroys probiotic forms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sterilisation of water before mixing with solute, rather than after solution preparation. This preliminary sterilisation prevents contamination during mixing while avoiding post-preparation sterilisation processes that would alter concentration and destroy probiotic forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sterilised water as an intermediary medium that is pre-sterilised before contact with the solute. This approach ensures sterility is achieved through the water component without subjecting the final solution to harsh sterilisation processes that would damage sensitive components like probiotics.
3Productivity
If fixed quantities of water and solute are prepared in advance, then the production process is simple, but the system cannot generate variable quantities on request
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically calculates the required quantities of water and solute based on the requested volume and controls the dispensing process. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual measurement and mixing, enabling variable quantity production without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical mixing and measurement processes with an automated control system that calculates and dispenses precise quantities electronically. This substitution enables flexible variable quantity production while keeping the physical mixing mechanism relatively simple.
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 precise, waste-free production of desired solution quantities anywhere, using local water sources, reducing environmental impact and preserving solution efficacy, particularly suitable for healthcare emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
a purification station (15) for purifying water
Implementation Method 2
a mixing station (20) for mixing the purified water with a calculated quantity of at least one product comprising at least NaCl
Data Source
AI summary
Unit for extemporaneous generation of a quantity, variable on request, of a physiological or isotonic solution based on water, including: —at least one choice interface for allowing the user to set a desired quantity of solution to be generated from a plurality of possible quantities; —at least one water purification station that receives water from outside the unit and to purify it, —a manner of supplying (25) at least one solute, —at least one mixing station (20) that mixes the purified water with the at least one solute so as to form the desired solution; —management system including a calculation system communicating with the interface for calculating the quantity of purified water and the quantity of solute to be mixed for producing the quantity of solution set by the user.