Medical Fluid Machine Pneumatic Manifold for Quiet Serviceable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialysis machines face challenges in maintenance and repair due to complex tubing connections and the risk of damage when disconnecting components, leading to difficulties in servicing and noise issues during operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated pneumatic manifold with direct-mounted components, removable port headers, and a spike and hold circuit to minimize energy consumption and noise, along with integrated pneumatic reservoirs and pressure transducers, allows for easy assembly and service without disconnecting tubing, reducing the risk of damage and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If individual tubing connections are used to link pressure distribution module to actuator module, then the system can be assembled with standard components, but the tubing stretches and becomes unusable when pulled off, and barbed fittings can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pressure distribution module and actuator module into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate tubing connections between these components. This merging prevents tubing damage while maintaining manufacturability through modular integration rather than complete monolithic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly is designed as a modular unit that can be separated from other system components at defined interfaces. This segmentation allows the system to be manufactured in manageable sections while protecting the tubing within the integrated portion from damage during assembly and disassembly operations.
2Ease of repair
If tubing is disconnected individually for maintenance, then components can be serviced separately, but the disconnection process is difficult and risks damaging tubing and fittings
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the pressure distribution module and actuator module, the patent creates a pre-assembled unit with internal tubing connections that cannot be damaged during disassembly. This integrated unit can be serviced as a complete assembly or replaced entirely, eliminating the risk of tubing damage while maintaining ease of repair through modular replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex tubing connections are used to link pneumatic components, then flexible routing is achieved, but maintenance becomes difficult and noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple pneumatic components including pressure distribution modules, actuators, and tubing into unified assemblies. This integration maintains routing flexibility within the integrated unit while eliminating maintenance difficulties associated with external tubing connections, as the internal routing is factory-set and protected from damage.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard barbed fittings are used for tubing connections, then assembly is straightforward, but the fittings and tubing can be damaged when disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates components with tubing connections into sealed assemblies where the tubing is permanently attached during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for field disconnection of barbed fittings and tubing, preventing damage while maintaining straightforward assembly through the integration of connection elements within the modular unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic system for a medical fluid machine operating a medical fluid cassette, the pneumatic system including an interface for supplying positive pneumatic pressure and negative pneumatic pressure to the medical fluid cassette; a source of positive pneumatic pressure; a source of negative pneumatic pressure; and a pneumatic pump including a first head and a second head, wherein the first head is dedicated to supplying positive pneumatic pressure to the positive pneumatic pressure source and the second head is dedicated to supplying negative pneumatic pressure to the negative pneumatic pressure source.