Pod Pump Pneumatic Pressure Control for APD Occlusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) systems require complex and costly disposable sets, consume significant space, and involve cumbersome daily setup, limiting their portability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact APD system with a pod pump and disposable set, utilizing a pneumatic valve manifold, air pump, and control unit for precise fluid management, including a flexible sheet and reinforcement ribs, to achieve accurate fluid volume determination and pressure control without intervening pneumatic storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing automated peritoneal dialysis systems use complex disposable sets, then fluid management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable set is segmented into modular components: a pod pump unit for fluid transfer, a fluid source container, and a drain connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable fluid management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism is extracted from the complex disposable set and replaced with a simple pod pump that uses pneumatic pressure differentials. This extraction eliminates the need for complex mechanical pumps, valves, and control systems within the disposable component, reducing complexity while preserving fluid management function.
2Quantity of substance
If existing APD systems use large disposable sets, then fluid storage capacity is improved, but space consumption and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pod pump is nested within the fluid source container assembly, with the pod positioned inside or adjacent to the fluid source. This nesting arrangement allows the fluid storage capacity to be maintained while minimizing the overall footprint and space consumption of the disposable set.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal fluid storage arrangements to vertical stacking, with the fluid source container positioned above the pod pump and drain connection. This dimensional change optimizes space utilization and improves portability without compromising fluid storage capacity.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing APD systems use complex daily setup procedures, then fluid management precision is improved, but ease of operation and time efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pod pump is pre-filled with a known volume of fluid or pre-calibrated to deliver specific volumes. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex setup procedures and manual volume measurements during daily use, while maintaining precise fluid volume determination through the integrated pressure sensor and control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own peritoneal cavity as the fluid storage reservoir, eliminating the need for external fluid storage containers and complex connection procedures. The pod pump automatically draws fluid from the peritoneal cavity during drain cycles and infuses fluid during fill cycles, simplifying daily operation while maintaining precision through pneumatic pressure control.
4Reliability
If existing APD systems lack portability features, then treatment functionality is improved, but patient mobility and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a disposable pod pump and fluid source container assembly that can be easily discarded after a single use. This disposable approach eliminates the need for heavy, durable construction materials and complex cleaning/maintenance systems, significantly reducing the weight and improving portability while maintaining reliable treatment functionality during each use.
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
The system provides a cost-effective, portable, and efficient APD solution with precise fluid control, reduced therapy time, and quick occlusion detection, enhancing patient convenience and reducing disposable costs.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic valve manifold is provided in the fluid management system. An air pump of the cycler is in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic valve manifold to generate positive and negative pressure without intervening pneumatic storage
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure sensor positioned and arranged to detect pneumatic pressure. The control unit is configured to use an output of the pressure sensor as feedback to adjust the air pump according to a set pneumatic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A peritoneal dialysis system includes a cycler having a pneumatic valve manifold or pneumatic arrangement, an air pump positioned and arranged to supply pneumatic pressure to the pneumatic valve manifold with or without intervening pneumatic storage, a pneumatic pressure sensor positioned and arranged to detect pneumatic pressure, and a control unit configured to use an output of the pressure sensor as feedback to adjust the air pump according to a set pneumatic pressure; and a disposable set including a pod pump having a flexible sheet, one side of the flexible sheet positioned and arranged during operation to receive pneumatic pressure via the air pump and pneumatic valve manifold.