Recessed Connector Hemodialysis Concentrate Cartridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional concentrate cartridges for hemodialysis are prone to damage during transportation due to protruding connectors, require excessive space and material for manufacturing, and have inefficient fluid distribution, leading to reduced effectiveness and complex disinfection processes.

Innovation Solution

The concentrate container features a socket-plug connection system where the connectors are flush-mounted or recessed within the cartridge, reducing the risk of damage and material costs, and includes a fluid ducting device to prevent channel formation and enhance dissolution efficiency, along with a simplified disinfection process using a plug/socket principle for coupling fittings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If protruding connectors are used in conventional concentrate cartridges, then connection to fluid conduits is achieved, but the connectors are easily damaged during transportation and require excessive protective packaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidconnector durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional connector design by making the connector recessed into the cartridge body rather than protruding outward. The fluid conduit connects to the cartridge by having its connector engage with the recessed connector, reversing the traditional protruding-connector approach. This inversion protects the connector from damage during transportation while maintaining reliable connection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The recessed connector design provides beforehand cushioning by embedding the connector within the cartridge body structure. This pre-protective design prevents the connector from being exposed to external impacts and forces during handling and transportation, eliminating the need for elaborate protective packaging while ensuring connector durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If protruding connectors are used in conventional concentrate cartridges, then connection is enabled, but more space is required in the transportation container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidtransportation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the connector design from protruding to recessed, the overall external dimensions of the cartridge are reduced. The connector is integrated within the cartridge body rather than extending beyond it, allowing for more efficient packing in transportation containers and reducing the volume required for storage and logistics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If central axial fluid inflow is used in conventional cartridges, then simple connection is achieved, but channel formation occurs reducing dissolution efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid inlet structureVSAvoidconcentrate dissolution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single central axial fluid inlet into multiple fluid inlets distributed around the periphery of the cartridge. This segmentation allows fluid to enter at multiple points simultaneously, preventing channel formation and ensuring uniform distribution of fluid across the concentrate, thereby improving dissolution efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning fluid inlets at specific locations around the cartridge periphery rather than using a single central inlet. This localized distribution of fluid entry points creates optimal flow patterns that enhance concentrate dissolution efficiency by ensuring uniform fluid-concentrate contact throughout the cartridge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design minimizes transportation and storage space, reduces material costs, ensures optimal fluid distribution for better concentrate utilization, and simplifies the disinfection process by eliminating protruding parts and central channel formation, thereby improving the efficiency and durability of the concentrate containers.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid ducting device for distributing fluid flowing into the concentrate container onto the concentrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution:

Implementation Method 2

The water flowing through the cartridge dissolves the bicarbonate concentrate powder stored inside it and flushes it out into the dialysate in doses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10449287B2Concentrate container for an extracorporeal blood treatment machine and a concentrate supply system for an extracorporeal blood treatment machine

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 B BRAUN AVITUM

AI summary

A concentrate container for an extracorporeal blood treatment machine with a fluid inlet at a first end of the concentrate container and a fluid outlet at a second end of the concentrate container as well as at least one connector to hold a coupling fitting of a fluid conduit, wherein at least one connector is concave in shape and is positioned inside the container. A system for use with this concentrate container, in which the coupling fittings are convex in shape. A connection piece provides for disinfection of the system.