Retractable Peristaltic Pump with Induction Heating for Dialysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peritoneal dialysis systems face challenges such as discomfort, frequent servicing needs, high costs, and infection risks due to complex components and the requirement for extracorporeal processing, with existing automated systems relying on peristaltic pumps that are difficult to calibrate and prone to leaks, and lacking efficient temperature control and sterility maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An automated peritoneal dialysis therapy device utilizing a retractable peristaltic pump with non-contact solid-state sensors for direct fluid volume and temperature measurement, a disposable tubing set, and in-line heating using induction heating of the pump base and rotor, which allows for precise temperature control and reduced complexity, minimizing the need for external heaters and complex cartridge assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional peritoneal dialysis systems are used, then dialysis treatment can be provided, but the systems suffer from complex components requiring frequent servicing, high costs, and infection risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable peristaltic pump tubing that is replaced after a single use or limited number of uses. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance procedures associated with reusable components, thereby reducing infection risks and servicing frequency while maintaining reliable dialysis treatment delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heating function from external heaters and integrates it directly into the peristaltic pump assembly. This consolidation eliminates separate heating components and their associated control systems, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable temperature control of the dialysate fluid.
2Extent of automation
If peristaltic pumps are used in automated dialysis systems, then fluid delivery can be automated, but the pumps are difficult to calibrate and prone to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable peristaltic pump tubing that is pre-calibrated and factory-sealed. This eliminates the need for field calibration and prevents leaks by ensuring each tubing is manufactured to precise specifications and replaced before wear or damage can occur, thereby maintaining high automation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that monitor fluid flow and pump operation in real-time, providing feedback to the control system. This allows the automated system to detect and respond to calibration drift or potential leaks, maintaining accurate fluid delivery and preventing treatment errors.
3Temperature
If external heaters and complex cartridge assemblies are used, then temperature control can be achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating element directly into the peristaltic pump assembly, combining two functions (fluid pumping and temperature control) into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate external heaters and complex cartridge assemblies, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise temperature control of the dialysate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the pump tubing itself as an intermediary heat transfer medium. The heating element heats the tubing, which in turn heats the dialysate as it passes through the pump channels. This indirect heating method provides efficient temperature control without requiring direct contact between the heater and fluid, simplifying the overall system design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable components are used, then infection risks and servicing needs are reduced, but manufacturing precision and calibration challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable peristaltic pump tubing that is manufactured with precise calibration specifications and factory-sealed to ensure sterility. The low cost of these disposable components allows for rigorous quality control and precision manufacturing without increasing system cost, thereby eliminating infection risks associated with reusable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calibration systems with electronically controlled pump motors that have built-in encoders for precise rotation measurement. This substitution of mechanical calibration with electronic control simplifies manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining accurate fluid delivery in disposable components.
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 solution provides accurate, safe, and efficient delivery of temperature-controlled fluids, reducing patient discomfort, infection risks, and operational costs, while simplifying the system and enhancing reliability through closed-loop control and disposable components, allowing for more convenient and effective home-based treatment.
Implementation Method 1
in-line heating using induction heating of the pump base and rotor
Implementation Method 2
retractable peristaltic pump
Data Source
AI summary
An automated peritoneal dialysis therapy device includes pump tubing for delivering dialysate to a patient and for removing waste from the patient; a retractable peristaltic pump assembly; and a processor for controlling operations of the automated peritoneal dialysis therapy device. The retractable peristaltic pump assembly includes a retractable peristaltic pump having a pump rotor and a pump base, a heating source, located in the pump base, to heat the dialysate, a first temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the heating source, a second temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the dialysate, a flow sensor to measure an amount of dialysate being pumped, a pressure sensor to measure a pressure of the dialysate being pumped, and a motor to rotate the pump rotor. The processor controls rotational speed, displacement, and a direction of the pump rotor.