Rotatable Socket Unit for Dialysis Fluid Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices for extracorporeal blood treatment, such as dialysis devices, face challenges in simplifying and securing the connection of medical liquid supply systems, which can be complex and prone to errors, especially during disinfection processes.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a socket unit with a rotatable closure body and connecting pieces that form a rinsing chamber, allowing for easy and secure liquid-tight connections with a plug unit, enabling automatic detection and locking mechanisms for secure attachment without full insertion, and automatic initiation of rinsing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plug unit is fully inserted into a socket unit to establish flow connections, then reliable liquid-tight connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The socket unit employs a rotatable closure body that can dynamically change position between a first position (for rinsing) and a second position (for connection). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to different operational states, simplifying the connection process while maintaining reliability through automatic detection and locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic detection means that automatically detect when the plug unit is connected to the socket unit, and automatic initiation means that automatically initiate rinsing processes. This self-service functionality reduces manual intervention, simplifying operation while ensuring reliable connection and disinfection procedures are followed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the socket unit is designed with multiple flow connections for medical liquids, then comprehensive medical liquid supply is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to disinfect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedical liquid supply capabilityVSAvoidsocket unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket unit is segmented into multiple independent flow connections (first flow connection for fresh dialysis fluid, second flow connection for waste liquid) with separate connecting pieces and connectors. This segmentation allows each connection to be independently managed and disinfected, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive medical liquid supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure body serves multiple functions: it closes the rinsing chamber during disinfection, manages multiple flow connections, and can be rotated between different positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adaptability for various medical liquid supply requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the closure piece is fixed in position to close the rinsing chamber, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the rinsing process becomes manual and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidrinsing process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closure body is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically transition between a first position (closing the rinsing chamber) and a second position (allowing connection). This dynamic design enables automatic rinsing initiation, reducing manual intervention and time consumption while maintaining reliable sealing when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic detection means that provide feedback on the connection status of the plug unit. Based on this feedback, the automatic initiation means can automatically start the rinsing process, eliminating manual timing and reducing errors. The detection system ensures the closure body is in the correct position before initiating rinsing, maintaining sealing reliability while saving time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2825248B1Medical device comprising a socket unit for connecting a device for providing medical liquids
Publication Date: 2016.03.09 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP2825248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2825248B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2825248B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a medical device (2, 3), comprising a socket unit (B) for connecting a plug unit (A) of a device (1) for providing medical liquids, wherein the medical device (2, 3) is in particular an extracorporeal blood treatment device (2), for example an extracorporeal dialysis device or a device for peritoneal dialysis, or to a device (3) for filling the device (1) for providing medical liquids. The socket unit (B) comprises connection pieces (26, 27) for the connection of connectors (29, 30) of a plug unit (A) so that a flow connection for supplying or discharging a liquid can be produced. The connection pieces (26, 27) are enclosed by connection parts (23, 24) to form flushing chambers (28, 49), wherein the flushing chambers are closed by closure pieces (51, 52) which are part of a closure body (50) that is rotatably arranged on the socket unit.