Single Pump Dialysate Mixing via Sequential Concentrate Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dialysis systems face challenges in precisely balancing fresh and used dialysate volumes, requiring complex designs with multiple metering pumps to achieve the exact mixing ratio of permeate to concentrates, leading to high costs and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified dialysate supply apparatus with a single metering pump and distributor assembly that conveys specified volumes of concentrates into balancing chambers in successive cycles, allowing for precise mixing without the need for multiple pumps, and includes a control unit to manage valve operations for efficient concentrate addition and rinsing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple metering pumps are used to convey concentrates simultaneously into balancing chambers, then the mixing precision of permeate to concentrates is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by conveying different concentrates into the balancing chamber in successive working cycles rather than simultaneously. The metering pump operates alternately for different concentrates across different cycles, achieving precise mixing ratios over time while using a single pump instead of multiple simultaneous pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the concentrate addition process into separate working cycles for different concentrates. Each concentrate is added in its own designated cycle, allowing precise control of individual concentrate volumes while using a single metering pump that operates sequentially rather than requiring multiple pumps running simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple metering pumps are used to convey concentrates simultaneously, then the mixing precision is improved, but the maintenance requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple metering pumps into a single metering pump that operates sequentially. By combining the concentrate conveyance functions into one pump that serves different concentrates in different working cycles, the maintenance burden is reduced from multiple pumps to a single pump while maintaining the same precision benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The single metering pump is designed to be multi-functional, capable of conveying different types of concentrates by operating in different working cycles. This universal pump replaces multiple specialized pumps, reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining the ability to precisely control mixing ratios for different concentrates.
3Device complexity
If a single metering pump is used to convey concentrates in successive cycles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the filling time for balancing chambers must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by adjusting the operating parameters of the single metering pump to optimize performance. The pump's flow rate and cycle timing are dynamically configured to ensure that all concentrates are conveyed into the balancing chamber within the required fill time, compensating for the sequential operation of a single pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as the metering pump's flow rate and the duration of working cycles to optimize the filling process. By adjusting these parameters, the system ensures that sequential concentrate addition using a single pump does not exceed the balancing chamber fill time requirements.
4Device complexity
If concentrates are conveyed sequentially in successive working cycles, then the number of metering pumps is reduced, but the total processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that the sequential concentrate conveyance process operates without idle gaps. The metering pump continuously performs useful work in each working cycle, and the balancing chamber filling process continues seamlessly across successive cycles, minimizing non-productive time despite the sequential operation.
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of dialysate production, maintains precise volumetric ratios, and minimizes maintenance efforts while ensuring efficient and quick metering within the dialysis process.
Implementation Method 1
a metering device for filling the at least one balancing chamber with permeate and concentrates in a specified mixing ratio
Implementation Method 2
balancing chambers that are divided into two balancing chamber halves by means of a flexible membrane
Implementation Method 3
remove substances which are normally excreted in urine and to remove fluid... via the membrane of the dialyser
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for supplying dialysate. The invention also relates to a dialysis apparatus comprising an apparatus for supplying dialysate. The apparatus for supplying dialysate has a balancing device 8, which comprises at least one balancing chamber 9, 10 for balancing fresh and used dialysate, and a metering device 28 for filling the at least one balancing chamber with permeate and concentrates in a specified mixing ratio for producing dialysate. The metering device 28 is designed such that specified volumes of concentrates are conveyed into the at least one balancing chamber 9, 10 in successive working cycles. Given that the specified volumes of concentrates are not added simultaneously, the concentrates can be conveyed using just one single metering pump. This is advantageous in that the metering pump is a relatively expensive component of the mixer circuit. In practice, the design is simpler and compact and the maintenance costs are reduced.