Solid Concentrate Bag V-Geometry for Bicarbonate Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haemodialysis bags for solid concentrate require significant excess bicarbonate to ensure complete dissolution, leading to inefficiencies and increased bag size due to uneven dissolution and retention of undissolved salt.
Innovation Solution
The bag design features a V-shaped lower edge with a rounded junction and steeply angled inclines to ensure complete dissolution, using a symmetrical structure with a rounded shoulder and constriction nose to minimize retention and deformation, allowing for efficient extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single inclined edge is used to concentrate undissolved salt, then dissolution is improved, but the bag size must be increased excessively to achieve sufficient inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single inclined plane to a V-shaped configuration with two inclined edges meeting at a central point. This dimensional change allows the undissolved salt to be concentrated at the lowest point of the V through gravity, achieving effective concentration without requiring excessive bag size or a single steep incline that would compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped lower edge creates an asymmetric geometry where the two inclined edges converge toward a central lowest point. This asymmetric design naturally guides the undissolved salt toward a specific concentration zone at the V's apex, improving dissolution efficiency while maintaining a compact bag structure
2Reliability
If a significant excess of bicarbonate is provided to ensure sufficient liquid concentrate, then complete dissolution is guaranteed, but the bag size and material quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped lower edge geometry is pre-configured in the bag structure to facilitate the natural concentration of undissolved salt at the lowest point through gravity. This preliminary structural action ensures that dissolution water can effectively reach and dissolve the concentrate without requiring excessive bicarbonate quantity, thereby reducing waste while maintaining reliable complete dissolution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the bag's lower edge from a conventional shape to a specific V-shaped configuration with defined inclination angles. This parameter change optimizes the gravitational flow of dissolution water and the concentration of undissolved salt, ensuring complete dissolution with minimal excess bicarbonate (reducing by 100-200g per bag as stated in the summary)
3Productivity
If the lower edge is inclined to concentrate undissolved salt, then dissolution is improved, but the inclination must be small to avoid increasing bag size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a V-shaped lower edge with two inclined edges instead of a single inclined plane. This creates a three-dimensional convergence zone at the lowest point of the V, allowing moderate inclination angles to effectively concentrate undissolved salt through gravitational flow along both inclined surfaces, thereby improving dissolution without excessive bag size increase
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
Reduces undissolved bicarbonate residue by 50-100g per bag, enabling smaller bag sizes and reducing material and storage needs while ensuring consistent solution production.
Implementation Method 1
to ensure that the remains of solid concentrate drop under the effect of gravity into the point of the V which constitutes the lowermost point of the bag
Data Source
AI summary
A bag is provided that is made of a flexible wall. The bag is fitted with an inlet fluid line for introducing dissolution water, and with an outlet fluid line for extracting a solution obtained. The inside of the bag has a lower edge in the overall shape of a V and the point of the V is further away from the center of the bag than are the arms of the V. The outlet fluid line opens into the bag as close as possible to the point of the V.