Sorbent Manifold Flow Routing for Portable Dialysis Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialysis systems lack the ability to actively control fluid direction during priming and treatment modes, leading to inefficiencies such as fluid waste and increased time requirements, and are complex, making them difficult to service outside clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A sorbent manifold with integrated valves and sensors that can selectively direct fluid to pass through or bypass a sorbent cartridge based on sensor measurements, reducing complexity and enabling compact, portable dialysis systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tubing systems are used in dialysis machines, then fluid pathways can be established, but the device becomes too complicated to be serviced in home dialysis settings or by non-professionally trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple fluid pathways and control functions into a single manifold component. The manifold combines blood flow pathways, dialysate flow pathways, and control fluid pathways into one unified structure with internal channels, eliminating the need for separate snaking tubes and multiple connection points that characterize conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed as a modular component that can be replaced as a single unit. The integrated structure allows the entire fluid distribution system to be segmented into discrete replaceable modules, making servicing straightforward for non-professionals by simply replacing the manifold rather than troubleshooting complex tubing networks.
2Reliability
If conventional snaking tubes are used to form fluid pathways, then fluid can be transported through the device, but the tubes are prone to kinking, leakage, or damage
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate tube functions are merged into the manifold's internal channels. The manifold structure integrates blood inlet/outlet pathways, dialysate pathways, and control fluid pathways into a single rigid component with internal conduits, eliminating the vulnerability of flexible snaking tubes to kinking, leakage, and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold replicates the fluid pathway functions of complex tubing networks through molded internal channels. Instead of using physical tubes that can fail, the manifold creates permanent, leak-proof pathways through its structure, copying the essential function of tubing without the associated reliability problems.
3Volume of stationary object
If complex tubing systems are used in dialysis machines, then fluid pathways can be established, but it results in larger than necessary compartment spaces inside conventional machines
Solution Approach 1:
The consolidation of multiple fluid pathways into a single manifold component dramatically reduces the space required for fluid distribution. The integrated structure with internal channels eliminates the need for large compartments to accommodate snaking tubes and multiple connection points, resulting in a compact design that minimizes machine volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold uses three-dimensional internal channel routing to achieve complex fluid distribution in a compact footprint. By utilizing vertical and lateral space within the manifold body rather than requiring extended horizontal tube runs, the design reduces the overall compartment volume needed while maintaining all necessary fluid pathways.
4Productivity
If known systems fail to control priming fluid, then priming operation can be completed, but fluid is wasted or extra time is required to complete the priming operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls fluid pathways during priming operations using the manifold's internal valve mechanisms. The ability to actively switch between different flow configurations allows the system to direct priming fluid precisely where needed and prevent waste by controlling flow direction based on operational stage, improving priming efficiency and reducing fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensors in the manifold provide feedback on fluid flow and system state during priming operations. This feedback enables the control system to monitor priming progress and adjust fluid direction accordingly, preventing unnecessary fluid waste and optimizing priming time by knowing when priming is complete and when to switch flow paths.
5Adaptability or versatility
If known systems fail to control dialysate flow, then dialysis treatment can proceed, but fluid direction cannot be selectively controlled to bypass sorbent cartridge or control flow to drain prior to reaching a component
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow control functions are merged into the single manifold structure. The manifold integrates valves and sensors that collectively provide selective control over dialysate flow direction, enabling the system to direct fluid through the sorbent cartridge, bypass it, or route to drain as needed, all within one unified control architecture rather than requiring separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes dialysate, controls flow direction, monitors system state via integrated sensors, and directs fluid to different destinations (sorbent cartridge, bypass path, or drain). This multi-functional design provides versatile flow control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as all functions are integrated into a single component.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sorbent manifold and related systems and methods having a plurality of passageways fluidly connectable to one or more valves and one or more sensors and components for use in a sorbent dialysis system. The sorbent manifold can control the one or more valves to direct fluid to either pass through a sorbent cartridge or bypass the sorbent cartridge based on measurements obtained from sensors.