Sorbent Module Precision Recharging via Manufacturing Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sorbent material recharging systems do not account for manufacturing characteristics, leading to excessive use of recharge solutions, increased costs, and time-consuming processes due to conservative estimates.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for precision recharging of sorbent materials within a sorbent module, where recharge parameters such as time, volume, and concentration of recharge solutions are set based on specific manufacturing characteristics of the sorbent materials, including zirconium phosphate and zirconium oxide, using a processor and recharge solution sources connected to the sorbent module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conservative estimates or worst-case scenario estimates are used for manufacturing characteristics, then reliability of recharging process is improved, but quantity of recharge solution used increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of recharging processVSAvoidquantity of recharge solution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from fixed conservative estimates to dynamic parameters based on actual manufacturing characteristics. The system reads specific manufacturing data (mass, capacity, particle size) from the sorbent module and adjusts recharge solution volume, concentration, and flow rate accordingly, resolving the contradiction between reliability and excessive solution usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by reading manufacturing characteristics from the sorbent module and using this information to adjust recharge parameters. The processor receives manufacturing data, processes it to determine optimal recharge parameters, and applies these parameters in real-time, eliminating the need for conservative overestimation while maintaining reliable recharging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If conservative estimates or worst-case scenario estimates are used for manufacturing characteristics, then reliability of recharging process is improved, but loss of time increases due to more time-consuming processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of recharging processVSAvoidrecharging process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter basis from fixed conservative time estimates to dynamic time parameters derived from actual manufacturing characteristics. By reading mass, capacity, and particle size data, the system calculates precise recharge times, avoiding the time waste associated with conservative overestimation while ensuring reliable recharging completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from manufacturing characteristics to optimize recharging time. The processor receives manufacturing data, processes it to determine the minimum necessary recharge time, and adjusts the process accordingly, eliminating unnecessary time delays while maintaining reliability through data-driven decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If conservative estimates or worst-case scenario estimates are used for manufacturing characteristics, then reliability of recharging process is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of recharging processVSAvoidmanufacturing precision of sorbent module
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sorbent module provides its own manufacturing characteristic data (mass, capacity, particle size) through embedded readable components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external conservative estimates, allowing the recharging system to use actual manufacturing precision data directly, thereby maintaining reliability without imposing additional precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by reading actual manufacturing characteristics from the sorbent module and using this information to set appropriate recharge parameters. This feedback loop eliminates the need for conservative manufacturing precision assumptions, as the system adapts to the actual precision of each specific module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If actual values for manufacturing characteristics are used, then productivity of recharging process is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproductivity of recharging processVSAvoidmeasurement precision of manufacturing characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sorbent module contains embedded readable components that automatically provide manufacturing characteristic data (mass, capacity, particle size). This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate measurement processes, improving productivity by providing data instantly without requiring high external measurement precision infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing characteristics are copied into readable components during manufacturing and stored with the sorbent module. This copying approach allows the recharging system to access accurate manufacturing data without performing new measurements, thereby improving productivity while reducing measurement precision requirements during the recharging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 approach allows for accurate, efficient, and economical recharging of sorbent materials, reducing waste and chemical usage by tailoring the recharging process to the unique characteristics of each sorbent module, thereby optimizing the recharging process.

Implementation Method 1

The zirconium phosphate removes cations, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and ammonium ions from spent dialysate. Zirconium oxide removes anions, such as phosphate or fluoride anions from spent dialysate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

at least one pump in the recharging flow path for providing recharge solution to the sorbent module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3698824B1Precision recharging based on sorbent module manufacturing characteristics
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 MOZARC MEDICAL US LLC
  • EP3698824B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3698824B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3698824B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for precision recharging of sorbent materials in a sorbent module. The devices, systems, and methods use manufacturing characteristics of the sorbent module to set recharge parameters used in recharging the sorbent material.