Split Reservoir Bag for Dialysate Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dialysis reservoir bags require significant time to fill and heat due to the need for near-full capacity to sit properly on heating devices, increasing the preparation time for dialysis systems.
Innovation Solution
A split reservoir bag design with a movable membrane dividing the bag into two fluidically isolated sub-reservoirs, allowing for simultaneous filling and heating of unfiltered and filtered dialysate, reducing the time required for preparation by ensuring the bag is always filled to a capacity that allows stable heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the reservoir bag is filled to near-full capacity to sit properly on heating devices, then the stability on heating device is improved, but the preparation time is increased due to waiting for filling
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir bag is divided into two separate sub-reservoirs (first and second sub-reservoirs) that are fluidically isolated from each other. This segmentation allows each sub-reservoir to be filled and heated independently, eliminating the need to wait for complete filling before heating can begin. The first sub-reservoir can be heated while the second sub-reservoir is being filled, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining stability on heating devices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the reservoir bag is made of thin plastic material for efficient heating, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the structural support is reduced making it difficult to sit properly on heating devices
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reservoir into two sub-reservoirs, each sub-reservoir can be designed with optimal wall thickness for heating efficiency. The flexible membrane separating the sub-reservoirs provides structural support while allowing heat transfer. This segmentation allows the thin-walled structure to maintain adequate structural support through the dual-chamber design while preserving heating efficiency.
3Productivity
If the reservoir bag is filled rapidly to reduce preparation time, then the filling speed is improved, but the bag cannot sit properly on heating devices until near-full capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into two independent sub-reservoirs allows the first sub-reservoir to be filled and placed on the heating device immediately, providing stability. The second sub-reservoir can then be filled separately without affecting the stability of the first sub-reservoir on the heating device. This enables rapid filling while maintaining stability throughout the process.
4Reliability
If the reservoir bag requires complete filling before heating, then the heat transfer is ensured, but the preparation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the reservoir into two sub-reservoirs, heating can begin in the first sub-reservoir as soon as it is filled, ensuring reliable heat transfer from the start. The second sub-reservoir can be filled and heated subsequently. This segmentation eliminates the need to wait for complete filling before initiating heat transfer, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining reliable heat transfer in each sub-reservoir.
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
The split reservoir bag design reduces the time needed for dialysis system preparation by enabling rapid heating and efficient fluid management, ensuring the bag remains stable on heating devices throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane is flexible such that, upon application of fluid pressure, said membrane moves causing the first sub-reservoir to have a changeable volume and the second sub-reservoir to have a changeable volume
Implementation Method 2
The reservoir bag can be heated over a hot surface or any suitable heating device used in conjunction with a dialysis system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present specification provides a reservoir bag for containing a dialysate during a dialysis treatment. The bag has four walls and a membrane extending from a first wall to a second opposing wall which divides the bag into a first and a second sub-reservoir having changeable volumes. The maximum volume of each sub-reservoir is between 80 to 100% of the entire volume of the bag. The bag further includes at least an inlet and an outlet positioned in at least one of the walls for enabling fluid entry into and exit out of the first sub-reservoir and at least an inlet and an outlet positioned in at least one of the walls for enabling fluid entry into and exit out of the second sub -reservoir.