Ultrafiltrate Pump Push-Pull Mode Dialyser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood treatment devices require complex configurations and additional components for operation in push/pull mode, which increases the size and weight of the dialysis machine and reduces the service life of the dialyser due to the need for separate pumps and mechanisms to manage fluid exchange across the semipermeable membrane.
Innovation Solution
The ultrafiltrate pump operates in two modes: one for continuous fluid removal and another for alternating fluid removal and supply, eliminating the need for a separate push/pull pump by adjusting pressures across the semipermeable membrane, allowing for simpler design and operation in push/pull mode without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate push/pull pump is added to enable oscillating transmembrane pressure operation, then push/pull mode operation is achieved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the push/pull pump function with the existing ultrafiltration pump, allowing a single pump to perform both ultrafiltration and push/pull operations by controlling pressure oscillations across the semipermeable membrane. This eliminates the need for separate push/pull and ultrafiltration pumps, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability for both operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrafiltration pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in continuous ultrafiltration mode and switch to push/pull mode by generating oscillating pressure differences across the membrane. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If additional pumps and mechanisms are added for push/pull operation, then fluid exchange control is improved, but machine dimensions and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the push/pull pump and ultrafiltration pump into a single integrated ultrafiltration pump system. By controlling this single pump to generate oscillating pressure differences, the system achieves precise fluid exchange control without adding the weight of additional pumps and associated mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If separate push/pull pump and ultrafiltration pump are used, then fluid management is precise, but service life of dialyser decreases due to increased mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both pump functions into a single ultrafiltration pump that generates oscillating pressure differences for push/pull operation. This reduces the number of mechanical connections and potential failure points in the dialyser system, thereby extending dialyser service life while maintaining precise fluid management through controlled pressure oscillations.
4Reliability
If ultrafiltration pump operates in push/pull mode with pressure oscillations, then deposits detach from membrane, but pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pressure oscillations through the ultrafiltration pump to create alternating pressure differences across the semipermeable membrane. This periodic action causes deposits to detach from the membrane surface during the oscillation cycles, maintaining membrane cleanliness and reliability without requiring complex additional cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control for push/pull operation is integrated into the ultrafiltration pump's operation. The same pump that generates ultrafiltration pressure also generates the oscillating pressure differences needed for deposit removal, eliminating the need for separate pressure control systems and reducing overall device complexity.
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 reduces the machine's dimensions and weight, increases the service life of the dialyser by detaching deposits, and enhances clearance for certain substances, while allowing for precise control of fluid exchange without additional pumps, thus simplifying operation and improving treatment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a dialyser or filter which is divided by a semipermeable membrane into a blood chamber and a dialysate chamber
Implementation Method 2
an oscillating transmembrane pressure is generated, so that at short time-intervals, i.e. in the suction phase and pressure phase of the pump, a certain amount of fluid is removed from and supplied to the extracorporeal blood circuit respectively
Implementation Method 3
Fluid is removed from the patient (ultrafiltration) if the pressure on the blood-side of the semipermeable membrane is higher than the pressure on the dialysate-side of the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A device for extracorporeal blood treatment and a method for operating an extracorporeal blood treatment device provide for an ultrafiltrate pump of an ultrafiltration apparatus to be operated in a first and second operating mode. The ultrafiltrate pump is operated in the first operating mode in such a way that the pressure on the blood-side of the semipermeable membrane is higher than the pressure on the dialysate-side of the semipermeable membrane of a dialyser, so that during the first operating mode a predetermined amount of fluid is removed from an extracorporeal blood circuit via the semipermeable membrane of the dialyser. In the second operating mode, the ultrafiltrate pump is operated in such a way that the pressure on the blood-side of the semipermeable membrane is, at successive intervals, alternately higher and lower than the pressure on the dialysate-side of the semipermeable membrane of the dialyser, so that fluid is continuously removed from and supplied to the extracorporeal blood circuit via the semipermeable membrane (push/pull mode). Additional components, in particular a separate push/pull pump, are not required for operation of the blood treatment device in push/pull mode. This results in both lower dimensions and lower weight. Operation in push/pull mode can increase the service life of the dialyser and the clearance of the dialysis treatment can also be increased for certain substances.