Upward-Facing Concentrate Container Coupling for Hygienic Blood Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood treatment devices require manual connection of concentrate containers post-disinfection, leading to potential contamination risks and undesired dripping or crystallization due to the design of connection elements.
Innovation Solution
A container design with upward-opening connection elements and attachment elements oriented at right angles to facilitate easy, hygienic attachment and detachment, along with a motorized guiding element for automated fluidic coupling, minimizing manual handling and spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection element of the container is opened in a downward direction to assist connection by gravity, then the ease of operation is improved, but liquid concentrate drips from the connection element after treatment, causing contamination and crystallization
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is inverted so that its opening faces upward instead of downward. This reverses the conventional design where gravity assisted connection but caused dripping. The upward-facing opening prevents liquid concentrate from dripping out after treatment while the shape and positioning still allow gravity to assist the insertion movement.
2Reliability
If manual connection of the concentrate container is required after disinfection, then the device can be disinfected properly, but the risk of contamination increases and medical personnel must be present at a specific time
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to be pre-connected to the blood treatment device before disinfection takes place. The connection element's upward opening allows it to remain closed and sealed during the disinfection process, preventing contamination. After disinfection is complete, the connection is already in place and ready for use, eliminating the need for manual reconnection and reducing contamination risk.
3Ease of operation
If the connection element allows easy insertion by downward movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but liquid concentrate spills and leaks upon disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is designed with an upward-facing opening instead of a downward-facing one. This inversion prevents liquid concentrate from spilling and leaking during disconnection and removal, while still allowing easy insertion through downward movement assisted by gravity. The upward opening acts as a barrier that contains the liquid concentrate within the container.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a system and method for connecting a concentrate container with a blood treatment device with improved hygiene. Furthermore, the invention refers to a container and blood treatment device to be used in a method according to the present invention.