Solutions
Outlined below are three preliminary device solutions for the Peritoneal Infection Risk Detection Device. Each device solution includes similarities in the way they operate. For example, all solutions include the use of a UV light and sensor in order to detect if a risk of infection has increased.
Solution 1
This solution uses a clamp system to attach to the tubes of a dialysis bag. The device would run while the draining process took place utilizing the UV light and sensor on the insides of the clamp. The clamp would be secured through the use of magnets to ensure that the grasp around the tube was firm. The device also included visual signals for infection and a light to indicate to the user that the battery of the device was low. A speaker was also included in order to alert visually impaired patients that an infection was detected.
Solution 2
This device solution involved the use of an adhesive that would attach to the dialysis bag after the emptying process. Similar to the previous solution, the device includes the use of a speaker and LED’s in order to alert the user of risk of infection. This solution would have two parts, one with a sensor that would be attached to the front of the bag, and another with a light that would be attached to the opposite side.
Solution 3
The third device solution is a chamber that is meant to encapsulate the waste bag of a dialysis patient. Similarly to the previous two solutions, the device has LED’s and a speaker to alert the user of risk of infection. On the inside walls of the chamber, the UV sensor and light would be aligned opposite each other. This device would complete measurements after the process of dialysis was completed, similar to solution 2.
Creating a design matrix with the criteria being price, ease of use, material waste, attachment, and measurement style allowed the group to decide which device solution was the most optimal. After scoring each option, Solution 3 was chosen as the model to move forward with in the design process. The final schematic of this device solution is currently being produced.