Load suspension and weighing system for a dialysis machine reservoir

摘要

A load suspension and weighing system for a removable reservoir unit of a portable dialysis machine includes a centrally located flexure assembly. The flexure assembly includes magnets and a number of flexure rings which allow for movement of the magnets about a fixed circuit board. Sensors in the circuit board sense changes in the magnetic field as the magnets move in relation to the circuit board. The magnetic field changes produce a voltage output which is used by a processor to generate weight calculations. The top of the flexure assembly is attached to the interior of the dialysis machine. The entirety of the reservoir unit is suspended by a first internal frame that is attached to the bottom of the flexure assembly. Having a single flexure assembly positioned above the reservoir unit provides more accurate weight measurements while also preventing damage to the assembly from water spillage.

主权项

1. A flexure assembly for weighing and suspending loads, said flexure assembly comprising:
a top assembly comprising a first plurality of magnets; a bottom assembly comprising a second plurality of magnets, wherein said first plurality of magnets and said second plurality of magnets generate a magnetic field within said flexure assembly; a circuit board positioned between said top assembly and said bottom assembly and comprising a plurality of magnetic field sensors and a processor; at least one flexing structure attached to said top assembly, wherein said at least one flexing structure is positioned between said top assembly and said circuit board and is in physical communication with said circuit board and wherein said at least one flexing structure comprises at least one flexing member for allowing movement of said top assembly in relation to said circuit board and in tandem with said bottom assembly; and at least one flexing structure attached to said bottom assembly, wherein said at least one flexing structure is positioned between said bottom assembly and said circuit board and is in physical communication with said circuit board and wherein said at least one flexing structure comprising at least one flexing member for allowing movement of said bottom assembly in relation to said circuit board and in tandem with said top assembly.