A newborn head edema ice cap

Abstract

This invention discloses a neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap and its circulation control system, belonging to the field of neonatal care device technology. The device consists of an inner cap, an outer cap, an independent cold compress mechanism, a zone control valve, circulation pipelines, and an external coolant circulation device. A closed layer is formed between the inner and outer caps, with the cold compress mechanism and pipelines embedded within it, quickly connecting to the circulation device via quick connectors. The circulation device includes a storage tank, a circulation pump, an electronic scale, and an AI intelligent controller, enabling constant temperature circulation, flow regulation, and real-time monitoring of coolant levels. This invention allows for zoned cold compresses based on the location of neonatal cephaledema, avoiding unnecessary cold stimulation; it uses a closed-loop constant temperature circulation system instead of traditional ice packs, ensuring uniform and stable temperature, preventing condensation leakage, and reducing the risk of frostbite. The cap is soft and skin-friendly, conforms to the head's curve, does not compress the fontanelle, and is secure and comfortable to wear. It also features intelligent programmable control, abnormal alerts, and remote monitoring functions, making it easy to operate and effectively improving the cold compress effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ice pack cap, and more particularly to an ice pack cap for neonatal cephaledema. Background Technology

[0002] After a newborn's head emerges, some infants may develop a caput scalp or hematoma. Clinically, further care is required to prevent it from enlarging. (A caput scalp, also known as a birth canal edema or scalp swelling, is a subcutaneous swelling and congestion caused by pressure on the scalp during birth, affecting blood circulation.) In such cases, applying an ice pack for 24 hours is usually recommended to prevent further enlargement of the caput scalp or hematoma.

[0003] Existing ice packs mostly provide overall cooling, failing to provide localized cooling based on the location of edema / hematoma. This can cause unnecessary cold stimulation to the newborn's normal scalp, interfering with the body's temperature regulation center, and is prone to inadequate cooling and poor effectiveness. Traditional ice packs melt quickly and experience large temperature fluctuations, easily leading to localized overcooling and frostbite; furthermore, the condensation produced during melting can soak the infant's head, increasing the risk of infection and chills, making it difficult to meet the long-term, stable, and safe cooling needs of newborns. In addition, traditional ice packs have low levels of automation, placing a heavy burden on caregivers and requiring frequent replacement of ice packs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an ice pack cap for neonatal cephaledema, in order to solve the problem of how to intelligently control the temperature of the ice pack cap and achieve zoned cold compress.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the specific plan is as follows:

[0006] A neonatal cephaledema ice pack includes an inner cap for covering the patient's head and an outer cap covering the outer surface of the inner cap. A sandwich is formed between the outer cap and the inner cap. Several cooling mechanisms are fixedly connected to the inner cap inside the sandwich. All cooling mechanisms are equipped with inlet pipes and outlet pipes, which are respectively connected to inlet circulation pipes and outlet circulation pipes located between the cooling mechanisms. The other end of the inlet circulation pipes and outlet circulation pipes is connected to an external coolant circulation device. Control valves are provided at the inlet and outlet pipes of the cooling mechanisms.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a fastening component, which includes a Velcro closure on the surface of the inner cap and a Velcro fastener fixed to one end of the Velcro closure.

[0008] Furthermore, the inlet and outlet circulation pipes are equipped with insulation layers.

[0009] Furthermore, the cold compress mechanism is a cold compress bag or a circulating fluid box.

[0010] Furthermore, the coolant circulation device includes a reservoir, a circulation pump, a fixed pipe, a solenoid valve, and a controller; the circulation pump is installed inside the reservoir, the fixed pipe is connected to the circulation pump, and the fixed pipe is equipped with a solenoid valve; the controller is installed on the reservoir and is connected to the solenoid valve via a circuit.

[0011] Furthermore, the coolant is brine, and the brine temperature is in the range of 0 to 15°C.

[0012] Furthermore, quick-connect fittings are provided at the ends of the inlet and outlet circulation pipes.

[0013] Furthermore, an injection pipe is installed on the top of the storage tank.

[0014] Furthermore, an electronic scale is installed at the bottom of the storage tank.

[0015] Furthermore, the controller incorporates an AI module:

[0016] The AI ​​module monitors the coolant flow rate changes in real time through the controller and controls the solenoid valve according to the user's preset safety value, so as to keep the liquid nitrogen flow rate in the inlet circulation pipe, outlet circulation pipe, inlet pipe and outlet pipe within a reasonable range to ensure the cooling effect of the cooling device.

[0017] The AI ​​module controls the temperature of the coolant injected into the reservoir from the infusion tube according to the treatment time based on the temperature control curve preset by medical staff, thereby controlling the temperature of the cold compress.

[0018] The AI ​​module monitors the remaining coolant level in the reservoir using an electronic scale. When the coolant level in the reservoir is insufficient and cannot be replenished through the injection tube, the AI ​​module controls the controller to send a notification message to the medical staff.

[0019] In summary, the present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0020] (1) The present invention uses multiple independent cold compress mechanisms in conjunction with zone control valves, which can open the corresponding area separately according to the location of neonatal cerebroedema / birth tumor. The non-affected areas do not need to be cooled, which not only ensures the treatment effect, but also reduces the interference of whole-head hypothermia on the neonatal thermoregulatory center and improves nursing safety.

[0021] (2) A closed-loop coolant circulation system is used to replace the traditional ice pack. The temperature of the cold compress is uniform, controllable, and stable. This solves the problems of ice packs melting quickly, large temperature fluctuations, and local overcooling that can easily cause frostbite. There is no condensation or wet cold leakage throughout the process, which is more in line with the requirements for the care of newborn's delicate skin.

[0022] (3) The built-in AI intelligent module can realize flow stabilization, programmable temperature, residual volume monitoring and abnormal reminders, and supports preset treatment curves and remote control. It eliminates the need for frequent manual temperature adjustment and residual volume checks, improves nursing efficiency and reduces human operation errors.

[0023] (4) Medical safety coolant is selected, the pipeline is insulated, the flow rate is controllable and the temperature is adjustable. There are no sharp parts or leakage risks throughout the process. It can effectively reduce cerebrospinal edema and relieve local congestion, and can maximize the safety of newborns. It has high clinical promotion value. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of an ice pack for neonatal cerebrospinal edema.

[0026] Figure 2 A top view of an ice pack for neonatal cephaledema;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a sectional view of section AA;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inner cap structure.

[0029] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0030] 1. Inner cap; 11. Cooling mechanism; 111. Inlet pipe; 112. Outlet pipe; 113. Inlet circulation pipe; 114. Outlet circulation pipe; 2. Outer cap; 3. Coolant circulation device; 31. Storage tank; 32. Circulation pump; 33. Fixed pipe; 34. Solenoid valve; 35. Controller; 36. Injection pipe; 37. Wiring; 4. Velcro; 41. Velcro fastener; 5. Quick connector; 6. Electronic scale; 7. Control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular form may also include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0033] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0034] See Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides a neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap, hereinafter referred to as the edema ice pack cap, comprising: an inner cap 1, an outer cap 2, a cooling mechanism, an inlet pipe 111, an outlet pipe 112, a control valve 7, an inlet circulation pipe 113, an outlet circulation pipe 114, and a coolant circulation device 3. The connection relationship and function of each component are as follows:

[0035] The inner cap 1 is used to cover the patient's head. It is made of soft, skin-friendly, breathable and non-irritating medical flexible material, which directly covers the newborn's head to avoid compressing the scalp and fontanelle.

[0036] The outer cap 2 covers the outer surface of the inner cap 1, forming a closed interlayer with the inner cap 1. It is used to fix the cold compress mechanism and pipeline, and at the same time plays a role in heat insulation, leak prevention and protection.

[0037] Multiple independent cold compress mechanisms are evenly arranged inside the interlayer. The cold compress mechanisms are fixed on the inner cap 1, so they do not slip or squeeze, and can correspond to the location of cerebroedema / tumor.

[0038] Each cooling device is equipped with an independent inlet pipe 111 and outlet pipe 112, and a control valve 7 is installed at the pipe opening to realize single-circuit switching and zoned cooling. Unaffected areas can be shut off to avoid unnecessary cooling.

[0039] All inlet pipes 111 are connected to inlet circulation pipe 113, and all outlet pipes 112 are connected to outlet circulation pipe 114; the circulation pipes are embedded in the interlayer, with a smooth surface and no protrusions, which improves wearing comfort.

[0040] The ends of the inlet circulation pipe 113 and the outlet circulation pipe 114 are connected to the external coolant circulation device 3.

[0041] When using it, first put the edema ice cap on the patient's head to determine the location of the cerebral edema; then open the control valve 7 of the corresponding cold compress mechanism and turn on the coolant circulation device 3 to allow the coolant to flow into the corresponding cold compress mechanism for cold compress treatment.

[0042] As a preferred option, the ice pack cap is equipped with an adjustable fixing component, consisting of Velcro 4 and Velcro 41: Velcro 4 is arranged in a ring along the edge of the inner cap 1, and Velcro 41 can be adjusted to fit newborns with different head circumferences. When worn, it can fit snugly against the curve of the head without gaps or movement, ensuring full contact between the cold compress mechanism and the edema area, thus improving the efficiency and safety of the cold compress.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment, the inlet circulation pipe 113 and the outlet circulation pipe 114 are provided with an insulation layer to prevent the coolant from cooling the normal parts of the patient during the transmission process.

[0044] As a preferred option, the cold compress mechanism is a cold compress bag or a circulating fluid box.

[0045] As a preferred embodiment, the coolant circulation device 3 includes a storage tank 31, a circulation pump 32, a fixed pipe 33, a solenoid valve 34, and a controller 35. The circulation pump 32 is installed inside the storage tank 31, the fixed pipe 33 is connected to the circulation pump 32, and the solenoid valve 34 is installed on the fixed pipe 33. The controller 35 is installed on the storage tank 31 and is connected to the solenoid valve 34 via a line 37. In addition, the controller 35 is equipped with a remote transmission module for convenient remote operation of the device by medical personnel.

[0046] As a preferred embodiment, the ends of the liquid inlet circulation pipe 113 and the liquid outlet circulation pipe 114 are provided with quick connectors 5, which can be quickly connected to the fixed pipe 33, thereby realizing the detachable operation of the liquid inlet circulation pipe 113 or the liquid outlet circulation pipe 114 and the fixed pipe 33.

[0047] As a preferred embodiment, the top of the liquid storage tank 31 is provided with a liquid injection pipe 36, and the other end of the liquid injection pipe 36 is connected to the device for storing coolant through a pipeline; the liquid injection pipe 36 can replenish the coolant in the liquid storage tank 31, and the temperature of the coolant can be adjusted through the liquid injection pipe 36 (by adjusting the coolant concentration, etc.).

[0048] As a preferred option, an electronic scale 6 is provided at the bottom of the liquid storage tank 31, and the remaining amount of coolant in the liquid storage tank 31 can be calculated by measuring the weight change of the electronic scale 6.

[0049] in:

[0050] Storage tank 31: Used to hold coolant, with a liquid injection pipe 36 at the top for replenishing coolant or adjusting coolant temperature / concentration at any time; an electronic scale 6 is installed at the bottom to monitor the remaining liquid level in the tank in real time.

[0051] Circulation pump 32: Located inside the liquid storage tank 31, it provides circulation power and drives the coolant to flow stably in the fixed pipe 33, circulation pipe, and cooling mechanism.

[0052] Fixed pipe 33: connects the circulating pump 32 and the quick connector 5. A solenoid valve 34 is installed on the pipe to regulate the flow rate and start / stop the circulation.

[0053] Controller 35: Installed on the outside of the liquid storage tank 31, it is connected to the solenoid valve 34, the circulating pump 32, and the electronic scale 6 via line 37 to achieve centralized control.

[0054] Workflow:

[0055] S1: Place the ice cap on the newborn's head, aiming at the edema / bursae.

[0056] S2: Open the control valve 7 for the corresponding cold compress area and close the control valve 7 for the non-cold compress area.

[0057] S3: Connect the circulation device to the ice cap via quick connector 5.

[0058] S4: Start controller 35, circulation pump 32 works, coolant enters the cooling mechanism through the inlet side, absorbs heat and flows back to storage tank 31 through the outlet side, forming a closed-loop constant temperature circulation, with no ice melting, no condensation, and stable temperature.

[0059] As a preferred option, this invention utilizes medical saline solution (sodium chloride / calcium chloride aqueous solution) as the coolant, which offers advantages such as safety, stable thermal conductivity, resistance to freezing, and non-irritation to the skin, making it suitable for the delicate skin of newborns. The cold compress temperature is controlled between 0 and 15°C, conforming to clinical cold compress guidelines for newborns and preventing frostbite. The freezing point and working temperature can be precisely set by adjusting the saline concentration to meet the needs of different treatment courses and degrees of edema. Circulating cold compresses replace traditional ice packs, providing uniform and continuously controllable temperature, solving problems such as rapid melting, large temperature fluctuations, and easy displacement associated with ice packs.

[0060] Brine refrigerant, also known as refrigerant, is a refrigerant medium with sodium chloride or calcium chloride aqueous solution as the main component. It is suitable for medium and low temperature refrigeration systems from 5℃ to -50℃ and is widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food refrigeration fields.

[0061] When using brine as a refrigerant, the brine concentration must be selected based on the lowest temperature of the refrigeration system. Increasing the brine concentration increases its density, leading to higher power consumption from the pumps delivering it; conversely, decreasing the specific heat of the brine increases the required flow rate for delivering a given cooling capacity, further increasing pump power consumption. Therefore, excessively high brine concentrations should be avoided. Instead, the concentration should be chosen based on ensuring the brine's freezing point is lower than the lowest possible temperature in the refrigerant system. Ideally, the freezing point should be 5–8°C lower than the evaporation temperature of the refrigeration system (5–6°C for tank-type evaporators; 6–8°C for shell-and-tube evaporators). Consequently, sodium chloride (NaCl) solution is only used in refrigeration systems with evaporation temperatures above -16°C. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution can be used in refrigeration systems with evaporation temperatures not lower than -50°C. The freezing temperature of brine varies with concentration. When the solution concentration is 29.9%, the lowest freezing temperature of calcium chloride brine is -55℃; when the solution concentration is 23.1%, the lowest freezing temperature of sodium chloride brine is -21.2℃. It is advisable to select the brine concentration based on the freezing temperature of the solution being approximately 5℃ lower than the evaporation temperature of the refrigeration unit.

[0062] As a preferred option, since the flow rate of the coolant may be affected by the patient's movement during use, leading to unstable temperature of the cooling device, the controller 35 of this device is equipped with an AI module. The AI ​​module can monitor the coolant flow rate changes in real time through the controller 35 and control the solenoid valve 34 according to the user-preset safety value. This ensures that the liquid nitrogen flow rate in the inlet circulation pipe 113, outlet circulation pipe 114, inlet pipe 111, and outlet pipe 112 remains within a reasonable range, achieving integrated management of flow rate stabilization, temperature control, residual volume monitoring, and abnormality alerts. Specifically:

[0063] (1) Intelligent flow control

[0064] The AI ​​module collects pipeline flow data in real time and automatically adjusts the opening of the solenoid valve 34 according to the preset safety threshold to maintain stable circulation flow. Even if the pipeline is compressed due to the slight movement of the newborn, it can quickly compensate to ensure that the cooling effect of the cooling device 11 is constant.

[0065] (2) Temperature-controlled cold compress

[0066] It supports importing temperature and time control curves preset by medical staff. The AI ​​module automatically adjusts the injection temperature and circulation intensity according to the treatment process, achieving rapid cooling in the early stage, constant temperature maintenance in the middle stage, and slow rewarming in the later stage, which conforms to the clinical 24-hour cold compress process.

[0067] (3) Balance monitoring and reminder

[0068] The AI ​​module uses the electronic scale 6 to calculate the remaining coolant level in the storage tank 31 in real time. When the level is insufficient and cannot be replenished in time, it automatically sends an audio-visual / remote reminder to the medical staff via the controller 35 to avoid interruption of the treatment cycle.

[0069] (4) Remote controllable

[0070] The controller 35 integrates a remote transmission module, allowing medical staff to remotely monitor temperature, flow rate, and remaining volume via bedside terminals or mobile devices, and remotely adjust the solenoid valve 34 and circulation pump 32 to improve nursing efficiency.

[0071] Operating Instructions and Safety Precautions:

[0072] (1) Before wearing, confirm that the inner cap 1 is clean and undamaged, and that the cold compress mechanism and pipeline are leak-free.

[0073] (2) Only open the corresponding area control valve 7 according to the location of edema to avoid cooling the entire head.

[0074] (3) The temperature of the coolant should be strictly controlled between 0 and 15°C. It is strictly forbidden to apply the coolant at a temperature below 0°C for a long time.

[0075] (4) The tightness of the fixation should be such that a finger can be inserted, without compressing the fontanelle, auricle and neck.

[0076] (5) Observe the newborn’s skin color and reaction regularly during use, and stop immediately if any abnormality occurs.

[0077] (6) Clean and dry after use. Check the sealing of quick connector 5 and control valve 7 regularly.

[0078] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0079] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0080] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A neonatal cephaledema ice pack, comprising an inner cap 1 for covering the patient's head and an outer cap 2 covering the outer surface of the inner cap 1, characterized in that, An interlayer is formed between the outer cap 2 and the inner cap 1. Several cooling mechanisms are fixedly connected to the inner cap 1 inside the interlayer. All cooling mechanisms are provided with inlet pipes 111 and outlet pipes 112. The inlet pipes 111 and outlet pipes 112 are respectively connected to inlet circulation pipes 113 and outlet circulation pipes 114 arranged between the cooling mechanisms. The other end of the inlet circulation pipes 113 and outlet circulation pipes 114 is connected to an external coolant circulation device 3. A control valve 7 is provided at the inlet pipes 111 and outlet pipes 112 of the cooling mechanism.

2. The neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fastening component, which includes a Velcro 4 disposed on the surface of the inner cap 1 and a Velcro 41 fixed to one end of the Velcro 4.

3. The neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid inlet circulation pipe 113 and the liquid outlet circulation pipe 114 are provided with a heat insulation layer inside.

4. The neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold compress mechanism is a cold compress bag or a circulating fluid box.

5. The neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coolant circulation device 3 includes a storage tank 31, a circulation pump 32, a fixed pipe 33, a solenoid valve 34, and a controller 35. The circulation pump 32 is installed inside the storage tank 31, the fixed pipe 33 is connected to the circulation pump 32, and the solenoid valve 34 is installed on the fixed pipe 33. The controller 35 is installed on the storage tank 31 and is connected to the solenoid valve 34 through a line 37.

6. The neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coolant is brine, and the temperature of the brine is in the range of 0 to 15°C.

7. The neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet circulation pipe 113 and the outlet circulation pipe 114 are provided with quick connectors 5 at their ends.

8. The neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top of the storage tank 31 is equipped with an injection pipe 36.

9. The neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap according to claim 5, characterized in that, An electronic scale 6 is installed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank 31.

10. The neonatal cephaledema ice pack cap according to claim 9, characterized in that, The controller 35 is equipped with an AI module: The AI ​​module monitors the coolant flow rate changes in real time through the controller 35 and controls the solenoid valve 34 according to the user-preset safety value, so as to keep the liquid nitrogen flow rate in the inlet circulation pipe 113, outlet circulation pipe 114, inlet pipe 111 and outlet pipe 112 within a reasonable range to ensure the cooling effect of the cooling device. The AI ​​module controls the temperature of the coolant injected into the storage tank 31 from the injection tube 36 according to the temperature control curve preset by medical staff and the treatment time, thereby controlling the temperature of the cold compress. The AI ​​module monitors the remaining coolant in the storage tank 31 through the electronic scale 6. When the coolant in the storage tank 31 is insufficient and cannot be replenished through the injection pipe 36, the AI ​​module controls the controller 35 to send a prompt message to the medical staff.

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