PORTABLE NEONATAL INCUBATOR

Abstract

This utility model pertains to medical instrumentation, specifically neonatal equipment, and is designed for the safe transport of newborns and their survival. It can be used both in hospital settings and for long-distance transportation using various vehicles (ambulances, airplanes, helicopters, etc.). It is especially useful in hard-to-reach areas. The advantages of this portable neonatal incubator include mobility, compact size, and weight. The upper part of the housing contains a transparent viewing lid, allowing for observation of the baby. The device's design provides protection from the external environment, easy access, comfortable placement of the newborn patient, and safe transportation, including by one person. Weighing no more than 6 kg, it allows for monitoring the patient's condition and supporting their vital functions, as well as protection from cold, vibration, and noise.Equipped with an alarm and a user-friendly interface. It comprises a housing, a transparent cover movably connected to the housing and forming a child's compartment, a control panel with a color LCD display and indicator light, a built-in fan with a filter and ventilation holes located on the housing, a mattress installed in the child's compartment with a heating element evenly distributed over the mattress's surface and a built-in temperature sensor, straps for securing the mattress in the child's compartment, patient condition sensors, a built-in battery, non-slip lifting and carrying handles, and durable straps. 8 pcs., 4 fig.

Description

[0001] This utility model pertains to medical instrumentation, specifically neonatal equipment, and is designed for the safe transport of newborns and preserving their lives. It can be used both in hospital settings and for long-distance transportation using various vehicles (ambulances, airplanes, helicopters, etc.). This is especially useful in hard-to-reach areas. Its advantages include portability, compact size, and weight. The upper part of the housing contains a transparent viewing cover, allowing for observation of the baby. The design of the device ensures easy access, comfortable placement of the baby, and safe transportation, including by one person. Weighing no more than 6 kg, the housing is made of composite materials. The baby's condition is monitored, and protection from cold, vibration, and noise is provided. The incubator is equipped with an alarm and a user-friendly display.

[0002] The prior art includes, for example, a "Portable Incubator for Newborns" (patent document CN No. 2143433144 (U), IPC A61G 11 / 00, published on 01 / 25 / 2021), comprising a housing with an opening and an opening lid, an electric heater connected to the side wall of the housing, a chamber of rectangular design made of soft materials such as silicone and rubber and containing liquid, and a circulation pump.

[0003] Considering that for portable neonatal devices, an important indicator is their light weight, compactness and ensuring safe and comfortable conditions for keeping newborns in them, then in this case, the liquid reservoir increases the weight of the incubator, and the circulation pump is a source of noise.

[0004] A "Portable incubator for transporting newborns" is known (patent document CN No. 211156937 (U), IPC A61F 7 / 00, A61G 11 / 00, published on September 24, 2019), comprising a housing with handles symmetrically located on its outer surface, a folding cover on support rods with a viewing window, a support plate installed on the bottom inside the housing, on the surface of which a mattress is provided containing a sewn-in heating element made of a soft cable, a temperature sensor and shoulder straps.

[0005] This design is intended for medical personnel to move newborn patients over short distances, and the equipment used here, including shoulder belts, cannot ensure safety when moving the patient over long distances.

[0006] The closest analogue is the "Portable Incubator for Newborns" (patent document CN No. 214180916 (U), IPC A61G 11 / 00, F16F 15 / 08, published on October 23, 2020), comprising an outer casing with a control panel located on the front surface, a transparent cover movably connected to the outer casing, an additional inner casing located inside the outer casing, a mattress with a heating element, which is beeswax heated in a water bath, a pressure sensor installed between the outer casing and the inner casing, an air intake located on the rear surface of the outer casing, ventilation holes and a shock-absorbing carrying handle.This device is intended for manual carrying only, provides heat retention for 2-5 hours, has a low production cost, a compact design, but is not safe when transported over long distances, since there is no control to maintain the required temperature and humidity parameters inside the device, control and maintenance of the patient's vital functions during long-term transportation, and there is no reliable and safe fastening of the device to the vehicle.

[0007] The objective of the utility model is to eliminate the shortcomings of analogs in order to ensure the safe movement of newborn patients, both within the territory of individual hospitals and between hospitals in the same locality, and over significant distances between different localities using specialized vehicles (ambulances, airplanes, helicopters, etc.), including during evacuation from hard-to-reach areas.

[0008] The technical result is an expansion of the possibilities of using portable neonatal incubators and an improvement in safety conditions during the transportation of newborn patients.

[0009] The problem is solved and the technical result is achieved due to the fact that the portable neonatal incubator contains a housing, a transparent cover movably connected to the housing, a children's compartment formed by the space between the inner part of the housing and the cover, a control panel, a built-in fan with ventilation holes located on the housing, a mattress with a heating element placed inside the housing, patient condition sensors, handles for lifting and carrying containing anti-slip elements, and carrying straps.

[0010] The claimed device differs from the known analogue in that it is made with the provision of operation in a preliminary mode, in which its self-testing and warming up are carried out, and with the provision of operation in the main mode, in which all vital parameters of the patient are monitored and supported, while the heating element and temperature sensor are built into the mattress, the heating element is located evenly between two layers of foam rubber and has a heat-insulating layer with foil, the control panel contains a display, which displays the patient's parameters, the operating status of the device and alarm signals, a battery is built into the housing, and durable end transport belts are used as carrying straps.

[0011] In addition, the mattress is located in the baby compartment and is connected to the body via an electrical connector located on the wall of the incubator inside the baby compartment.

[0012] In addition, the mattress is secured in the baby compartment by means of two sets of fastening straps containing a hook-and-loop fastener and a loop-and-loop fastener.

[0013] In addition, the baby compartment contains a head side and a foot side, and in the head side there is a skin temperature sensor connector into which a reusable skin temperature sensor is connected, and a pulse oximetry sensor connector into which a reusable pulse oximetry sensor is connected.

[0014] In addition, the control panel contains a light indicator that flashes “red”, “yellow” or “green” depending on the alarm priority, as well as control buttons that regulate the operation of the device.

[0015] In addition, the control panel is equipped with a color liquid crystal display.

[0016] In addition, the fan is equipped with a protective filter.

[0017] In addition, at the bottom of the body there are at least four quick-release transport strap locks, to which extended or shortened end durable transport straps are attached.

[0018] In addition, the incubator is equipped with two handles that have -shaped and located symmetrically on the sides of the body.

[0019] In addition, the power cable is located on the back wall of the case and is connected to the temperature sensor.

[0020] This incubator differs from its analogues by its increased reliability, safety, and convenience when transporting newborn patients, both between the premises of the same hospital and between different settlements, including evacuation from hard-to-reach areas.

[0021] The essence of the utility model is explained by illustrations, where:

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a portable neonatal incubator;

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a section of the mattress on the side wall of the incubator body;

[0024] Fig. 3 shows the installation of the incubator on a transport trolley using shortened, strong transport belts;

[0025] Fig. 4 shows the manual carrying of the incubator by one person using extended, strong transport straps.

[0026] The portable neonatal incubator comprises a housing 1 (Fig. 1) connected to a transparent cover 2, a fan with ventilation holes 3 built into the housing 1, two handles 4 -shaped, located symmetrically on the sides of the housing 1 and intended for lifting and carrying the device, a control panel 5, a display 6, a mattress 7 (Fig. 2), a network power cable 8 (220 V network), end belts for securing the incubator on a vehicle (Fig. 3), end belts for carrying, containing an anti-slip pad for hands and length locks (Fig. 4), straps for fixing the mattress 7 with the patient in the housing 1 (Fig. 3, Fig. 4), as well as the following elements that are not shown in the figures: a built-in battery (for example, a battery on a lithium battery), an adapter (for example, an adapter of the GSM120A15-R7BB brand, Mean Well), a connector for connecting the mattress 7, a skin temperature sensor, a connector for the pulse oximetry sensor, a pulse oximetry sensor, a protective filter (for example, a protective filter of the FF60 brand, EBMPAPST).

[0027] Cover 2 is made of a transparent composite material, allowing visual monitoring of the infant's condition, and, together with frame 1, provides reliable protection from the environment. The space between the interior of frame 1 and cover 2 is the infant compartment, which is divided into a head side and a foot side. Mattress 7 is located in the infant compartment and is connected to frame 1 via an electrical connector (not shown in the figures) located on the wall of the incubator inside the infant compartment. Mattress 7 is secured in the infant compartment by two sets of fastening straps containing a textile fastener (e.g., micro-hooks (hard surface) and micro-loops (soft surface)). Two connectors are located at the head of the infant compartment: a skin temperature sensor connector and a pulse oximetry sensor connector.The reusable skin temperature sensor included with the incubator is connected to the skin temperature sensor connector, and the reusable pulse oximetry sensor or neonatal pulse oximetry sensor is connected to the pulse oximetry sensor connector.

[0028] The portable incubator is powered by an external 220V power source or, in standalone mode, by a built-in battery. The incubator is connected to an external power source using a power adapter and power cable.

[0029] When the external power supply is interrupted or the external source is disconnected, the incubator switches to operation from a pre-fully charged built-in battery located inside the lower part of the body 1. The built-in battery is charged from a 220 V power supply.

[0030] At least four quick-release fasteners for transport straps are located in the recesses at the bottom of the outer side of the housing 1. These fasteners are used to attach durable, extended transport straps intended for manual carrying, or durable, shortened transport straps for securing the incubator in its installation location on a vehicle (e.g., a transport trolley, an ambulance, a car, an airplane, a helicopter, etc.). The transport straps for manual carrying include an anti-slip pad for the personnel's hands and fasteners for selecting the desired length.

[0031] The incubator includes a control panel 5 with a display 6, designed to indicate the patient's controlled and monitored parameters, the presence of alarms, and the device's operating status. The control panel includes:

[0032] Light indicator (not shown in the figures), which flashes “red”, “yellow” or “green” depending on the alarm priority;

[0033] ON / OFF button to turn the product on and off;

[0034] MENU button to enter the incubator menu;

[0035] LIGHT button to turn on and off the lighting of the children's compartment;

[0036] DOWN button to decrease the contact surface temperature in the main operating mode of the incubator;

[0037] OK button to confirm the temperature selection or set parameters;

[0038] UP button to increase the contact surface temperature in the main operating mode of the incubator.

[0039] The control panel 5 of the incubator is equipped with a color liquid crystal display 6 to display a graphical user interface, through which the operator can monitor the operating parameters of the incubator and control its operation.

[0040] The device operates in a range of operating temperatures from minus 20°C to plus 30°C.

[0041] The incubator adaptively maintains the patient's body temperature through heat exchange between the body and the contact surface of the mattress 7. The device has two operating modes: preliminary and main. Before placing the patient in the incubator, the device is turned on in preliminary mode, during which it self-tests and warms up. In preliminary mode, there are no danger signals for the patient's vital signs. The preliminary mode is activated automatically each time the incubator is turned on, after which it automatically switches to the main mode. In the main mode, the incubator monitors the following patient vital functions: body temperature, hemoglobin oxygen saturation percentage (SpO2), and heart rate (HR). For this purpose, the device is equipped with audible, visual, and informational alarms.

[0042] The incubator is turned on by pressing the ON button once and undergoes a self-test in the preliminary mode, accompanied by a light indicator. Upon completion of the self-test, the incubator's warm-up function is automatically activated, which is indicated on display 7. If any malfunctions are detected during the self-test when the incubator is turned on, the warm-up function will not start. Upon completion of the preliminary mode, the display shows the message "Incubator warmed up."

[0043] The patient is then wrapped in a mattress 7 and placed in an incubator containing a durable plastic housing 1 that provides protection for the patient from the external environment, a transparent viewing cover 2 located in the upper part of the housing 1, made of an organic sheet material and allowing visual observation of the child's condition and ensuring, using the control panel 5, timely control and maintenance of the set mode inside the device with the reflection of the main parameters on the display 6. A fan containing ventilation openings 3 maintains the necessary and sufficient ventilation of air inside the device. In this case, the fan is equipped with a protective filter to protect the patient from harmful air particles entering the child's compartment through the ventilation openings 3. The required temperature is set and adjusted using the control panel 5, is reflected on the display 6 (for example, a color TFT display with a diagonal of 3.5") and is maintained by a heating element (in Fig.not shown), located evenly over the surface of the mattress 7 between two layers of foam rubber. The temperature sensor (not shown in the figure), unlike the known analogue, is built into the mattress 7 and allows for temperature adjustment not by the patient's skin, but by the mattress 7. The battery (not shown in the figure) is built into the lower compartment of the housing 1 and ensures uninterrupted operation of the device in the event of disconnection of the device from the 220 V power supply, the power cable 8 is located on the rear side wall of the housing 1. The pulse oximetry sensor (not shown in the figure) is placed on the patient's leg, and the data from it is displayed on the display 6. Strong end straps are fastened into the grooves located in the lower part of the housing 1 and securely fix the incubator at the installation site (for example, in ambulances, as well as on other types of transport, including air transport).

[0044] The location of the skin temperature sensor on the patient is determined by the physician and secured with a bandage. The sensor's placement and the patient's condition are regularly monitored by the care team.

[0045] The patient is placed in the infant compartment with their head positioned at the head of the infant compartment. A skin temperature sensor and pulse oximetry sensor are connected to the patient. The patient is wrapped in mattress 7 and secured with two straps, ensuring maximum contact between the mattress 7 and the patient to ensure optimal heating efficiency. The incubator's transparent viewing cover 2 is closed, the main operating mode is initiated, the unit is secured with straps, and the patient is moved.

[0046] In the main operating mode, monitoring of the patient's vital signs (heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature) and monitoring of the stability of the contact surface temperature are activated.

[0047] The baby compartment is equipped with LED lighting located at the head of the baby compartment. Pressing the LIGHT button once turns on the LED lighting in the baby compartment. The brightness of the lighting can be adjusted in the "Lighting" menu.

[0048] The incubator is equipped with a light indicator, an audible alarm, and a visual alarm displayed on display 6 of the control panel 5, allowing the operating personnel to respond to alarms in a timely manner. When an alarm occurs, the light indicator starts flashing or lighting and an audible alarm is activated. At the same time, text messages corresponding to the danger signal are displayed on display 6 of the control panel 5: high (flashes “red”); medium (flashes “yellow”); information (flashes “green” once). To reduce excessive noise, the audible alarm can be muted by pressing the MENU button, and the audible alarm mute icon appears at the top of the information panel 5. The audible signal is automatically restored after (10±1) minutes if the cause of the alarm is not eliminated. When the alarm situation is eliminated, the alarm is turned off and normal operation is returned by pressing the OK button.

[0049] The temperature regime inside the infant compartment is maintained through heat exchange between the contact surface of mattress 7, the air inside the infant compartment, and the patient's body. The contact surface heating level changes automatically depending on the current and preset contact surface temperature. The contact surface temperature is set by the operator. Uniform heat distribution within the infant compartment is ensured by the design features of the shape and material of mattress 7 and the presence of a built-in fan. The fan with vents 3 supplies fresh air to the infant compartment and redistributes heat within the compartment via convection. Exhaled gases are removed passively. If necessary, oxygen therapy and artificial ventilation equipment can be connected to the incubator.

[0050] Resistive temperature sensors are used to measure contact surface temperature and patient skin temperature. Resistive temperature sensors operate on the principle that the materials used change their electrical resistance depending on the ambient temperature. When an electric current is passed through the sensor's sensing element, the output voltage is inversely proportional to the sensing element's resistance. Thus, the current temperature is calculated based on the temperature sensor's output voltage.

[0051] The pulse oximetry sensor operates on the principle of deoxygenated hemoglobin absorbing light with a wavelength of 660 nm (red light), while oxyhemoglobin absorbs light with a wavelength of 940 nm (infrared radiation). By transmitting light of these wavelengths through the patient's tissues (including blood vessels) and receiving the output optical signal using sensitive thermistors, the absorption coefficient of light of a given wavelength in the patient's body is calculated. The percentage of oxyhemoglobin relative to deoxygenated hemoglobin (i.e., SpO2) is determined from the difference in the absorption coefficients of light with a wavelength of 660 nm and 940 nm. Based on the difference in light absorption coefficients per unit of time, the frequency and amplitude of blood flow pulse waves are measured. The pulsation frequency of the blood flow is taken as the heart rate.

[0052] In case of switching to autonomous operation of the device from the built-in battery, the built-in battery at a heating surface temperature of 36.6°C and an ambient temperature of minus 20°C is capable of maintaining the operation of the incubator for at least 2 hours, and at a heating surface temperature of 36.6°C and an ambient temperature of plus 30°C - at least 8 hours.

[0053] When the patient is delivered to the destination, the incubator is turned off by pressing and holding the ON / OFF button for at least 4 seconds.

[0054] The combination of the above elements of the device enables the safe transport of newborn patients weighing from 1 kg to 6 kg over required distances to medical facilities (perinatal centers, specialized hospitals, maternal and child health research institutes, etc.), as well as between departments of medical facilities or for transportation from hard-to-reach areas. The device is capable of monitoring the patient's vital functions during transport and serves to save lives and ensure the care of newborn patients.

[0055] Compared to well-known analogues, the declared incubator has conveniently located and safe for carrying 4 handles, as well as a set of extended and shortened transport belts.

[0056] The incubator with the patient can be carried manually by one or two people using a set of extended transport belts with anti-slip hand pads, and when transporting by vehicle (including a transport trolley), a shortened set of transport belts is used, allowing the device to be quickly and securely installed at the mounting point on the vehicle.

[0057] The incubator is environmentally safe and does not contain toxic substances, components and materials harmful to human life and health, including those that could have a negative impact on the little patient.

[0058] The sound level inside the child compartment is no more than 60 dBA, and during an emergency alarm, no more than 80 dBA.

[0059] The incubator's operating power consumption is no more than 150 VA. The potential risk class is 26 according to Order No. 4n of the Russian Ministry of Health and GOST 31508-2012.

[0060] The product has successfully passed tests, has a certificate of conformity, and is manufactured in industrial conditions using standard equipment, modern materials, and technologies.

Claims

1. A portable neonatal incubator comprising a housing, a transparent cover movably connected to the housing, a baby compartment formed by the space between the inside of the housing and the cover, a control panel, a built-in fan with ventilation openings located on the housing, a mattress with a heating element installed in the baby compartment of the housing and connected to the housing by means of an electrical connector located on the wall of the incubator inside the baby compartment, patient condition sensors, handles for lifting and carrying containing anti-slip elements, and carrying straps, characterized in that it is designed to operate in a preliminary mode, in which it self-tests and warms up, and in the main mode, in which all vital parameters of the patient are monitored and supported, wherein the heating element and temperature sensor are built into the mattress,The heating element is evenly distributed between two layers of foam rubber and has a heat-insulating layer with foil, the control panel contains a display that displays the patient's parameters, the operating status of the device and alarm signals, a battery is built into the housing, and end transport belts are used as carrying straps.

2. An incubator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the mattress is designed for fastening in the baby compartment by means of fastening straps containing a textile fastener in the form of hooks and a textile fastener in the form of loops.

3. An incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that the baby compartment comprises a side for the head and a side for the feet, wherein in the head section there is a skin temperature sensor connector, into which the skin temperature sensor is connected, and a pulse oximetry sensor connector, into which the pulse oximetry sensor is connected.

4. An incubator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the control panel contains a light indicator that, depending on the alarm priority, flashes “red,” “yellow,” or “green,” as well as control buttons that regulate the operation of the device.

5. An incubator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that a color liquid crystal display is used as a display.

6. An incubator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the fan is equipped with a protective filter.

7. An incubator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that at least four quick-release fasteners for transport belts are located in the lower part of the housing, to which extended end transport belts or shortened end transport belts are attached.

8. A portable neonatal incubator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the handles are U-shaped and are located symmetrically on the sides of the body.

9. A portable neonatal incubator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the power cable is located on the rear wall of the housing and is connected to a temperature sensor.

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