Brain Injury Cooling System with Dynamic Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head cooling devices for reducing brain trauma cause discomfort due to rapid temperature changes, leading to shortened treatment times and potentially decreased efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pump, heat exchanger, valve, bladder, and controller that allows fluid to bypass the heat exchanger, controlling temperature between 2°C and 10°C for 10-50 minutes, with a faster initial ramp-down period to mitigate discomfort and maintain an overall ramp-down time under 21 minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the head cooling device uses rapid cooling to reduce brain trauma, then the treatment efficacy is improved, but the wearer experiences discomfort and shortens treatment time
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system implements periodic action by cycling between high-power rapid cooling mode and low-power maintenance cooling mode. The controller monitors temperature sensors and activates the cooling element at high power when temperature rises above the threshold, then reduces to low power or standby when the threshold is reached, creating a pulsating cooling effect that maintains efficacy while reducing continuous discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the cooling parameter (power level) based on real-time temperature feedback. The controller adjusts the cooling element power between high and low levels, and modifies fluid flow rate through the heat exchanger, transforming the static cooling approach into a dynamic parameter-adjustment system that balances efficacy and comfort
2Duration of action of moving object
If the cooling system maintains low temperature for extended periods, then treatment duration is improved, but discomfort increases causing wearers to remove the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static continuous cooling to dynamic adaptive cooling. The controller continuously monitors temperature and dynamically adjusts cooling power based on real-time conditions, enabling the system to extend treatment duration by reducing power during stable temperature periods while maintaining readiness to increase power if temperature rises, thereby sustaining both duration and comfort
3Speed
If the system uses high power cooling to rapidly reduce temperature, then the cooling speed is improved, but the risk of thermal shock and discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by implementing a controlled ramp-down phase before entering full rapid cooling mode. Temperature sensors detect initial temperature levels, and the controller pre-adjusts power levels accordingly, preventing abrupt thermal changes. This preliminary temperature assessment and gradual power introduction reduce thermal shock risk while maintaining subsequent cooling speed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively cools the carotid arteries while reducing discomfort, allowing for longer treatment times and maintaining temperature control within desired limits, thereby enhancing the efficacy of brain trauma reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger for cooling the circulated liquid
Implementation Method 2
a pump for pumping a circulated liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
A system and method for treating a brain injury are disclosed. The system includes a pump, a heat exchanger, a bladder, a thermometer, and a controller. The heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the pump. The bladder is configured to be placed over a carotid artery, and is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger. The thermometer is located with respect to the heat exchanger and configured to measure a temperature of fluid downstream from the heat exchanger. The controller is in electrical communication with the thermometer and the heat exchanger. The controller is configured to control power delivered to or flow through the heat exchanger such that the temperature of the fluid downstream from the heat exchanger measured by the thermometer is between 2 degrees C and 10 degrees C for between 10 minutes and 50 minutes.