Cup-Shaped Biomedical Fluid Support with Embedded Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current temperature control systems for biomedical fluids are cumbersome, require skilled operators, are costly, and can interfere with other medical devices, while chemical devices are prone to accidental activation and have poor heat conduction, limiting their effectiveness and safety in maintaining fluids at the required temperature for parenteral administration.

Innovation Solution

A supporting device with a cup-shaped element made of heat-insulating material, featuring a conductive inner surface for efficient heat accumulation and transfer, which can be easily handled and transported, and includes optional heating means for maintaining the desired temperature without external heating devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electrical heating devices are used to maintain fluid temperature, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but device weight and overall dimensions increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid temperature controlVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heating function from a separate external device and integrates it directly into the support cup structure. The heating element is embedded within the cup wall, allowing temperature control to be performed locally at the container without requiring a separate heavy heating apparatus. This integration maintains temperature control effectiveness while significantly reducing overall device weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support cup combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: mechanical support for the container, thermal insulation to maintain temperature, and embedded heating capability. By merging the heating function with the support structure, the device eliminates the need for separate heating equipment, reducing weight and simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If complex electronic temperature control systems are used, then temperature precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support cup incorporates temperature sensing and heating capabilities directly into the structure, allowing it to autonomously monitor and adjust the temperature of the fluid container. The embedded sensor detects temperature changes and triggers the heating element as needed, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while maintaining precise temperature regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements localized temperature control by embedding the heating element and temperature sensor directly within the cup structure at the specific location where temperature control is needed. This local integration provides precise temperature control exactly where required without the complexity of system-wide temperature management, simplifying the overall control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If chemical heating devices are used, then portability is improved, but reliability decreases due to accidental activation risk

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidaccidental activation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical heating mechanisms with an electrical heating system that is electronically controlled. The electrical heating element is activated only when the temperature sensor detects that heating is needed, eliminating the risk of accidental activation associated with chemical devices. This substitution maintains portability while significantly improving reliability and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Temperature

If electrical heating devices are used near the patient, then temperature control is improved, but harmful interference with other medical devices occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid temperatureVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support cup incorporates a thermal insulation layer that acts as a physical barrier, confining the electromagnetic field generated by the heating element within the cup structure. This insulation layer prevents electromagnetic interference from propagating to external medical devices while still allowing thermal energy to be transferred to the fluid container, thus maintaining effective temperature control without harmful interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

5Temperature

If iced water containers are used for cooling, then cooling capability is provided, but temperature control precision and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual cooling methods with an integrated temperature control system that includes both heating and cooling capabilities. The system uses an electrical heating element for heating and a controlled cooling mechanism for cooling, both regulated by a temperature sensor. This substitution provides precise temperature control for both heating and cooling operations, eliminating the imprecision of manual iced water cooling methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device ensures safe and efficient temperature maintenance of biomedical fluids for extended periods, reducing weight and complexity, and can be used by non-expert staff, minimizing interference with other medical equipment and preventing accidental activation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one outer surface made of heat insulating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

at least one inner surface suitable for facing said container and of which at least one portion is associable with heat energy conduction and accumulation means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP1837047B1Supporting device for containers of biomedical fluids for parenteral administering, particularly bottles and phials for medical fluids, blood or the like
Publication Date: 2013.02.27 SIDAM SRL
  • EP1837047B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1837047B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The supporting device for containers of biomedical fluids for parenteral administering, particularly bottles and phials for medical fluids, blood or the like, comprises an element substantially shaped like a cup, having an upper fitting opening for fitting a container for biomedical fluids, a lower exit opening of the fluid, an outer surface made of heat insulating material and an inner surface suitable for facing the container and of which at least one portion is associable with heat energy conduction and accumulation means.