Direct-Connect Thermal Pad with Automatic Shut-Off Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current targeted temperature management (TTM) systems face challenges with fluid conduit misconnections leading to leaks, especially when setting up or temporarily suspending therapy, which can compromise patient safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a TTM system with continuously extending fluid delivery and return conduits from thermal pads to the TTM module, featuring A-type and B-type connectors with automatic flow control valves, and conduit retention devices to prevent leaks and facilitate storage configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid conduits are connected to a manifold to facilitate TTM fluid transportation to and from multiple thermal pads, then the adaptability of the system to support multiple pads is improved, but the complexity of connections increases leading to higher risk of misconnection and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid conduits (delivery and return lines) into a single integrated thermal pad assembly. Each thermal pad has fluid conduits that extend directly from the pad to the TTM module, eliminating the need for separate manifold connections. This merging reduces the total number of connection points while maintaining the ability to support multiple pads, thereby reducing misconnection risks while preserving system adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manifold is used to connect multiple fluid conduits, then the system can accommodate multiple thermal pads, but the probability of at least one misconnection increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the manifold component from the system architecture. Instead of routing all fluid conduits through a central manifold, each thermal pad's fluid conduits extend directly to the TTM module. This extraction eliminates the intermediate connection point where misconnections most frequently occur, thereby improving connection reliability while maintaining multi-pad capability through direct individual connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the TTM system requires frequent setup and suspension of therapy, then the system can adapt to varying clinical needs, but the frequency of connection and disconnection operations increases leading to higher leak risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates automatic shut-off valves at the TTM module that are pre-positioned to control fluid flow to each thermal pad. When a thermal pad is disconnected, the corresponding valve automatically closes, preventing fluid leaks before they can occur. This preliminary protective action is built into the system architecture, ensuring that frequent setup and suspension operations do not compromise patient safety.
4Ease of operation
If fluid conduits are disconnected during temporary storage of thermal pads, then the pads can be moved and stored efficiently, but the risk of fluid leakage during the disconnection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic shut-off valves that self-actuate upon disconnection of the fluid conduits. When a thermal pad is removed for storage, the valve automatically detects the disconnection and closes, preventing fluid leakage without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures that the ease of moving and storing pads does not compromise safety during the disconnection process.
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
This design minimizes the risk of fluid leaks during connection and disconnection, ensures reliable thermal energy exchange, and allows for efficient temporary storage of thermal pads and conduits, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency during TTM procedures.
Implementation Method 1
TTM systems circulate a fluid (e.g., water) through one or more thermal contact pads coupled with a patient to affect surface-to-surface thermal energy exchange with the patient
Implementation Method 2
a valve configured to open or close to allow or prevent TTM fluid flow through the fluid delivery conduit to the pad
Data Source
AI summary
A targeted temperature management (TTM) system for providing a TTM fluid including a thermal pad is disclosed. The pad includes a fluid delivery conduit and a fluid return conduit extending continuously from the pad to the TTM module. Valves may be included in line with fluid delivery and fluid return conduits. The thermal pads include one or more conduit retention devices for binding the fluid conduits together. Methods of using the system are disclosed and include disposing a thermal pad in a storage configuring where the fluid conduits are wound together to form a coil, winding the fluid conduits together to form a coil, binding the windings together with a conduit retention device, and placing the coil underneath a stretchable band of the thermal pad.