Elastic Head Cap with Zipper Slit for Cooling Pad Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head caps for securing medical cooling pads to the head and neck are not user-friendly and inefficient, leading to prolonged mounting times and reduced effectiveness in initiating medical cooling processes.

Innovation Solution

A head cap design featuring a closeable slit with a zipper or Velcro attachment mechanism, adjustable neck and head straps with attachment members, and elastic materials for improved fit and comfort, allowing quicker and more secure mounting of cooling pads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional head caps are used to secure cooling pads, then the cooling pad can be secured to the head, but the mounting process takes considerable time and is not user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mountingVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The head cap is divided into a front part with a closeable slit and a rear part, allowing the cooling pad to be inserted through the slit before the cap is fully closed. This segmentation enables a two-stage mounting process: first inserting the pad through the open slit, then sealing it closed, significantly reducing mounting time and improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closeable slit is designed to be open during the initial mounting phase, allowing the cooling pad to be pre-positioned and inserted before the cap is closed. This preliminary open state enables faster insertion without requiring complex fastening operations during the critical initial mounting phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the head cap is designed to secure the cooling pad firmly, then the securing effectiveness is improved, but the mounting process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring effectivenessVSAvoidmounting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head cap structure separates the insertion function (open slit) from the securing function (closed position with straps). This allows simple insertion followed by reliable securing, achieving both high reliability and low complexity without requiring complex integrated mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The head cap transitions from an open state (for easy insertion) to a closed state (for secure fixation). This dynamic design allows the structure to adapt to different mounting phases, providing ease of mounting during insertion and reliable securing during the closed state, without requiring multiple complex components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the head cap design is simplified for easier mounting, then the mounting time is reduced, but the securing effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting speedVSAvoidsecuring effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The head cap is segmented into a front part with closeable slit and a rear part with attachment members. This segmentation allows the front part to be opened for rapid insertion (improving productivity) while the rear part provides secure anchoring (maintaining reliability). The modular design ensures that simplification in one area does not compromise security in another

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The head cap merges the insertion mechanism (slit) with the securing mechanism (closed position and straps) into a single integrated structure. This combination allows rapid insertion through the open slit followed by immediate securing when closed, achieving both high mounting speed and reliable fixation without requiring separate complex systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 head cap significantly reduces mounting time, enhances user friendliness, and provides improved securing of cooling pads, enabling quicker initiation of medical cooling processes while maintaining comfort and accessibility for healthcare staff.

Implementation Method 1

The head cap may be made of an elastic material or at least parts thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

closeable slit with a zipper or Velcro attachment mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

Velcro attachment mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3377007B1Head cap for a cooling pad for use in a non-invasive medical cooling process
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 BRAINCOOL
  • EP3377007B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3377007B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3377007B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A head cap for securing a cooling pad for conducting medical cooling of the head and neck of a patient is provided.