Flexible Therapeutic Collar for Sustained Neck Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing therapeutic collars for cooling the neck have rigid structures that restrict movement, temporary cooling effects due to rapid temperature loss when in contact with the skin, and are inappropriate for conditions not involving head trauma, posing discomfort and risk during replacement and potential hindrance to treatment.

Innovation Solution

A disposable, flexible therapeutic collar with integrated thermoelectric devices and cooling tubes that maintain a constant temperature between 32.0°C to 36.0°C, allowing for prolonged cerebral cooling and adjustable thermal control, designed to be worn around the neck with secure and comfortable fit, featuring a thermo-conductive inner layer and thermo-insulating outer layer to enhance cooling efficiency and prevent heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid collar structure is used to immobilize the neck, then head movement restriction is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneck immobilization effectivenessVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collar uses a flexible shell structure made of foam material that can be easily opened and closed around the neck, providing immobilization without the rigidity of traditional rigid collars. The flexible material allows patient comfort while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Temperature

If cooling elements are placed in a refrigerator before use, then initial cooling effect is improved, but duration of action deteriorates due to rapid temperature loss upon skin contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial cooling temperatureVSAvoidcooling duration

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling elements are pre-cooled in a refrigerator before use to achieve the desired low temperature. The collar structure is designed to minimize exposure time during application, and the flexible material provides thermal insulation to maintain the cooling effect for extended periods after removal from the refrigerator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible foam material of the collar acts as a thermal insulator, reducing heat transfer from the environment and the patient's body to the cooling elements. This insulation extends the duration of the cooling effect by slowing down the temperature equalization process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Temperature

If cooling elements are frequently replaced to maintain temperature, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling temperature maintenanceVSAvoidcooling element replacement procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of replacing cooling elements frequently, the collar is designed to maintain adequate cooling with a single insertion for extended periods. The flexible material's thermal insulation properties provide sufficient temperature maintenance without requiring frequent replacements, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If a rigid collar is used for trauma patients, then neck protection is improved, but adaptability to different conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneck protection effectivenessVSAvoidsuitability for different medical conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible collar design provides adequate neck support and protection while being suitable for multiple medical conditions including trauma, cerebral anoxia, and hypoxia. The same collar structure can be used across different patient populations and treatment scenarios, eliminating the need for specialized rigid collars for non-trauma conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 collar provides sustained thermal treatment to the neck, reducing the need for frequent cooling element replacement, minimizing patient discomfort and risk, and is suitable for both emergency and therapeutic settings, including conditions like cerebral anoxia or hypoxia, by maintaining effective cooling without immobilizing the patient.

Implementation Method 1

applying electrical energy to a plurality of four thermoelectric devices each engaging the neck at a position overlying one of the arteries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

cooling tubes that maintain a constant temperature between 32.0°C to 36.0°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

cooling tubes that maintain a constant temperature between 32.0°C to 36.0°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

featuring a thermo-conductive inner layer and thermo-insulating outer layer to enhance cooling efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 5

featuring a thermo-conductive inner layer and thermo-insulating outer layer to enhance cooling efficiency and prevent heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11141310B2Method for inducing hypothermia in a patient

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 NEURON GUARD SRL

AI summary

A therapeutic collar comprising an elongate body made from a flexible material for extending around at least a portion of the neck of a patient. The body has a length approximating the circumference of the neck, two thermoelectric devices for overlying two carotid arteries in the neck and two thermoelectric devices for overlying of two vertebral arteries in the neck when the elongate body is secured around the neck of the patient. At least one cooling tube is carried by the elongate body and extends in the vicinity of each of the thermoelectric devices for removing heat from the thermoelectric devices.