Flexible Thermoelectric Heat Exchange Module for Precise Patient Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hypothermia treatments using ice packs and chilled fluid systems provide incomplete and short-lived cooling, lacking the precision and efficiency needed for therapeutic applications such as brain injuries and chemotherapy side effects.
Innovation Solution
A flexible heat exchange module (HEM) with thermoelectric coolers (TECs) that includes a heat transfer fluid channel, a heat transfer plate, and a thermistor to measure skin temperature, allowing for controlled heating or cooling through a control unit that manages the operation of the TECs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If ice packs and chilled fluid systems are used for hypothermia treatment, then cooling can be provided, but the cooling is incomplete and short-lived
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous cooling through a closed-loop fluid circulation system where chilled fluid continuously circulates through heat exchange channels in contact with the patient's body. This eliminates the short-lived cooling of ice packs by maintaining sustained heat removal over extended periods through pump-driven fluid circulation and continuous phase change cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of refrigerant in thermoelectric coolers (TECs) to provide continuous cooling. The TECs employ phase change materials that absorb heat from the patient's body during phase transition, enabling prolonged and reliable cooling that overcomes the limitations of conventional ice packs and chemical cool packs.
2Measurement precision
If conventional cooling methods are used, then cooling can be achieved, but precision and efficiency for therapeutic applications are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temperature feedback control through thermistors positioned in thermal contact with the patient's skin, which continuously monitor temperature and feed signals to a controller. The controller adjusts TEC operation based on this feedback, achieving precise temperature control within ±0.5°C while optimizing cooling efficiency for therapeutic applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical cooling systems with thermoelectric cooling technology. The TECs use electrical current directly to create cooling effects through the Peltier effect, eliminating the need for compressors, condensers, and other mechanical components, thereby improving precision and efficiency while reducing system complexity.
3Speed
If thermoelectric coolers are used for temperature control, then rapid and precise cooling can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into modular segments: multiple independent TEC modules arranged in arrays, each with its own heat exchange channels and temperature sensors. This segmentation allows parallel cooling zones that operate independently, achieving rapid overall cooling while distributing system complexity across manageable modules that can be configured for different body regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal cooling platform where TEC modules can be configured for various therapeutic applications (hypothermia, hyperthermia, regional cooling) by adjusting parameters such as fluid flow rate, TEC power output, and module arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using a single platform for multiple purposes rather than requiring separate systems for each application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible heat exchange modules are implemented, then adaptability to body contours is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible heat exchange modules with thin-film construction that can conform to body contours. The modular design uses flexible channels and compressible elements that allow the module to adapt to various body shapes and positions, improving patient comfort and treatment effectiveness while maintaining manufacturability through standardized flexible component production.
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 HEM system enables rapid and precise temperature control, achieving cooling to below 10°C in minutes and heating to 40°C in two minutes, with stable temperature maintenance for therapeutic applications, enhancing treatment efficacy for conditions like brain injuries and chemotherapy side effects.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible heat exchange module (HEM) with thermoelectric coolers (TECs) that includes a heat transfer fluid channel, a heat transfer plate, and a thermistor to measure skin temperature
Implementation Method 2
A thermistor mounted on the tile measures the temperature of the body part against which the tile is positioned and sends the temperature signal to a controller
Implementation Method 3
heat transfer plate in heat transfer relation with fluid in the channel. The reference side of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is in thermal contact with the plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat exchange module having a heat transfer fluid channel and a heat transfer plate in heat transfer relation with fluid in the channel. The reference side of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is in thermal contact with the plate. A heat transfer tile is in thermal contact with a user side of the TEC. The module is configured to be operatively positionable with the tile in heat transfer relation with skin of a patient.