Fluid Therapy System Temperature Control via Dual Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hot and cold therapy systems lack precise temperature regulation, leading to inconsistent treatment and operational fluctuations due to liquid-sensitive temperature sensors, which can be detrimental to patient recovery.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled fluid therapy system with a reservoir, submersible pump, and watertight blanket, utilizing two temperature sensors to regulate fluid temperature through a controller that adjusts pump power, ensuring consistent temperature ranges for both hot and cold therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temperature sensors are used in fluid therapy systems, then the system can detect temperature, but the sensors are susceptible to liquid presence causing operational fluctuations and imprecise temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensing function is extracted from the fluid-contacting environment and placed in the ambient air above the fluid. The sensor measures temperature through air conduction from the fluid container walls, isolating it from direct liquid exposure that causes traditional sensor failures and fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
Air acts as an intermediary medium between the fluid and the temperature sensor. The sensor measures ambient air temperature, which indirectly reflects fluid temperature through thermal conduction from the container walls, eliminating direct liquid-sensor contact while maintaining measurement capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If ice application is used for cold therapy, then cost is minimal and ice is readily available, but the method lacks precision in applying uniform temperature and is difficult to regulate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperature using sensors and feeds this information back to a controller that adjusts pump operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains precise temperature control and uniformity throughout the therapy application, eliminating the temperature variability inherent in traditional ice methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically regulates its own temperature control without manual intervention. The controller autonomously adjusts pump speed and fluid circulation based on sensor readings, maintaining consistent therapeutic temperature without requiring user skill or attention for proper temperature application.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical fluid therapy systems are used, then some traditional therapy problems are solved, but constant temperature regulation is not provided which is deleterious to patient recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operation is made dynamic rather than static. The pump speed continuously adjusts based on real-time temperature sensor feedback, allowing the system to maintain constant therapeutic temperature despite changing conditions such as fluid cooling during circulation or ambient temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
A closed-loop temperature control system uses sensor feedback to continuously monitor and regulate fluid temperature. The controller receives temperature data and dynamically adjusts pump operation to maintain the prescribed therapeutic temperature, ensuring temperature constancy critical for effective patient recovery.
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 system provides precise temperature control, maintaining fluid temperatures within specific ranges for effective therapy, reducing the need for frequent refills and improving patient recovery outcomes by ensuring uniform temperature application.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor disposed within the reservoir for generating a first temperature signal related to the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir. The system also includes second temperature sensor disposed adjacent the blanket for generating a second temperature signal related to the temperature of the fluid in the blanket
Implementation Method 2
a pump with a submersible motor disposed within the reservoir... A power supply provides power to the pump motor, and a controller controls the power provided to the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controlled fluid therapy system includes a reservoir for containing hot or cold fluid, a pump with a submersible motor disposed within the reservoir, a watertight blanket for containing the hot or cold fluid, and output and intake conduits for circulating the fluid between the reservoir and the blanket. The system includes a first temperature sensor disposed within the reservoir for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir, and a second temperature sensor disposed adjacent the blanket for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the blanket. A power supply provides power to the pump motor. A controller controls the power provided to the motor based upon the first and second temperature signals, thereby controlling the fluid flow rate through the blanket and hence the temperature of the fluid in the blanket. When the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir is within a hot temperature range, such as 90° F. to 120° F., the controller maintains the temperature of the fluid in the blanket within the hot temperature range. When the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir is within a cold temperature range, such as 45° F. to 65° F., the controller maintains the temperature of the fluid in the blanket within the cold temperature range.