Fluid Warming Apparatus Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forced air warming devices face challenges in accurately measuring the temperature of heated air flows due to inhomogeneous distributions, leading to delayed detection of temperature changes and reduced thermal efficiency, as sensors struggle to differentiate between hot and cold air portions before they mix.
Innovation Solution
A fluid warming apparatus with multiple temperature sensors positioned to measure different temperature portions of the heated air flow close to the heater, allowing for accurate prediction and regulation of the air temperature received by a patient, even before the air has mixed, and enabling quicker response to changes in air flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed far downstream of the heater where the temperature distribution is more homogeneous, then measurement precision is improved, but the response time to detect temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into multiple sensors positioned at different locations in the air flow path. By placing sensors at various positions (including closer to the heater and further downstream), the system segments the measurement task to capture both rapid temperature changes near the heater and the overall mixed temperature that reaches the patient, thereby resolving the contradiction between response time and measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the heater is placed before the fan to improve mixing and temperature homogeneity, then measurement precision is improved, but thermal efficiency deteriorates due to heat loss to components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the fan as an intermediary component between the heater and the patient. The fan creates a controlled air flow that facilitates mixing of heated and unheated air portions, achieving temperature homogeneity without requiring the heater to be positioned upstream. This mediator approach allows the heater to remain downstream (maintaining thermal efficiency) while still achieving the desired mixing effect through active air circulation.
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 solution provides more accurate and rapid temperature measurement and regulation, ensuring a stable and controlled temperature is maintained for patient warming, improving thermal efficiency and preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a heater, the fan and the heater being configured to generate a heated fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
a fan; a heater, the fan and the heater being configured to generate a heated fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides fluid warming apparatus comprising: a fan; a heater, the fan and the heater being configured to generate a heated fluid flow having a principle flow direction and an inhomogeneous temperature distribution in a distribution direction perpendicular to the said principle flow direction; and a plurality of temperature sensors offset from each other in the said distribution direction, wherein at least two of the temperature sensors are configured to measure temperatures of respective portions of the heated fluid flow having different temperatures.