Hyperbaric Chamber Ice-Water Cooling Without Pressure Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for hyperbaric chambers, such as chillers and chlorofluorocarbon based coolers, are inefficient, prone to condensation and mold issues, hazardous to individuals and the environment, and difficult to maintain, while also reducing the efficiency of the hyperbaric chamber and failing to maintain a comfortable environment without pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an air compressing unit, an air cooling unit with a heat exchanger using ice water for thermal energy transfer, and an air discharging hose that recycles warm air from the hyperbaric chamber into cold air without altering the chamber's pressure, utilizing flexible medical-grade PVC hoses for fluid communication and minimizing heat absorption through insulated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If chillers are used to cool the hyperbaric chamber, then the temperature is reduced to comfortable levels, but condensation and mold issues occur and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful condensation by designuring the cooling system to cool only the air being supplied to the chamber, not the chamber air itself. This prevents condensation and mold issues while maintaining comfortable temperatures for occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling approach where a separate cooling circuit cools the supply air before it enters the chamber, rather than directly cooling the chamber environment. This intermediary method avoids direct contact between cold surfaces and humid chamber air, preventing condensation.
2Temperature
If chlorofluorocarbon based coolers are used, then cooling is achieved, but harmful effects on individuals and environment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical refrigeration system (chlorofluorocarbon based coolers) with a mechanical cooling system using a chiller unit that circulates water or other safe fluids through heat exchangers. This substitution eliminates harmful chemicals while achieving the same cooling effect.
3Temperature
If existing cooling systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but the efficiency of the hyperbaric chamber is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling function from the pressurization function by using separate systems: a chiller unit for cooling the supply air and a compressor for pressurization. This segmentation allows each system to operate independently at optimal efficiency without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional air handling system where the same air supply ducting and distribution system serves both pressurization and cooling functions. The compressor pressurizes air that is then cooled by the chiller before being supplied to the chamber, combining functions efficiently.
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
Effectively maintains a comfortable environment within the hyperbaric chamber by recycling warm air into cold air without pressure changes, eliminating the drawbacks of existing cooling methods and ensuring a safe, sanitary, and efficient cooling process.
Implementation Method 1
an air cooling unit with a heat exchanger using ice water for thermal energy transfer
Implementation Method 2
minimizing heat absorption through insulated components
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cooling a pressurized hyperbaric chamber without pressure change includes an air compressing unit, an air cooling unit, and an air discharging hose. The pressurized hyperbaric chamber, the air compressing unit, the air cooling unit, and the air discharging hose are in fluid communication with each other. A flow of output warm air from the pressurized hyperbaric chamber is withdrawn and discharged into the air cooling unit by the air compressing unit. A heat exchanger of the air cooling unit then removes heat energy from the flow of output warm air to convert the flow of output warm air into a flow of input cold air, as the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with stored ice water within an insulated reservoir of the air cooling unit. The flow of input cold air is then discharged back into the pressurized hyperbaric chamber through the air discharging hose.