Inlet Opening Device for Warming Blanket Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional convective air warming blankets are difficult to inflate due to internal welds that limit sheet separation, making it challenging to insert a warm air blowing mechanism, especially in medical environments where gloves are worn or personnel are occupied.
Innovation Solution
A warming blanket design with a sealed first and second sheet, featuring an air inlet region with a cutout and an inlet opening device that separates the sheets without an opposing force, facilitated by a tensioning member like an elastic strap, allowing easy connection to a warm air blower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If internal welds are used to attach sheets, then structural integrity is improved, but sheet separation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet opening device is divided into multiple components: a first portion attached to the first sheet, a second portion attached to the second sheet, and a biasing member connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively enabling sheet separation at the inlet opening without compromising the overall structural integrity provided by internal welds.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet opening device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second sheets. It includes a biasing member that applies force to separate the sheets at the inlet opening, while the sealed edges maintain the overall structure. This intermediary device enables localized separation without requiring complete disassembly of the welded structure.
2Productivity
If die cut process is used to shape sheets, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but structural differentiation between sheets is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet opening device introduces local quality differentiation at the inlet opening region. While the die cut process maintains uniformity across most of the sheets, the inlet opening device creates a localized area with different properties (unsealed edges, biasing members) that enables easy separation and inflation at that specific location without affecting the overall manufacturing efficiency.
3Volume of stationary object
If sealed edges are used to enclose volume, then inflation capability is improved, but inlet access difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed edges are segmented at the inlet opening region, where the first and second sheets are separated by the inlet opening device. This segmentation allows the majority of the edges to remain sealed for volume enclosure, while the inlet opening provides controlled access for inflation. The biasing member maintains separation at this localized segment without compromising the sealed edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet opening device serves as an intermediary that provides controlled access to the internal volume. It includes a biasing member that can be deformed to open the inlet opening for inflation, while maintaining sealed edges elsewhere. This intermediary mechanism enables easy inlet access without requiring complete opening of the sealed structure.
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
Enables effortless inflation of the warming blanket by removing the need for manual separation of sheets, ensuring consistent patient temperature maintenance during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning member attached to the substrate such that the tensioning member deforms the substrate in the absence of an opposing force
Data Source
AI summary
A warming blanket is provided that includes a first sheet and a second sheet sealed at least along a common edge. An air inlet is provided on the warming blanket where the first sheet and the second sheet are not sealed. An inlet opening device is attached to the inlet opening. The inlet opening device separates the first sheet from the second sheet at the inlet opening in the absence of an opposing force. Methods of forming and using the warming blanket are also provided.