IV Fluid Warming System Sliding Covers Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IV fluid warming devices face inefficiencies in heat transfer due to flexible plastic walls, making it difficult to maintain fluid temperature at low flow rates and complicating cleaning processes, while also obscuring the fluid path and requiring specialized tools for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fluid warming system with sliding covers that securely hold a removable heat exchange body in place for enhanced thermal conductivity, allowing visible fluid flow and easy cleaning, while also serving as a power control mechanism to adjust heater power for maintaining optimal fluid temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flexible plastic walls are used in the heat exchanger, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but heat transfer efficiency is poor and fluid pressure cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible plastic to rigid material, which fundamentally improves heat transfer efficiency and structural integrity. The rigid material maintains consistent thermal conductivity and can withstand fluid pressure, directly resolving the heat transfer efficiency problem while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining the rigid heat exchanger body with flexible external housing or mounting structures. This allows the critical heat transfer component to be rigid for efficiency while the overall device maintains ease of manufacture through modular assembly of the rigid core with simpler external components.
2Temperature
If the heat exchanger is enclosed in a slot or hinged clam shell configuration, then the heater can be exposed to both sides for heating, but the fluid path becomes invisible and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules: the enclosed heater assembly and the open fluid path channel. This segmentation allows the heater to be protected and effective while the fluid path remains exposed and visible, enabling users to monitor fluid flow and access the path for easy cleaning without disassembling the heater housing.
3Temperature
If the heat exchanger is enclosed in a slot or hinged clam shell configuration, then the heater can be exposed to both sides for heating, but specialized tools or disassembly are required for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules: the enclosed heater assembly and the open fluid path channel. This segmentation allows the heater to be protected and effective while the fluid path remains exposed and visible, enabling users to monitor fluid flow and access the path for easy cleaning without disassembling the heater housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fluid path from the enclosed heater housing, creating a separate accessible channel. This extraction allows the fluid path to be independently accessed, cleaned, and maintained without requiring disassembly of the heater assembly or specialized tools, while the heater remains securely enclosed for effective heating.
4Temperature
If IV fluid is heated to 41°C to overcome heat loss, then fluid temperature can be maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating action by pre-warming the IV fluid in the heat exchanger before it enters the main fluid path. This preliminary action ensures the fluid starts at the correct temperature, minimizing subsequent heat loss and reducing the need for continuous high-energy heating, thereby lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining fluid temperature.
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
Ensures consistent fluid temperature delivery at low flow rates by optimizing heat transfer and simplifying maintenance, allowing for efficient operation and cleaning without specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
a removable heat exchange body (18) in thermal contact with a heater assembly (20)
Implementation Method 2
IV fluid flowing therethrough... heating of an IV fluid flowing therethrough
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid warming device includes axially or longitudinally slidable covers that retain a removable heat exchange body in a housing in heat exchange communication with a heater assembly while allowing flow through the heat exchange body to be observed. In another aspect, a fluid warming system increases or decreases power to a heater assembly to adjust the fluid temperature to ensure that the fluid is at an appropriate temperature when it reaches the patient.