Portable IV Fluid Heater Power Pack With Overheat Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable and lightweight power source for heating intravenous fluids outside of medical facilities, as existing solutions are not readily available or practical for use in such settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable power supply system utilizing lithium-ion cells, a controller, and a heating element, where the controller monitors and limits electrical energy input to prevent overheating, and includes a charging circuit to adapt input voltages and display charging status, integrated into a lightweight housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a portable power source is used for heating IV fluids outside medical facilities, then portability and lightweight design are improved, but power reliability and safety control become more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the temperature of the heating element and adjusts or limits the electrical energy input when a predetermined temperature threshold is reached, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures safe operation of the portable heater
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the power source and heating element, managing energy transfer and implementing safety protocols to prevent overheating while enabling portable operation
2Productivity
If electrical energy input to the heating element is increased to improve heating efficiency, then heating speed is improved, but risk of overheating and patient safety issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors temperature and provides feedback to limit electrical energy input when predetermined temperature thresholds are reached, enabling rapid heating while preventing dangerous overheating through automatic control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the electrical energy input to the heating element based on real-time temperature conditions, allowing high power delivery when safe and automatic reduction when thresholds are approached
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 a reliable, portable, and lightweight means to heat IV fluids safely and efficiently, ensuring patient safety by preventing overheating and allowing remote monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element is configured to connect to the second connector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus heats fluids. A number of lithium-ion cells are positioned within a housing. A first connector is positioned on a first end of the housing and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells. The first connector is configured to receive electrical power from a power source. A second connector is positioned on a second end of the housing and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells. A heating element has a tube for transferring fluid. The heating element is configured to connect to the second connector. A controller is positioned within the housing and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells and the second connector. The controller is configured to monitor a rate at which the electrical power is received by the heating element and limit an amount of the electrical power received by the heating element when the rate reaches a predetermined level.