Modular Thermal Pad Design for Variable Patient Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing targeted temperature management (TTM) systems face challenges in accommodating patients of varying sizes, as they often require adjustable thermal contact areas to ensure effective thermal energy exchange, which is not adequately addressed in current designs.
Innovation Solution
A medical thermal pad system that can expand its patient contact area by up to 10% or more, utilizing foldable or stretchable materials, and modular design with removable sections and extendable members to adapt to different patient sizes, allowing for adjustable thermal energy exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size thermal pad is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to patients of different sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal pad is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be configured in different arrangements. Each section contains fluid conduits and thermal contact elements that can be independently positioned to match various patient body shapes and sizes, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring a completely redesign of the entire pad system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the thermal contact area to be dynamically modified based on patient requirements. The sections can be attached, detached, and repositioned during use to optimize thermal exchange for different patient sizes and anatomical features.
2Productivity
If the patient contact area is increased to accommodate larger patients, then the thermal energy exchange effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pad into manageable sections, the system can provide extensive thermal contact area for large patients while maintaining ease of operation through modular assembly. Each section can be independently handled and positioned, making the overall operation simpler compared to managing a single large pad.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad sections are designed to nest within each other or stack in configured arrangements, allowing the system to expand its effective contact area only when needed. This nesting capability enables the pad to adapt from small to large patient surfaces while maintaining operational simplicity through a consistent modular interface.
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 improved thermal energy exchange efficiency by accommodating patients of different sizes, enhancing the effectiveness of TTM therapies such as cooling or warming during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
TTM systems circulate a fluid (e.g. water) through one or more thermal contact pads coupled to a patient to affect surface-to-surface thermal energy exchange with the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing targeted temperature management (TTM) therapy to a patient. The TTM system can include multiple embodiments of a thermal pad including embodiments that are convertible from a first patient contact area to a second patient contact area. Embodiments of thermal pads can include pads that are expandable, extendable, and/or comprise attachable or removable portions. The TTM system can include embodiments where a second thermal pad is coupled to a first thermal pad.