Neonatal Cooling Cradle Using Phase Change Material Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neonatal cooling devices for birth asphyxia are either too costly, uncomfortable for newborns, not leak-proof, or ineffective in maintaining the required temperature range of 33 to 34°C, and lack portability and affordability for rural areas.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer form-stable phase change material-based device with a rigid thermostable skeleton, polymeric mattresses containing organic fatty acid-based PCMs, and a water or gel bed, providing a cascading thermal regulation system for instant and sustained cooling, along with thermochromic indicators and an optional thermostat-controlled radiant warmer for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional PCMs are used for cooling, then cooling effect is achieved, but the solid PCMs are hard to touch causing discomfort to the neonate and the system is not leak proof
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines form-stable PCMs with hydrogel materials to create a composite cooling system. The hydrogel encapsulates the PCM, providing a soft, skin-friendly interface while containing the PCM to prevent leakage. This composite structure maintains the cooling effectiveness of PCM while eliminating the harmful effects of hardness and potential leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel acts as an intermediary layer between the neonate's skin and the PCM. It provides a comfortable, flexible contact surface that transmits the cooling effect from the PCM to the neonate without direct contact with the hard PCM material, thus preventing discomfort and leakage issues.
2Temperature
If air cooling system is used, then cooling is achieved, but the device is of high cost and not suitable for rural areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive form-stable PCMs and hydrogel materials that can be manufactured at low cost. The cooling device is designed as a disposable or single-use product, eliminating the need for expensive, complex refrigeration systems while providing effective cooling. This approach makes the device economically viable for use in rural areas with limited resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical air cooling systems with a passive thermal conduction system using PCMs and hydrogel. This substitution eliminates motors, sensors, and control systems, dramatically reducing cost and complexity while maintaining effective cooling capability through phase change material thermal properties.
3Device complexity
If single layer PCM is used, then device is simple, but it cannot sustain temperature in the required range of 33 to 34°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into multiple functional layers: a form-stable PCM layer for primary cooling, a hydrogel layer for thermal regulation and comfort, and potentially additional layers for insulation or temperature modulation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function, ensuring precise temperature control in the 33-34°C range while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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 device effectively cools newborns to and maintains the target temperature range with reduced shivering, is portable, cost-effective, and suitable for remote areas, ensuring prolonged use without continuous recharging, thus improving neonatal survival rates and reducing brain damage.
Implementation Method 1
Phase change material compositions functional at different temperatures are enclosed in polymeric mattresses arranged in layers
Implementation Method 2
Phase change materials (pcms) store thermal energy in the form of latent heat and depending on the material used they can be exploited for thermal regulation in the required temperature range
Implementation Method 3
The device effectively cools newborns to and maintains the target temperature range with reduced shivering
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a life cradle device for the purpose of inducing therapeutic hypothermia in neonates suffering from birth asphyxia. The device essentially consists of a rigid outer skeleton which could be fitted with removable mattresses containing form stable organic phase change materials effecting instant and sustained cooling. Multiple compartments of different phase change material composition functional at different temperatures are arranged in layers to replicate cooling performances as in conventional cascading systems. The device is also designed to have thermo-chromic indicators with an option of probes for automation control techniques. The device may also be fitted with thermostat controlled infant radiant warmer to automatically switch on when the infant is cooled down below requirement as a safety consideration.