Integrated Neonatal Incubator with Thermal Ring and Humidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neonatal intensive care units face challenges with complex and costly equipment setups, increased risk of human error, and deficiencies in care due to multiple separate devices, which complicate procedures like endotracheal intubation and ventilation, and are prone to condensation issues in inhalation tubes.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive medical device that integrates thermal ventilation therapy, humidification, and gas mixture control, featuring a thermal ring with adjustable heating elements, a cradle, and water containers to manage pressure and humidity, allowing for quick access and remote monitoring, thereby simplifying the care of high-risk newborns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pieces of equipment are used for neonatal care, then comprehensive care functions can be provided, but the device complexity and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate neonatal care devices (incubator, ventilator, humidifier, oxygen mixer) into a single integrated system. The incubator chamber houses both the thermal control system and the pulmonary ventilation circuit, allowing simultaneous provision of thermal care, respiratory support, and humidification functions through one unified device rather than multiple separate pieces of equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated neonatal care system performs multiple functions within a single device: thermal regulation through heating elements and thermal rings, pulmonary ventilation through the ventilator circuit, humidification through water containers, and gas mixing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while providing comprehensive care
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pieces of equipment are used for neonatal care, then various care functions can be provided, but the space required and sterility maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ventilator, humidifier, and oxygen mixing system within the incubator chamber itself. The ventilation circuit connects directly to the incubator environment, and the humidification system uses water containers positioned inside the thermal ring area. This consolidation reduces the total space required compared to having separate devices positioned around the newborn
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate equipment is used for ventilation and thermal control, then specialized functions are provided, but condensation occurs in inhalation tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heated thermal ring as an intermediary element between the ventilation circuit and the incubator chamber. The thermal ring circulates warm air around the inhalation tubes, maintaining their temperature above the dew point and preventing condensation of water vapor from the humidified respiratory gases
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex equipment setups are used, then comprehensive care is provided, but the risk of human error and unsafe connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ventilation circuit, humidification system, and thermal control within a single enclosed incubator chamber with unified control mechanisms. This integration reduces the number of external connections and interfaces between separate devices, thereby minimizing opportunities for incorrect connections and reducing human error in system assembly and operation
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 provides reliable and efficient thermal and ventilation support, reduces the risk of excess pressure and condensation, facilitates easy access for medical procedures, and simplifies monitoring and maintenance, enhancing the care of high-risk newborns with a unified and sterile environment.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal ring made up of two concentric cylinders with four side hatches, one or more heating elements between said cylinders, as well as a fan also between the cylinders
Implementation Method 2
The heating elements on the thermal ring, located between the two concentric cylinders of the thermal ring, heat the air flow pumped by a fan located between the concentric cylinders
Implementation Method 3
A second water container, located inside the bubble, which uses the heat of the thermal ring to humidify the gas entering the second container by means of a third input tube
Implementation Method 4
heat the air flow pumped by a fan located between the concentric cylinders
Implementation Method 5
A first water container, located outside the bubble, which simultaneously limits the pressure of the gas for: inhalation, by way of a first tube with a maximum pressure determined by its depth
Data Source
AI summary
Equipment for the comprehensive care of critical neonates that ventilates, incubates, monitors and facilitates medical procedures. This equipment includes a thermal ring keeping the neonatal bubble tempered, and that slides longitudinally through its axis to leave exposed the neonate during its care. The inside of the thermal ring includes circular heaters surrounding said ring. Inside the cabin there is a closed recipient with water that takes advantage of the heat of said bubble to humidify air passing through the inlet door and outlet pipeline, which carry humidified and hot air to neonate. Furthermore, the equipment includes a water container, open at its upper part and placed out of the bubble, that allows simultaneously limiting the gas pressure of inspiration and expiration and the gas pressure of the neonate through two pipes.