Neonate Transfer Chamber with Air-Tight Sealed Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transferring premature neonates to MRI devices require temporary disconnection from life-supporting connection lines, posing risks to the neonate's health and safety due to exposure to external environments.
Innovation Solution
A premature neonate closed life support system (NCLSS) with a cradle-like support (CLNS) that transforms from an open configuration to an air-tight, magnetic field-permeable closed configuration, allowing continuous connection to life-supporting lines and systems during transfer between an incubator and an MRI device without decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the neonate is transferred from incubator to MRI device using conventional methods, then the transfer can be completed, but the neonate must be temporarily disconnected from life-supporting lines and exposed to external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle-like neonate support (CLNS) is nested within the chamber, allowing the neonate to be transferred while remaining enclosed. The CLNS transforms from an open configuration during coupling to a closed configuration during transfer, nesting the neonate within a protective environment that moves with the life support connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber acts as an intermediary between the incubator and MRI device, providing a sealed transition environment. The CLNS within the chamber serves as a mediator that maintains the neonate's connection to life support lines while protecting against external environmental exposure during transfer.
2Productivity
If the neonate is disconnected from life-supporting lines for transfer, then the transfer can be performed, but the neonate's health and safety are endangered
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber provides a flexible sealed enclosure that transforms between open and closed configurations. The chamber's sealable structure creates a protective barrier against external environmental factors while allowing for controlled access during coupling and disconnection phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber is prepared in advance with the CLNS in an open configuration to allow coupling with life support lines before the neonate is placed. The sealing mechanism is pre-positioned to enable rapid transition to a closed protective environment before transfer begins.
3Reliability
If a sealed chamber is used to protect the neonate during transfer, then exposure to external environment is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CLNS is designed with movable flaps that can transition between open and closed configurations. This dynamic structure allows the support to adapt its shape and sealing characteristics based on whether it is being coupled to life support lines or is in the protected transfer mode, reducing the need for completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber and CLNS system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the neonate, creates a sealed protective environment, and interfaces with life support connection lines. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective devices.
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
Enables safe transfer of neonates to MRI devices while maintaining continuous life support, preventing exposure to external environments and minimizing risks associated with disconnection of life-supporting lines.
Implementation Method 1
the CLNS is constructed from magnetic field permeable materials
Data Source
AI summary
A premature neonate closed life support system (NCLSS) including: at least one chamber confining a cradle-like neonate support (CLNS) having suitable dimensions and geometric-configuration for accommodating at least one premature neonate having at least two operational configurations, said operational configurations comprising: a first operational OPEN configuration whereby said CLNS is adapted to couple said neonate to at least one life supporting system by means of at least one life supporting coupling line, prior to positioning said CLNS in a medical device; and a second operational air-tight CLOSED configuration whereby said neonate remains continuously coupled to said at least one supporting system by means of at least one life supporting coupling line, when positioning said CLNS within said medical device. The OPEN and CLOSED configurations are reversible.