Non-Removable Closure for Inflatable Blanket Air Inlet Port Resealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convective blankets face inefficiencies in maintaining air inlet port sealing during surgical procedures, leading to potential air leakage and time wastage due to the need to locate and reattach removable retainer parts, which can disrupt patient warming and surgical workflow.
Innovation Solution
A retainer with a bonded closure mechanism that remains attached to the blanket, featuring a flexible layer or hinged closure that seals the air inlet port, allowing easy reattachment and resealing without the need for separate components, ensuring air hose compatibility and maintaining blanket inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable retainer center portion is used to seal the air inlet port, then the air hose can be inserted and removed, but the closure is lost and requires searching and reattachment, causing time loss and air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is merged with the retainer body through permanent attachment methods (adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding, or heat sealing), creating a single integrated component. This eliminates the loss of the closure portion while maintaining the ability to insert and remove the air hose through the remaining sealed opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is segmented into two functional parts: a permanent closure portion that remains attached to the retainer body, and a removable center portion that accommodates the air hose. This segmentation allows the closure to stay with the retainer while still enabling hose access when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the retainer center portion is removed and discarded, then the air hose can be inserted, but the opening cannot be resealed, requiring taping and causing air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is permanently merged with the retainer body through bonding methods, ensuring it remains attached and functional for resealing. This integration guarantees that the closure is always available to maintain the seal, eliminating the need for external taping and preventing air leakage.
3Reliability
If a separate air inlet port plug is used to block the opening, then the port can be sealed, but it requires separate components and may be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure function is merged into the retainer assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate plugs or caps. The closure becomes an integral part of the retainer, reducing component count and eliminating the risk of losing separate sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it secures the air hose, seals the opening, and provides a reusable closure mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components like plugs or caps.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient resealing of air inlet ports with a one-handed operation, reducing air leakage and maintaining blanket inflation during surgical repositioning, thus enhancing patient warming and surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The surface of the layer that is to be in contact with the top surface of the retainer has an adhesive coating that would attach the flexible layer to the top surface of the retainer
Implementation Method 2
The closure may be a flexible layer that has its surface that faces the retainer coated with an adhesive so that the layer remains attached to the retainer to act as a barrier to seal or cover the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer with a closure mechanism not removable from the retainer is bonded to each of the air inlet openings of an inflatable convective thermal blanket. The bottom surface of the retainer is bonded to the blanket so that its orifice is in alignment with the opening into the blanket. The closure may be a flexible layer or sheet that is adhesively attached to the top surface of the retainer. An end portion of the flexible layer away from the orifice of the retainer may be press or die cut into the retainer so that the flexible layer is non-removably attached to the retainer when the user peels the releasably secured portion of the flexible layer away from the retainer to expose the air inlet opening. The closure can also be an extension of the retainer that is hingedly connected to the retainer so as to be able to be moved pivotally to cover the retainer. The closure has a configuration that allows it to be releasably secured to the retainer when it covers the orifice opening of the retainer.