Portable Patient Temperature Adjustment Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting core body temperature, such as those used in treating hypothermia, face challenges in efficiently transferring heat due to peripheral vasoconstriction and require bulky equipment, limiting portability and effectiveness, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A portable device comprising a thermal transfer sleeve, pressure chamber, and control unit that applies pulsating negative pressure and adjustable temperature to a patient's limb, minimizing liquid use and enabling in situ or in transit temperature adjustments without the need for a large reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal energy is delivered to the body surface to treat hypothermia, then heat transfer to the core is attempted, but peripheral vasoconstriction reduces blood flow at the periphery and limits effective heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies pulsating negative pressure in cycles, alternating between negative pressure phases that promote vasodilation and blood flow, and release phases. This periodic action overcomes peripheral vasoconstriction by creating rhythmic pressure changes that enhance blood flow to the skin surface, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency from the skin to the core during hypothermia treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the pressure parameter by applying negative pressure (vacuum) to the limb within the pressure chamber. This parameter change causes vasodilation of blood vessels in the treated limb, increasing blood flow and transforming the peripheral circulation state from constricted to dilated,ไป่ enabling more effective heat transfer to the core
2Temperature
If a liquid reservoir system is used to apply pressure and thermal energy to a limb, then heat and pressure transfer is achieved, but the equipment becomes bulky and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the large liquid reservoir from the system. Instead of using a reservoir to store and pump liquid for pressure and heat transfer, the system uses a compact pressure chamber that directly applies negative pressure to the limb. This extraction of the reservoir component dramatically reduces device size and weight while maintaining the essential function of pressure and thermal energy application
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces liquid-based pressure application with pneumatic negative pressure (vacuum) generation. The pressure chamber uses a pump to create negative pressure directly within the chamber, eliminating the need for liquid reservoirs and hydraulic systems. This pneumatic approach achieves the same pressure and heat transfer effects with much more compact components, improving portability for emergency and in-transit use
3Productivity
If negative pressure is applied to a limb to reduce peripheral vasoconstriction, then blood flow increases and heat transfer improves, but the system requires bulky equipment that limits portability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the pressure application function and thermal energy delivery function into a single integrated pressure chamber system. The thermal transfer sleeve is positioned within the pressure chamber, combining vasodilation (via negative pressure) and heat transfer (via thermal blanket or heating elements) into one unified device. This merging eliminates the need for separate bulky systems while achieving both blood flow enhancement and efficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a flexible thermal transfer sleeve that can conform to the limb shape and is positioned within the pressure chamber. This flexible component allows efficient thermal contact with the limb surface while being compact and adaptable. The flexible nature of the sleeve enables the system to maintain portability while ensuring effective heat transfer across the skin surface during negative pressure application
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 efficiently heats or cools a patient's core body temperature by maximizing blood flow and reducing the impact of environmental conditions, enhancing portability and rapid temperature adjustment in critical situations like search and rescue or emergency medicine.
Implementation Method 1
Vasodilated skin regions, particularly on the forearm, can make efficient heat transfer surfaces. One system that applies negative pressure to a limb to reduce peripheral vasoconstriction
Implementation Method 2
thermal transfer sleeve... heat transfer element for applying an adjustment temperature within the casing
Implementation Method 3
thermal energy is delivered to the surface the limb using a thermal blanket, heat lamp or chemical heating elements
Implementation Method 4
The thermal transfer sleeve may be adapted to receive a limb of the patient and to be wetted such that the thermal transfer sleeve is in contact with the surface of the limb and air between the thermal transfer sleeve and the limb is minimized
Implementation Method 5
the control unit may be connectable to the pressure chamber and adapted, when connected to the pressure chamber, to alternatingly introduce and release a negative pressure within the pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for the in situ or in transit adjustment of the core body temperature of a patient. Devices according to some embodiments include a control unit and pressure chamber adapted to apply a pulsating negative pressure to a limb of the patient. An adjustment temperature applied during the application of the pulsating pressure can heat or cool the patient as necessary. Devices and methods disclosed herein can provide for efficient heating and/or cooling of a patient. In addition, devices and methods provide such functionality in a portable device that can be manually carried by an individual.