Medical Fluid Probe Heat Spreader Thermal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical fluid probes lack the ability to effectively control the temperature of fluids or samples introduced or withdrawn from the body, leading to discomfort and potential sample degradation.

Innovation Solution

A medical fluid probe with a heat spreader structure and thermal energy source that allows for heating, cooling, or maintaining the temperature of the probe and fluid, utilizing heat pipes and a thermal energy source for precise thermoregulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a medical fluid probe is used without temperature control, then the device structure remains simple, but patient discomfort increases and sample quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid temperatureVSAvoidprobe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat spreader structure is integrated within the probe body, with heat pipes nested inside the probe shaft. The thermal energy source is positioned centrally, surrounded by the heat spreader elements, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides temperature control without significantly increasing external probe dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat spreader structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both a thermal management system and a structural component of the probe. The same heat spreader elements that control temperature also provide structural support and define the fluid chamber, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If heat pipes are added to the probe structure, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidheat spreader structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple heat pipes are merged into a single integrated heat spreader structure. The heat pipes are attached together to form a unified thermal management system that distributes heat evenly throughout the probe, reducing the need for multiple separate heating elements and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If thermal energy source is integrated into the probe, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature maintenanceVSAvoidthermal energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pipes utilize phase transitions of the working fluid within the heat pipe structure. The working fluid evaporates at the heating end, travels through the vapor channel, condenses at the cooling end, and returns to the heating end, efficiently transferring thermal energy with minimal energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 comfortable and efficient temperature-controlled fluid injection or sample retrieval, minimizing disruption and maintaining sample quality by maintaining optimal temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal energy source in thermal communication with the heat spreader structure; wherein the thermal energy source transfers heat between the heat spreader structure and the thermal energy source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the heat spreader structure includes heat pipes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat pipe: Heat Pipe

Data Source

PatentUS11771590B2Medical fluid probe with heat spreader structure and thermal energy source

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A medical fluid probe includes a heat spreader structure that defines therein a fluid chamber that is in fluid communication with an external environment around the probe, and a thermal energy source in thermal communication with the heat spreader structure. The heat spreader structure functions as both temperature-control elements and structural elements. A variety of separate structure elements, such as the heat pipes, may combine to form the heat spreader structure. The thermal energy source may be used to maintain the temperature of the heat spreader structure, such as by heating and/or cooling the heater spreader structure.