Reusable Thermal Compression Core with Disposable Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for thermal compression therapy are costly, prone to contamination, and have limitations in fluid distribution and temperature monitoring, especially when reused, and lack effective sterilization methods due to delicate core structures and the inability to directly measure skin temperature under the therapy core.
Innovation Solution
A reusable core system with a disposable outer cover that prevents fluid contamination and includes a temperature nodule for skin temperature monitoring, allowing for easy reuse and improved fluid distribution through separate channels for heating, cooling, and compression therapy, compatible with existing controllers and pneumatic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the core is reused after treatment, then cost is reduced, but contamination risk increases and sterilization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: a reusable core component and a disposable cover. The core contains the expensive tubing and channels that can be sterilized and reused, while the cover that contacts the patient is discarded after single use. This segmentation allows the expensive components to be reused without contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
A disposable cover acts as an intermediary between the reusable core and the patient's body. This cover prevents direct contact between the core and bodily fluids, eliminating contamination risk while allowing the core to be reused. The cover is inexpensive and designed for single-use disposal.
2Reliability
If the core is sterilized for reuse, then hygiene is improved, but the delicate structure may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sterilizable core from the disposable cover. The core can be sterilized using appropriate methods without damage, while the cover is discarded after single use, eliminating the need to sterilize delicate components.
3Ease of operation
If the core is wrapped around the joint, then therapy is delivered, but fluid distribution becomes poor due to folding and obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The core is designed with flexible tubing and channels that can bend and conform to the joint's shape without folding back on themselves. The tubing is constructed to maintain patency during joint flexion, ensuring continuous fluid distribution even when the core is wrapped around a moving joint.
4Reliability
If the core is placed under the cover, then the core is protected from contamination, but skin temperature cannot be directly monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable cover serves as an intermediary that allows temperature monitoring without compromising core hygiene. Temperature sensors can be integrated into the cover or positioned to contact the skin through the cover material, enabling accurate temperature measurement while the core remains protected from contamination.
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 system provides a cost-effective, hygienic, and reliable thermal compression therapy solution by allowing multiple uses of the core, ensuring accurate temperature monitoring and effective fluid distribution, reducing the risk of overheating or overcooling, and maintaining performance even with joint flexion.
Implementation Method 1
heated fluids, chilled fluids, and/or air pressure can be administered to the injured area when the core is applied to or wrapped around the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
an external control device provides a mechanical pumping and circulation force as well as an automated control of the pneumatic forces
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a combined DVT and compression therapy to a patient is provided. The method includes providing a control unit configured to condition heat transfer fluid and to selectively provide a compressed gas, providing a thermal compression device that is mountable to a select portion of the patient, and programming the control unit to supply heat transfer fluid to the thermal compression device and to supply compressed gas to the thermal compression device.