RF Fluid Warmer Waveguide Uniform Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for warming therapeutic fluids, such as intravenous fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions, face challenges including non-uniform heating, energy inefficiency, portability issues, and safety concerns due to the formation of hotspots and the need for additional equipment that disrupts the sterile delivery system.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency fluid warmer system that uses a waveguide with electromagnetic ports, a radio frequency generator, and temperature sensors to uniformly warm fluids by controlling the power level of the RF energy, avoiding the need for cartridges and ensuring a matched waveguide condition to prevent hotspot formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If microwave heating is used to warm therapeutic fluids, then heating speed is improved, but uniformity of heating deteriorates due to hotspot formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoiduniformity of heating

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heating process by introducing multiple RF energy sources positioned at different locations within the fluid container, allowing independent control of heating zones to eliminate hotspots while maintaining rapid heating throughout the fluid volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by varying the RF energy distribution across different regions of the fluid, using position-dependent heating intensity to ensure uniform temperature distribution while maintaining high heating speed in each local zone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If conduction heating methods are used to pass blood through heated conduits, then heating uniformity is improved, but energy efficiency and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating uniformityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical conduction heating system with an electromagnetic field-based RF heating system, eliminating the need for physical contact with heated surfaces and enabling portable, energy-efficient heating while maintaining uniform temperature distribution through controlled RF energy penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If conventional microwave ovens are used to heat blood bags, then heating speed is improved, but safety deteriorates due to hotspot formation damaging blood components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoiddamage to blood components

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by incorporating temperature sensors that continuously monitor the fluid temperature and adjust the RF energy output in real-time, preventing hotspot formation and blood component damage while maintaining rapid heating speed through dynamic energy modulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional equipment such as cartridges are introduced in the fluid delivery apparatus, then heating capability is improved, but device complexity and contamination risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating function directly into the fluid delivery container by integrating RF energy sources and control systems within the existing blood bag or fluid container structure, eliminating the need for separate cartridges or external heating equipment while maintaining heating capability and reducing contamination risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient, uniform, and portable fluid warming that minimizes the risk of contamination and infection, while maintaining a sterile delivery system, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a source of electromagnetic energy coupled to the first electromagnetic port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency electromagnetic heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

a termination coupled to the second electromagnetic port for preserving a matched waveguide condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12028957B1Radio frequency fluid warmer and method

Publication Date: 2024.07.02 ADVANCED MEDICAL DEVICE TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The present invention is generally a radio frequency apparatus for warming fluids such as IV fluids. In exemplary embodiments, a uniform warming of fluids is achieved by exposing a fluid-carrying tube to Radio Frequency (RF) energy. The RF energy may be supplied by an RF generator, which is coupled to a waveguide. The waveguide typically includes an inlet into which a fluid tube may be introduced. Inside the waveguide, a pathway may be formed wherein the fluid tube may rest in a predetermined position. In exemplary embodiments, the pathway guides the positioning of the tube along a transmission-line length of the waveguide, in a manner such that the tube gradually approaches an electromagnetic field inside the waveguide and exits at a second terminal end of the waveguide. Having absorbed energy supplied from the RF generator, the fluid inside the tube exits the apparatus warmed to a desired temperature.