Rotatable Fluid Joints for Flexible TTM Gel Pad Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TTM systems face challenges in adjusting the orientation of fluid delivery lines with respect to thermal contact pads, making it difficult for clinicians to apply pads in the desired position and orientation, which affects thermal energy exchange with the patient.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable joint is integrated between the fluid conduit and the thermal contact pad, allowing for the fluid delivery line to be rotated relative to the pad, facilitating easy adjustment of the pad's position and orientation during application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fluid delivery line is attached to the pad in a fixed orientation, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates as clinicians cannot adjust the pad's position and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed connection between the fluid delivery line and the pad with a rotatable joint. This joint includes a first member attached to the fluid delivery line and a second member attached to the pad, allowing relative rotation between them. The dynamic connection enables clinicians to adjust the pad's orientation and position freely during application while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid delivery line is fixed in orientation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as the pad cannot be positioned in desired orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable joint provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the fluid delivery line to rotate relative to the pad. This enables the pad to be positioned in various orientations to accommodate different patient anatomies and clinical requirements, while the joint's simple mechanical design prevents excessive complexity from being introduced into the overall device.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical pad for exchanging thermal energy between a targeted temperature management (TTM) fluid and a patient is disclosed. The pad can include a fluid containing layer and a fluid conduit attached therewith via rotatable joint where the joint is configured to facilitate rotation of the fluid conduit with respect to the pad. A method of manufacturing the pad can include coupling a first member of the rotatable joint to a fluid delivery line, coupling the second member to the fluid containing layer, and inserting the first member within an opening of the second member to facilitate a snap-fit retention mechanism between first member and the second member. A method of using the pad can include rotating the fluid delivery line relative to the thermal pad via the rotatable joint when initially applying the pad to the patient or when adjusting an orientation of the pad on the patient.