Self-Managed Scalp Cooling Cap with Phase Change Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hypothermia systems for treating hair loss during chemotherapy and ischemic injuries are cumbersome, require trained personnel, and are not easily self-managed, leading to inefficiencies and reduced accessibility due to high costs and complex equipment needs.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-managed hypothermia system featuring a conformal cap with a thermally conductive liquid and phase change material, controlled by a smart mobile device, allowing users to maintain scalp temperature without assistance, using a thermally insulated cooler system with a microprocessor and uninterruptible power source for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigeration systems or multi-faceted head wraps are used for hypothermia treatment, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and requirement for trained personnel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The head wrap is divided into multiple modular sections (first head wrap section, second head wrap section, third head wrap section) that can be independently assembled and adjusted. Each section contains its own cooling chambers and fastening mechanisms, allowing the device to be configured for different head sizes and treatment requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The head wrap incorporates self-adjusting fastening mechanisms including Velcro straps, snap fasteners, and elastic components that automatically adapt to different head circumferences. The device is designed to be self-applied by users without requiring trained personnel for installation or operation, while maintaining effective cooling contact with the scalp.
2Temperature
If cold packs precooled by dry ice or refrigeration systems are used, then initial cooling capacity is improved, but duration of action is insufficient requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system utilizes phase change materials that transition from solid to liquid state at controlled temperatures, absorbing large amounts of heat during the phase transition. This provides sustained cooling effect throughout the chemotherapy treatment period without requiring frequent replacement of cold packs.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cooling sections are integrated into a single continuous head wrap structure, with cooling chambers distributed throughout the fabric. This combines the cooling capacity of multiple cold packs into one unified device that can maintain therapeutic scalp temperature throughout the entire treatment duration.
3Reliability
If complex hypothermia systems requiring trained personnel are deployed, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but accessibility and availability to users decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The head wrap is designed as a self-applied device with intuitive fastening mechanisms and clear user instructions. Patients can independently don and doff the device without assistance from trained personnel, making the treatment accessible in various settings including at-home chemotherapy administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including variable tightening levels through multiple strap positions, selectable cooling intensities through different phase change material formulations, and adaptable fit for various head sizes. These parameter adjustments allow the system to maintain effective cooling while being operated by non-expert users.
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 effective, low-cost, and accessible scalp cooling for hair preservation during chemotherapy and rapid treatment of brain trauma, allowing users to manage the system independently and maintain cooling during transit or away from treatment centers.
Implementation Method 1
a conformal cap system for the user's body part wherein the conformal cap system further comprises a continuous conduit having a plurality of windings to substantially encapsulate the body part
Implementation Method 2
controlling circulation of the thermal transfer fluid through the conduit of the cap system
Implementation Method 3
storing a thermal transfer fluid and a phase change material in the tank of the thermally insulated cooler system
Implementation Method 4
a thermally insulated cooler system further comprising a thermally insulated tank connected to the inlet connector and outlet connector of the conformal cap system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method to enable a user to use a hypothermia system to cool a body part involved in cancer therapy or in brain trauma. The method enables the user to operate the hypothermia system by her- or himself and still be mobile. The hypothermia system comprises a conformal cap system, a thermally conductive liquid located between the body part to be cooled and the cap system, thermal transfer fluids, phase change materials, thermally insulated cooler, physical measuring devices, mechanical and electrical components, a ‘smart’ user interface device, a battery, and an uninterruptible power controller. The method allows a user to control the rate of and temperature of cooling down the body part, exhibits parameters associated with the process of cooling the body part, provides alerts if necessary, is portable and entirely self-managed. The hypothermia device is in communication with and can be controlled by an application installed on a smart device, such as a phone. The method of using the hypothermia system can help to eliminate hair loss caused by the side effects of certain chemotherapy treatments or to reduce the metabolic rate of ischemic tissue to prevent or minimize the severity of swelling.