Disposable Scalp Cooling Cap with Freeze-Dried Reactant Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scalp cooling devices for chemotherapy patients are not disposable and require non-disposable liquid coolant systems or significant mechanical investments, making them unsuitable for easy replacement or use in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A disposable thermo-regulation cap with multi-chambered compartments containing reactants that trigger endothermic or exothermic reactions to alter scalp temperature, which is portable and adaptable for various medical applications, including chemotherapy-induced alopecia prevention, headache relief, and trauma care.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a non-disposable liquid coolant system is used for scalp cooling, then cooling effectiveness is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable freeze-dried ice packs that are single-use, eliminating the need for complex reusable cooling systems with liquid coolant loops, pumps, and thermal management infrastructure. Each ice pack is pre-frozen and activated by breaking a seal, providing simple, effective scalp cooling without mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cooling function from a complex liquid coolant system and isolates it into separate, self-contained freeze-dried ice packs. This separation allows the cooling element to be independently deployed and replaced without involving the entire cooling system, simplifying the overall device architecture
2Ease of operation
If a disposable cooling system is implemented, then ease of replacement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes freeze-drying (lyophilization) to transform water into a solid porous structure that can be stored at ambient temperatures. This parameter change in the physical state of water allows the ice packs to be manufactured, stored, and transported easily, then activated simply by adding moisture from the scalp, making them disposable yet manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
The ice packs are pre-frozen and freeze-dried during manufacturing, with drying channels and sealing structures pre-formed. This preliminary preparation allows the products to be stored ready-to-use without requiring complex assembly or activation procedures at the point of use, simplifying both manufacturing and deployment
3Measurement precision
If extensive mechanical linkages are used for thermal regulation, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The freeze-dried ice packs contain internal drying channels and capillary structures that automatically guide moisture from the scalp through the pack, enabling self-regulating heat transfer without mechanical pumps or controls. The structure itself performs the fluid management function, eliminating complex mechanical linkages
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 cap effectively reduces scalp temperature, preventing hair loss during chemotherapy, providing portable and disposable thermal management for medical conditions, and is configurable for multiple uses without extensive mechanical linkages or ancillary apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
each cell containing the reactants for an endothermic or exothermic reaction. Upon mixing the reactants, the endothermic or exothermic reaction takes place and cools or warms the wearer's scalp
Implementation Method 2
each cell containing the reactants for an endothermic or exothermic reaction. Upon mixing the reactants, the endothermic or exothermic reaction takes place and cools or warms the wearer's scalp
Implementation Method 3
the present invention is directed to a cap or other headgear that allows for the device to come into contact, or otherwise cool or warm the scalp
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a thermo-regulation device for treating an area with in need of thermal regulation. The invention includes a device configured to be fitted over an area in need of thermal regulation; wherein a plurality of cells are integral to the covering body, each cell is equipped with at least one of a plurality of reactants. Each cell of the present invention is in one configuration joined to a neighboring cell by a destructible barrier. The reactants are configured to produce a thermal event when combined with at least one other reactant.