Self-Powered Fluid Warming Container for Sterile Surgical Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining saline solutions at body temperature during surgical procedures are inefficient, as the temperature of the solutions drops rapidly when removed from warming devices, necessitating frequent replacements and disrupting the sterile surgical field.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered fluid warming container and device equipped with a heating element, power source, and switch, allowing for selective temperature control to maintain liquids at or near human body temperature for extended periods, even when not connected to an external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single saline warmer is shared across multiple operating rooms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature stability of the liquid deteriorates because the liquid cools rapidly when removed from the warmer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized warming system into individual portable warming containers that can be distributed to each operating room. Each container independently maintains liquid temperature, eliminating the need for a single shared warmer and the associated temperature instability when liquids are transported.
Solution Approach 2:
Each portable warming container is self-contained with its own heating element and power source, allowing it to autonomously maintain liquid temperature without requiring a centralized warming system. This self-service capability ensures temperature stability even when the container is moved between locations.
2Duration of action of moving object
If liquid is kept in a basin or bottle for extended periods, then the duration of action increases, but the temperature drops rapidly causing the liquid to become unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The portable warming container provides continuous heating action to maintain liquid temperature throughout the entire surgical procedure. The heating element operates continuously or intermittently to counteract heat loss, ensuring the liquid remains at the required temperature for the full duration of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The warming system dynamically adjusts heating based on temperature feedback, activating the heating element when temperature drops and deactivating when the target temperature is reached. This dynamic control maintains optimal temperature throughout the procedure duration.
3Productivity
If the circulating nurse must exit the operating room to retrieve warm liquid, then the productivity decreases due to disruptions, but the temperature stability is maintained during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The portable warming container serves multiple functions: it warms liquid, maintains temperature during storage, and can be positioned within the operating room for immediate access. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage and warming locations, improving workflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid is pre-warmed in the portable container before the surgical procedure begins and remains warmed throughout the procedure. This preliminary warming action eliminates the need for repeated trips to retrieve warm liquid during surgery, saving time and improving productivity.
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
Ensures that saline solutions remain at a consistent, sterile, and safe temperature throughout surgical procedures, reducing stress on patients and improving healing by maintaining the temperature of liquids within the container or device for the duration of the surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, a power source, and a switch electrically connected to the power source and the heating element. The switch is configured to selectively control a flow of electrical current from the power source to the heating element, whereby when the heating element receives the flow of electrical current, a temperature of the heating element increases
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a fluid warming container and a fluid warming device are described. The fluid warming container defines an interior volume arranged to receive a liquid. The fluid warming container also includes a heating element, a power source, and a switch configured to selectively control a flow of electrical current from the power source to the heating element to warm the liquid. The fluid warming device includes an elongate housing, a heating element, a power source, and a switch configured to selectively control a flow of electrical current from the power source to the heating element to warm a liquid in contact with the fluid warming device.