System for combating hypothermia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for preventing hypothermia during medical procedures lack the ability to ensure the proper and disposable use of heating mat covers, leading to potential complications such as cover reuse and incorrect system preparation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a heating mat, control unit, and disposable cover with a removable RFID tag that ensures proper use by activating the heating mat only when a suitable cover is applied, tracking usage time, and limiting reactivations, thereby preventing incorrect preparation and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable covers are used without verification mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential reuse or incorrect usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through RFID tags that provide verification signals to the control unit. The tag transmits identification information that confirms proper cover placement and usage status, creating a closed-loop verification system that maintains reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification mechanisms with electromagnetic RFID technology. Instead of relying on physical inspection or mechanical verification of cover status, the system uses radio frequency identification to automatically verify cover placement and usage, eliminating complex mechanical verification systems.
2Reliability
If RFID verification systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The verification functionality is extracted into a separate, removable RFID tag component. This allows the core heating mat to remain simple while the verification logic resides in the independent tag and control unit, reducing overall system complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag serves multiple functions: identification, usage verification, and data storage. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If usage information is stored and tracked, then reliability is improved through better monitoring, but loss of information worsens due to potential data loss or corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates redundant copies of usage information by storing data both in the RFID tag and in the control unit. This duplication ensures that even if one storage location fails or is lost, the information remains preserved in the other location, maintaining reliability while preventing information loss.
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 the proper and hygienic use of heating mat covers, reducing the risk of complications by ensuring the cover is disposable and correctly applied, while allowing for the recording and storage of operational data for long-term analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The tag comprises an electronic circuit adapted to transmit a radio frequency response signal in response to the reception of a radio frequency trigger signal
Implementation Method 2
The control unit is connected to the heating means of the heating mat to control its operation in order to bring the heating mat to a desired temperature
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (1) for preventing hypothermia. The system (1) comprises: a heating mat (10) comprising heating means, a control unit (20) and a cover (30) for the heating mat (10). The control unit (20) is connected to the heating means of the heating mat (10) to control its operation in order to bring the heating mat (10) to a desired temperature. Advantageously, the system (1) comprises a removable tag (31) associated with the cover (30). The removable tag (31) comprises an electronic circuit (311, 312) adapted to transmit a radio frequency response signal in response to the reception of a radio frequency trigger signal. In addition, the control unit (20) comprises a receiving portion (22) adapted to receive the removable tag (31) once separated from the cover (30), and is adapted to activate the mat heating means (10) if it receives the response signal after transmitting the activation signal.