Thermal Control Unit with Customizable Alarm Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal control systems for patient temperature management lack user-friendly customization options, making them inefficient for use by different individuals and for various treatment types, as they do not allow for easy adaptation of alarm settings and sensor usage based on user, location, or therapy type.
Innovation Solution
A thermal control unit with an auxiliary sensor input, customizable alarm conditions, and a user interface that allows for customization of treatment profiles, including the selection of auxiliary sensors and alarm characteristics, based on user input, location, and therapy type, enabling tailored temperature control for patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the thermal control unit includes fixed alarm conditions and sensor settings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different users and therapy types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts alarm conditions and sensor selections based on the detected therapy type. The controller automatically adjusts alarm thresholds, alarm intervals, and required auxiliary sensors according to the selected therapy mode (e.g., cardiac arrest, neurosurgery, fever treatment), allowing the device to transform from a static configuration to a dynamic, context-aware system that optimizes settings for each specific clinical scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as alarm thresholds, alarm intervals, and sensor requirements based on the therapy type. For example, different target temperature ranges and alarm limits are applied for hypothermia therapy versus fever treatment, and different auxiliary sensors are mandated for different therapy types, enabling the device to adapt its behavior to match clinical best practices for each specific therapy
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thermal control unit provides customization options for alarm conditions and sensor usage, then the adaptability to different users and therapy types is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically determining the appropriate alarm conditions, sensor requirements, and operational parameters based on the detected therapy type. The controller autonomously adjusts settings without requiring manual intervention from the operator, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability to different clinical scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures optimal alarm conditions and sensor selections for each therapy type based on established clinical guidelines. When a therapy type is selected, the system has already prepared the appropriate settings, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure complex parameters and reducing the cognitive load during critical patient care situations
3Productivity
If the system automatically selects auxiliary sensors based on therapy type, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal auxiliary sensor interface that can accommodate multiple types of sensors (e.g., ECG, SpO2, EtCO2, temperature probes) through a single standardized connection point. The controller universally manages different sensor types using a common communication protocol and data processing framework, enabling the system to support diverse therapy requirements without proportionally increasing hardware complexity
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 system enhances user efficiency and safety by allowing customizable alarm settings and sensor usage, adapting to different users, locations, and therapy types, ensuring precise patient temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger is adapted to add or remove heat from the fluid circulating in the circulation channel
Implementation Method 2
The pump circulates the fluid through the circulation channel from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet
Implementation Method 3
The fluid temperature sensor is adapted to sense a temperature of the fluid
Implementation Method 4
The patient temperature sensor is adapted to receive patient temperature readings from a patient temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal control unit for controlling a patient's temperature includes a fluid outlet for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to a patient, a fluid inlet for receiving the fluid back, a pump, a heat exchanger, a controller, a patient temperature port for receiving patient temperature readings, a memory, a user interface, and an auxiliary input. In some embodiments, the controller is adapted to display an indication on the display identifying a type of auxiliary sensor that the user should couple to the auxiliary input in order to carry out the thermal therapy session. The memory may contain a set of alarm conditions and the controller may be adapted to allow a user to customize the set of alarm conditions. The controller may also display a combined graph showing both patient temperature readings and auxiliary input readings with respect to time.