Thermal Pad Temperature Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal pad systems fail to maintain a patient's body temperature effectively during medical procedures, as they often overheat or fail to adjust temperature dynamically, especially when dealing with patients of varying mass, and lack integration with IV fluid heating and room temperature sources.
Innovation Solution
A thermal pad system with a heating element, power unit, surface temperature sensors, and a temperature control circuit board that regulates the heating element's power based on sensor data to maintain a safe surface temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring temperature stability across multiple heat sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heating element is powered to maintain patient temperature, then the patient's body temperature is improved, but the surface temperature of the thermal pad may exceed safe temperature limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the surface temperature of the thermal pad via temperature sensors and adjusting the heating element power accordingly. The control circuit receives temperature signals and modulates the heating power to maintain surface temperature within safe limits while ensuring adequate heat transfer to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating element power output in real-time based on changing patient conditions and thermal pad temperature. The control circuit continuously modifies power delivery to adapt to varying patient mass, body composition, and thermal requirements, preventing static overheating issues.
2Temperature
If the heating element is powered to warm the patient, then the patient temperature is improved, but the system cannot respond appropriately to temperature changes throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors temperature and dynamically adjusts heating element power output in real-time. The system adapts to changing patient conditions, surgical environment, and thermal requirements throughout the procedure, providing flexible temperature management rather than static heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous temperature feedback from sensors to automatically adjust heating power. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond appropriately to temperature changes during the procedure without manual intervention, maintaining optimal patient temperature throughout.
3Temperature
If a blanket is used to keep warmth in the patient, then the patient temperature is improved, but the temperature cannot be controlled to the right level
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal pad system incorporates temperature sensors and control circuits that continuously monitor and adjust heating power based on real-time temperature feedback. This automated feedback control provides precise temperature management, eliminating the need for manual blanket adjustment and achieving accurate temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical temperature control (blankets) with an automated electronic control system. The control circuit uses electronic sensors and power regulation to automatically maintain target temperature, providing more precise and easier-to-operate temperature management compared to manual blanket methods.
4Temperature
If heated air is used to warm the patient, then the patient temperature is improved, but the heat transfer efficiency and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal pad acts as an intermediary between the heat source and the patient's body. The pad's heating element provides controlled, direct thermal contact with the patient, improving heat transfer efficiency and safety compared to indirect heated air methods. The pad surface temperature is carefully controlled to ensure safe and effective heat transfer.
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 effectively maintains a patient's body temperature within a safe range, preventing overheating and dynamically adjusting to changes in patient mass, while integrating with IV fluid heating and room temperature sources for comprehensive temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element to heat a surface of the thermal pad
Implementation Method 2
a temperature control circuit board embedded within the thermal pad and electrically coupled to the plurality of sensors and the heating element sensor, the temperature control circuit board operable to maintain a temperature at the surface of the thermal pad to a safe temperature based on the temperature detected by the plurality of sensors and the heating element sensor
Implementation Method 3
The patient's body would heat the surface temperature of the thermal pad above a selected safe temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
According to some embodiments, an apparatus for warming a patient on a thermal pad includes a heating element to heat a surface of the thermal pad. A power unit is operable to provide power to the heating element. Respective ones of a plurality of sensors are coupled to detect temperature at select portions of the surface of the thermal pad, while a heating element sensor is coupled to detect a temperature of the heating element. A temperature control circuit board is embedded within the thermal pad and is electrically coupled to the plurality of sensors and the heating element sensor. The temperature control circuit board is operable to limit a temperature at the surface of the thermal pad to a safe temperature based on the temperature detected by the plurality of sensors and the heating element sensor.