Thermal Pad Integrated Filter for Fluid Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal control systems for patients lack effective means to continuously filter and purify the circulating fluid, particularly to remove bacteria and other microorganisms, which can lead to infections and compromised patient safety.
Innovation Solution
Integration of fluid filters within the thermal pads used in the thermal control system, ensuring that each new set of disposable pads automatically incorporates fresh filters, thereby continuously filtering the circulating fluid without the need for manual filter changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual filter changes are implemented in thermal control systems, then filtration reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is merged with the disposable thermal pad, creating an integrated filtration system. The filter becomes an inherent component of the pad assembly, eliminating the need for separate filter installation and maintenance. This integration ensures that filtration capability is always present when the pad is in use, while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating standalone filter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is incorporated into a disposable thermal pad that is replaced with each patient or treatment cycle. This approach uses inexpensive, single-use filters that are discarded along with the pad, eliminating the need for complex filter maintenance, sterilization, or replacement procedures. The disposable nature ensures fresh filtration capability without operational burden.
2Extent of automation
If filters are integrated into disposable thermal pads, then automation of filter replacement is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is combined with the thermal pad into a single integrated component during manufacturing. This merging allows the filter to be positioned and secured within the pad structure using standard manufacturing techniques, achieving automated filter replacement through pad replacement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal pad is designed as a discrete, replaceable module that contains the filter as an integrated sub-component. This segmentation allows the entire pad-filter assembly to be manufactured separately and then attached to the thermal control system, simplifying both pad manufacturing and system integration while enabling automatic filter replacement through pad exchange.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous filtration is implemented through disposable pads, then patient safety is improved, but loss of substance increases due to frequent pad replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable thermal pad with integrated filter is replaced with each patient or treatment cycle, ensuring fresh filtration capability and preventing bacterial contamination. While this does result in some fluid loss during pad replacement, the use of inexpensive disposable pads makes this acceptable compared to the risk of infection from reusing contaminated filters or pads.
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 implementation of integrated fluid filters in thermal pads ensures continuous filtration and purification of the circulating fluid, reducing the risk of bacterial and microorganism contamination, thereby enhancing patient safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The filter sheet has a first surface facing toward the first sheet and a second surface facing toward the second sheet. The filter sheet is positioned within the fluid chamber such that fluid entering the fluid inlet must pass through the filter sheet before exiting out of the fluid outlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal pad is adapted to be placed in physical contact with a patient and to receive temperature controlled fluid from a thermal control unit. The temperature controlled fluid circulates through the thermal pad and controls the patient's temperature. The thermal pad includes first and second sheets that are sealed together about their periphery to define a fluid chamber there between. A fluid inlet and fluid outlet are fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber. In some embodiments, a filter sheet is sandwiched between the first and second sheets and arranged such that fluid entering the fluid inlet must pass through the filter sheet before exiting out of the fluid outlet. A plurality of bonds may be included that seal the first and second sheets together at a plurality of locations. In some embodiments, a non-sheet filter is positioned within the fluid chamber and filters the circulating fluid.