Thermal Pad Assembly With Rotatable Fluid Joint for Easier Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TTM systems face challenges in adjusting the orientation of fluid delivery lines with respect to thermal contact pads, making it difficult for clinicians to apply pads in the desired position and orientation, which affects thermal energy exchange with the patient.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable joint is integrated between the fluid conduit and the thermal contact pad, allowing for the fluid delivery line to be rotated relative to the pad, facilitating easy adjustment of the pad's position and orientation during application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fluid delivery line is attached to the pad in a fixed orientation, then the pad structure is simple and stable, but the clinician cannot adjust the orientation of the fluid delivery line when applying the pad to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a rotatable joint between the fluid delivery line and the pad, transforming the fixed connection into a dynamic, adjustable connection. This allows the fluid delivery line to rotate relative to the pad body, enabling clinicians to orient the line in different directions (e.g., anteriorly, posteriorly, laterally) based on patient anatomy and clinical needs, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid delivery line is fixed in a specific direction, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the pad cannot be positioned optimally for thermal energy exchange with the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable joint enables the fluid delivery line to be positioned in various orientations relative to the pad, allowing the pad to be adapted to different patient positions and anatomical locations. The joint can be manufactured as a separate component and assembled into the pad, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fluid delivery system into distinct components: the pad body and the fluid delivery line connected via a rotatable joint. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and then assembled, providing flexibility in positioning while keeping the manufacturing process manageable.
3Ease of operation
If the fluid delivery line is rigidly attached to the pad, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the clinician cannot rotate the line to extend it away from the pad in the desired direction
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable joint provides a dynamic connection that maintains fluid communication while allowing rotational movement. The joint is designed with features such as a receptacle with an opening that receives the fluid delivery line, enabling the line to rotate within a controlled range while maintaining a reliable fluid connection. This dynamic design allows orientation adjustment without compromising connection stability.
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
Enables flexible and efficient application of the thermal contact pad, enhancing thermal energy exchange with the patient by allowing for optimal pad positioning and orientation, thereby improving the effectiveness of targeted temperature management therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The joint includes a lumen extending through the joint, where the lumen establishes fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the fluid containing layer
Implementation Method 2
The pad is generally coupled with the TTM control module via the fluid delivery line where the fluid delivery to be attached to the pad in a fixed orientation... the ability to establish and maintain thermally intimate pad-to-patient contact is of importance to fully realizing medical efficacies with TTM systems
Data Source
AI summary
A medical pad for exchanging thermal energy between a targeted temperature management (TTM) fluid and a patient is disclosed. The pad can include a fluid containing layer and a fluid conduit attached therewith via rotatable joint where the joint is configured to facilitate rotation of the fluid conduit with respect to the pad. A method of manufacturing the pad can include coupling a first member of the rotatable joint to a fluid delivery line, coupling the second member to the fluid containing layer, and inserting the first member within an opening of the second member to facilitate a snap-fit retention mechanism between first member and the second member. A method of using the pad can include rotating the fluid delivery line relative to the thermal pad via the rotatable joint when initially applying the pad to the patient or when adjusting an orientation of the pad on the patient.