Thermal Pump Air Bubble Management via Segmented Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal pumps face issues with air bubbles in the water inlet, leading to diminished water flow and potential overheating, and patients may not perceive constant thermal therapy due to lack of temperature variation, which can result in inadequate treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The thermal pump system incorporates a planar aperture water inlet design to minimize air bubbles and a time therapy protocol that gradually increases and decreases water temperature to maintain patient perception of continuous therapy, along with a water flow monitor to ensure adequate water supply to the heater block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a protruding water inlet is used in the pump container, then water can be drawn from the water bath, but air bubbles are trapped in the inlet causing diminished water flow and potential overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet is divided into two separate openings: a primary water inlet positioned below the water line for continuous water supply, and a secondary air inlet positioned above the water line for air bubble removal. This segmentation allows the system to address both water flow and air bubble issues simultaneously through dedicated pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful air bubbles are extracted from the water flow path through a separate air inlet opening positioned above the water line. This extraction mechanism removes air bubbles before they can enter the pump container and cause flow obstruction or overheating, while maintaining continuous water supply through the submerged primary inlet.
2Reliability
If constant temperature is maintained in the thermal pump, then thermal therapy is continuously applied, but patients may not perceive the therapy due to lack of temperature variation
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system implements periodic variation in water temperature within a controlled range. Instead of maintaining a perfectly constant temperature, the system periodically adjusts temperature within ±2°F of the set point, creating perceptible thermal variations that enhance patient awareness and perception of continuous therapy while maintaining overall temperature stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the water inlet is positioned above the water line to avoid air bubbles, then air bubble issues are reduced, but water flow may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet system is segmented into two functional openings: a primary water inlet positioned below the water line to ensure adequate water flow, and a secondary air inlet positioned above the water line to remove air bubbles. This segmentation allows each opening to serve its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary air removal mechanism is introduced between the water inlet and the pump container. The air inlet opening positioned above the water line acts as an intermediary that allows air bubbles to be removed from the water flow path before the water enters the pump container, enabling the primary inlet to focus on water flow without air bubble interference.
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
This design reduces the likelihood of air bubbles and ensures consistent water flow, preventing overheating while maintaining patient engagement through perceived continuous thermal therapy, enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The wet compartment 29 contains a propeller 28... the shaft 26 rotates the propeller 28 in the predetermined direction. Thereby the water in the water bath 15 is pulled into the wet compartment 29 through the protruding water inlet 18.
Implementation Method 2
The heater block 100 contains conventional heating elements 102 interconnected to a conventional thermal control system 106... The heater block 100 warms the water to a desired temperature
Implementation Method 3
The T/Pump system also features timesaving controls and advanced security features... dependable thermistor actuated temperature controls, which allow the T/Pump to quickly set and maintain temperatures from 85° F. to 107° F.
Implementation Method 4
An o-ring 535 is positioned around the shaft 26 and within the aperture 31 to decrease the chance of water entering the dry compartment 25 and ensure the shaft 26 is properly positioned in the aperture 31.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a thermal pump for controlling air bubbles, thermal therapy to allow the patient to perceive that the thermal therapy is constantly being applied, and ensure the appropriate amount of water flows through the thermal pump.