Thermo Electric Thermal Therapy System for Critical Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal therapy systems for critical care, particularly in neonatal and mobile settings, face challenges with slow and inaccurate temperature control, leading to potential thermal overshoot and limited usability due to dependence on single power forms.
Innovation Solution
A critical care thermal therapy system utilizing Thermo Electric Components (TEC) for generating heat and cold, with real-time monitoring and response capabilities, operable on both AC and DC current, and a portable configuration, incorporating multiple temperature sensors for precise temperature control and fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art thermal therapy systems are used, then thermal therapy can be provided to patients, but temperature control is slow and inaccurate leading to thermal overshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor patient body temperature and feed this information back to the control module. The control module adjusts the thermal therapy delivery based on this real-time feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates time delays and prevents thermal overshoot by responding immediately to temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical thermal control systems with an electronically controlled system using TEC (thermo-electric) components. This substitution enables faster response times and more precise temperature control through electronic regulation rather than mechanical means, directly addressing the slow and inaccurate temperature control issues of prior art systems.
2Measurement precision
If thermal therapy systems are designed for critical care, then accurate temperature control is achieved, but the systems become dependent on single power forms limiting mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with universal power compatibility, incorporating both AC and DC power input capabilities. This allows the thermal therapy system to operate in diverse environments including stationary hospital settings (AC power) and mobile critical care situations (DC power from vehicles or portable generators), eliminating dependence on a single power source and enhancing adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If thermal therapy is provided in mobile critical care settings, then patient care accessibility is improved, but system reliability is compromised due to power limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating dual power input capabilities (AC and DC), the system maintains reliability in mobile settings without compromising performance. The DC power capability ensures operation in vehicles or portable facilities while AC power provides stable operation in fixed locations, giving users the reliability they need regardless of the mobility context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can adapt its operational parameters based on the power source being used. When DC power is available in mobile settings, the system adjusts its power consumption and thermal delivery parameters to match the available power capacity, maintaining reliable operation across different power conditions while preserving critical care functionality.
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 provides efficient, accurate, and rapid thermal therapy with reduced overshoot, ensuring effective patient care in both stationary and mobile environments, while being independent of a single power source and offering low noise and vibration operation.
Implementation Method 1
A critical care thermal therapy system utilizing Thermo Electric Components (TEC) for generating heat and cold
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature sensor in thermal communication with the patient and remotely disposed from the temperature control module
Implementation Method 3
a recirculating, temperature controlled fluid flow network adapted for patient care
Data Source
AI summary
A critical care thermal therapy system incorporating a remote temperature sensor in association with a thermal module adapted for delivering a fluid to a patient in response to the sensed temperature thereof.