Underbody convective blanket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underbody blankets face difficulties in maintaining seal integrity when arms are extended, leading to potential tearing and challenging placement on surgical beds, which affects handling and airflow distribution.
Innovation Solution
A full-size convective underbody blanket with elongate openings and non-ending seals, along with tuck flaps for support and secure positioning, enhances airflow distribution and prevents seal tearing by using rows of apertures and strategically placed inlet ports for efficient heated air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elongate seals with perforations are used to allow arm extension, then patient comfort and positioning are improved, but the seals are difficult to tear and seal integrity may be compromised during placement
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket is divided into inflatable and non-inflatable sections along the longitudinal edges, with the non-inflatable sections containing the elongate openings for arm extension. This segmentation allows the arm-opening areas to be structurally distinct from the main warming chambers, enabling arm passage without compromising the integrity of the sealed inflatable portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-inflatable body area acts as an intermediary zone between the two inflatable chambers. The elongate openings are positioned within this non-inflatable section, providing a controlled pathway for arm extension that does not require tearing through the sealed inflatable portions of the blanket.
2Ease of operation
If the blanket is pulled along the surgical bed for placement, then positioning is achieved, but the seals may tear affecting handling
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket is designed with tuck flaps attached to the longitudinal edges that can be used to grip and manipulate the blanket during placement. These flaps provide predetermined grip points that allow the blanket to be pulled and positioned without placing stress on the sealed portions, preventing accidental tearing during the placement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-inflatable body area serves as a stress-absorbing intermediary zone during blanket placement. When the blanket is pulled along the surgical bed, the non-inflatable section with its elongate openings can accommodate the mechanical stress without compromising the integrity of the sealed inflatable chambers.
3Productivity
If rows of apertures are provided between non-inflatable area and elongate openings, then airflow distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: inflatable chambers for warming, non-inflatable sections for structural stability and arm access, and intermediate zones with aperture rows for airflow management. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently, with the aperture rows positioned in less critical structural areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the blanket are given different properties: the inflatable chambers have sealed surfaces for heat retention, the non-inflatable areas provide structural support and arm access, and the intermediate zones between them contain rows of apertures to facilitate airflow. This local differentiation optimizes airflow distribution without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire blanket.
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 solution ensures even airflow distribution and secure placement, preventing seal tearing and improving patient warming efficiency while allowing easy repositioning and secure attachment to the surgical table.
Implementation Method 1
heated input via the inlet port to inflate the structure to escape... the heated air output on those respective rows of apertures is directed to the patient
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A full body convective blanket has a head portion, a body portion and a foot portion. The head and foot portions each taper in a decreasing manner from a corresponding opposite side of the body portion to the head and foot ends, respectively, so that the blanket has a rectangular shaped body portion and head and foot portions that are shaped in the form of isosceles trapezoids. Two elongate openings are provided longitudinally along the body portion sandwiching a non-inflatable area. An opening is provided at the head portion of the blanket.