Cold Therapy Device Using a Heat Exchanger

Abstract

The application discloses a cold therapy system, comprising a cooling tank; a treatment pad; a heat exchanger; a first passage fluidly connecting the cooling tank with the heat exchanger; a second passage fluidly connecting the heat exchanger with the inlet of the treatment pad; a third passage fluidly connects the outlet of the therapy pad with the heat exchanger; and a fourth passage fluidly connects the outlet of the heat exchanger with the cooling tank.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to orthopedics, and more particularly to the therapeutic cooling or heating of sores or injured body parts. Background technique [0002] It is known to use cooling water to cool and soothe wounds or injured body parts. For example, US Patent Nos. 5,241,951 and 5,330,519 describe cold therapy devices that use cooling water. The aforementioned patent requires a variable flow restrictor for temperature control. The more restrictive the flow restrictor is, the less water will flow through the cooling pad, resulting in a warmer therapy pad. The less restrictive the flow restrictor, the more water will flow through the cooling pad, resulting in a cooler therapy pad. [0003] Although known devices provide therapeutic cooling, these devices have certain drawbacks. For example, temperature control of some of these devices is difficult, leading to instances where the water is frozen to an uncomfortable degree for the...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0003] Although known devices provide therapeutic cooling, these devices have certain drawbacks

For example, temperature control of some of these devices is difficult, leading to instances where the water is frozen to the point of discomfort for the patient

Also, certain devices cause the ice to melt too quickly, depleting the thermal potential of the device

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