Device and method for cold / hot therapy with adjustable depth

Abstract

The present invention discloses a device capable of providing fixed-depth cold / heat therapy, comprising a first thermal therapy unit, a second thermal therapy unit, and a control unit. The first thermal therapy unit comprises a first heat and cold generator and a first therapy surface covering the first heat and cold generator, and the second thermal therapy unit comprises a second heat and cold generator and a second therapy surface covering the second heat and cold generator. The first therapy surface and the second therapy surface are connected by a thermal bridge having thermal resistance. The first and second thermal therapy units are each provided with a heat sink for dissipating heat / cold from the unit. The control unit is configured to control the operation of the first and second thermal therapy units and the heat sink. The present invention also discloses a therapy method. The present invention can effectively prevent incidental heat / frostbite to superficial tissues during fixed-depth cold / heat therapy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic thermal energy therapy, and in particular to a device and method capable of providing a predetermined depth of cold / heat therapy. Background Art

[0002] As people's material well-being improves, the proportion of people experiencing sub-health is increasing. Simultaneously, people's pursuit of health and aesthetics is also growing. To address sub-health conditions such as muscle soreness, sprains, stiff necks due to cold or heat, muscle stiffness, and pigmentation, people are trying a variety of methods, with the use of external devices becoming the mainstream of cold and hot therapy.

[0003] Specifically, by adopting various forms of microwave, electronic, visible, infrared, ultrasonic, hot / cold compress, etc., cold / hot therapy can be achieved for subcutaneous tissue, hair follicles, fat, muscles, ligaments, joints and other similar tissues. The main effects are: accelerating blood circulation, hindering pigment deposition, promoting healing, frostbite, collagen stimulation, internal tissue inflammation, slimming and body shaping, non-invasive wrinkle removal, skin wrinkle removal, whitening and even inhibiting the removal of certain subcutaneous cysts, tumors, hyperplasia, infection, etc.

[0004] However, in the process of the above-mentioned cold / heat flow, it is inevitable that the body will need to be subjected to local or large-scale cold / heat treatment. In this process, when the cold / heat physical quantities are input into the deep tissue, in order to achieve the effect of sufficient cold / heat therapy on the target tissue, the operator must control the freezing / high temperature at a relatively low / high temperature, and add sufficient freezing / heating time to achieve the input of the corresponding cold / heat physical quantities into the deep tissue and achieve the corresponding physical therapy effect. However, this process will inevitably cause the human epidermis and dermis system to be subjected to higher intensity and longer-term cold / heat flow treatment. Therefore, in the above-mentioned long-term high-intensity cold / heat therapy method, while achieving the purpose of physical therapy, the superficial cells and dermal tissue of the human body will be frozen / heated first, causing severe inflammatory reactions in patients and even direct skin ulcers.

[0005] Another common occurrence during heating / freezing procedures is when the treatment device lifts away from the skin. This can cause the local contact area to rapidly cool down / heat due to excessive heat / cold flow. Therefore, during the actual treatment, it is crucial to ensure good thermal contact between the device and the skin, ensuring there is no significant difference in thermal resistance between the applied heat / cold flow and the body. Otherwise, excessively rapid contact or a significant difference in thermal resistance can lead to extremely uneven heat / cold flow treatment, causing irreversible heat / cold damage to some deeper tissues and the superficial epidermis and dermis of the skin itself.

[0006] Irreversible tissue damage caused by excessive cooling or heating is caused by the nucleation and denaturation of some tissues at low or high temperatures, leading to membrane damage, tissue dehydration, and denaturation. These processes generally require sufficient time to develop. Specifically, the irreversible crystallization and dehydration process that occurs when tissues are supercooled typically requires external induction or a sufficiently long freezing period to trigger the actual crystallization process. A related patent document [Patent of a Skin Freezing System for Treating Acne and Skin Conditions by L.C. De Benedictis] specifically addresses the targeted induction of irreversible frostbite in human tissues at low temperatures by rapidly introducing inducing factors such as ice crystal nucleation. Similarly, tissue devitalization and dehydration at high temperatures (40-50°C) also requires a sustained period of time. Conversely, timely interruption of these processes by low temperatures can effectively prevent these irreversible tissue dehydration processes, such as peptide chain dehydration. Our application proposal is based on this approach. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of performing fixed-depth cold / heat therapy, which can effectively prevent superficial tissue from being injured by incidental heat / frostbite during the fixed-depth cold / heat therapy.

[0008] A device capable of providing fixed-depth cold / hot therapy, comprising a first thermal therapy unit, a second thermal therapy unit, and a control unit; the first thermal therapy unit comprising a first cold / heat generator and a first therapy surface wrapped around the first cold / heat generator; the second thermal therapy unit comprising a second cold / heat generator and a second therapy surface wrapped around the second cold / heat generator; the first therapy surface and the second therapy surface are connected via a thermal bridge having thermal resistance; both the first thermal therapy unit and the second thermal therapy unit are provided with a heat sink for dissipating their own heat / cold; the control unit is used to control the operation of the first thermal therapy unit, the second thermal therapy unit, and the heat sink.

[0009] In this solution, the main function of the first thermal therapy unit is to achieve internal cold / hot therapy at a certain depth through the skin. The second thermal therapy unit is mainly used to cooperate with the first thermal therapy unit to implement therapy, assisting in reducing the superficial incidental therapy damage caused by the first thermal therapy unit, while reducing skin sensitivity and improving the therapy experience. The specific treatments vary depending on the therapy goals.

[0010] Preferably, the first thermal energy therapy unit and the second thermal energy therapy unit are provided in single or multiple configurations and are alternately arranged.

[0011] Preferably, the thermal resistance of the thermal bridge is greater than the contact thermal resistance between the first / second therapy surface and the human body, and is less than the heat transfer thermal resistance of the first / second therapy surface through the human body.

[0012] Preferably, the control unit includes a waveform generator for ensuring that the first / second thermal therapy unit generates corresponding cold / heat physical therapy doses. The waveform generator is mainly used to generate electrical signals for the first / second thermal therapy unit to generate corresponding cold / heat physical therapy doses.

[0013] Preferably, the first / second thermal therapy unit adopts electrically controlled heating / cooling; the first / second hot and cold generators adopt graphite, graphene, ceramics, metals, semiconductor refrigerators (TECs), hot and cold flow pipelines or gel chemical hot and cold patches.

[0014] In this solution, the first / second thermal therapy unit can be self-heating and cooling, or directly connected to the external heat / cold fluid pipeline system. The corresponding hot and cold flow output is generated by the external hot and cold generation module and is supplied in a time-sharing manner through the control unit.

[0015] When the thermal therapy unit is directly electrically controlled for heating / cooling, the hot and cold generators of the second thermal therapy unit and the first thermal therapy unit are preferably matched with components with similar thermal sensitivity changes, so that the second thermal therapy unit and the first thermal therapy unit can be controlled separately.

[0016] When the therapy process requires frequent alternating hot and cold outputs, the preferred hot and cold sound-generating body is TEC electrically controlled hot / cold or multiple hot therapy coordinated control.

[0017] Preferably, the heat sink adopts natural cooling, air cooling, heat pipe or a piping system containing a heat / cold fluid; when the heat sink is directly connected to the external heat / cold fluid piping system, the corresponding hot and cold flow output is generated by the external hot and cold generation module and the control unit realizes time-sharing supply to realize pulsating hot and cold flow output.

[0018] Preferably, the first / second therapy surface is embedded with a micro-capacitance detector for obtaining the skin's hydration status and the device's contact status with the skin; when micro-capacitance is used to detect the hydration, a certain area of ​​conductive material is distributed on the first / second therapy surface.

[0019] When the control unit performs monitoring, it mainly refers to obtaining the parasitic capacitance between the therapy surface and human skin in AC mode. This signal is mainly used to obtain the skin's hydration status and determine the degree of contact with the skin.

[0020] Preferably, the control unit is also integrated with temperature and humidity sensors, impedance sensors, microcurrent stimulation functions, etc.; wherein, the temperature and humidity sensors include at least two groups, respectively used to monitor human skin temperature to prevent damage to human skin caused by excessive cold / heat pulses and the operating status of the equipment; the impedance sensor is mainly configured to detect the impedance values ​​of the cold and hot generating bodies of the first and second thermal therapy units.

[0021] When the control unit performs the impedance monitoring function, the monitored impedance mainly corresponds to the resistance of the thermal therapy unit in DC mode or the real part and the imaginary part of the impedance in AC mode.

[0022] The control unit also includes programs, algorithms, executable scripts, or other data structures, or program modules capable of detecting changes in impedance or microcapacitance, or executing actions based on detected temperature changes. The controller includes functions for controlling and storing relevant current waveforms, as well as storing and determining relevant sensor data. The built-in program can provide feedback based on the relevant waveforms and sensor data, determining whether the device is functioning properly, whether it is being worn correctly, and the thickness of subcutaneous fat, muscle, and other tissues in the treatment area, and assist in developing treatment plans and patterns.

[0023] Preferably, the device further comprises a fixing unit, and the fixing forms of the fixing unit include but are not limited to tightening, sticking, vacuum adsorption, squeezing / pressing, etc.; the fixing unit is used to ensure that during the operation of the device, the physiotherapy unit outputs heat flow tightly and continuously during the physiotherapy process.

[0024] When it is inconvenient for the skin, body, tissue, etc. to be in direct contact with the treatment surface of the treatment unit, appropriate auxiliary products can be used to enhance the cold and hot treatment transmission effect and reduce the freezing / burning effect of the corresponding skin.

[0025] Auxiliary products generally come into direct contact with the body and typically contain basic components such as permeable protective agents or non-permeable ingredients such as alcohols, ketones, and lipids. Unlike conventional products, these products must not only ensure that the corresponding therapeutic physical quantity reaches the body part smoothly, but also contain ingredients that can dilate and activate local surface capillaries and provide targeted nutritional functions.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a physical therapy method, which uses the above-mentioned physical therapy device to achieve precise thermal physical effects on local deep tissues by adopting a pulsed cold / heat therapy method. The method of the present invention mainly achieves internal cold / heat physical therapy at a certain depth below the human skin by outputting a positive pulse combined with a reverse weak pulse energy, while preventing superficial tissues from suffering incidental heat / frostbite. The method comprises the following steps:

[0027] Step 1: Place the therapy surface of the therapy device close to the body part to be treated;

[0028] Step 2: Based on the user's individual information, the specific waveform parameters of the first / second thermal therapy unit are formulated and confirmed, and the corresponding therapy unit is activated. Under the joint action of the first and second thermal therapy units, the target area is raised / lowered to the waiting therapy temperature zone. After the temperature reaches the predetermined waiting therapy temperature zone, a targeted pulsed therapy cold / hot flow is started. It lasts for a period of time to ensure that the deep target tissue has entered the target therapy temperature zone. After that, a weaker reverse therapy pulse is immediately implemented. By controlling the temperature, intensity and time of this reverse heat / cold flow pulse flow, the temperature of the superficial tissue area of ​​the human body is restored to a temperature zone where freezing / burning caused by excessive cold / heat will not occur without affecting the temperature of the deep target tissue area. The above process is repeated to gradually expand the volume of the target deep tissue whose temperature is controlled to the target therapy temperature zone;

[0029] Step 3: Based on the sensing results from the temperature and humidity sensors of the first and second thermal therapy units, fine-tune the therapy waveforms of the first and second thermal therapy units, and repeat the above steps until the therapy process is completed.

[0030] Preferably, after completing step 1, the skin hydration and skin condition improvement step is carried out, specifically:

[0031] The first and second thermal therapy units are connected to the 1K~1MHz capacitive sensor to detect the corresponding micro-capacitance value of the first and second thermal therapy units. When the corresponding unit area capacitance value is higher than 100PF / cm 2 (Background capacitance has been deducted). When the capacitance ratio of the two is proportional to the ratio of the external treatment areas of the first and second thermal energy therapy units, the above capacitance value is recorded.

[0032] Furthermore, micro-current stimulation is performed on the treatment surfaces of the first and second thermal therapy units respectively to activate the activity of the surface skin, expand local micro-capillaries, and improve the cold and heat resistance of the epidermis.

[0033] Preferably, the first thermal therapy unit is powered by a separate AC constant-amplitude power supply in a low-power mode, and the impedance analyzer synchronously analyzes the impedance R21 of the second thermal therapy unit before and after the first thermal therapy unit is powered on, and records R2 / R21 at the same time; wherein, R2 is the impedance of the second therapy unit tested separately when the first thermal therapy unit is not powered on; the second thermal therapy unit is powered by a separate power supply in a low-power mode, and the impedance analyzer synchronously analyzes the impedance R12 of the first thermal therapy unit before and after the second thermal therapy unit is powered on, and records R1 / R12, wherein, R1 is the impedance of the first therapy unit tested separately when the second thermal therapy unit is not powered on; when R1 / R12≈R2 / R21, the above values ​​are recorded and the next step is started. If they are inconsistent, adjust the contact between the device and the body until complete and good contact.

[0034] During the analysis above, the first and second thermal therapy units are loaded with current in no particular order. The AC signal frequency in this step is typically greater than 10Hz. This step primarily confirms thermal contact between the skin and the device, minimizing uneven distribution of the treatment area and excessive effects caused by poor thermal contact, thereby ensuring treatment quality.

[0035] The waiting temperature zone is generally within the range of 3 to 10°C from the target temperature zone. The specific heating / cooling rate range is within 0.02 to 0.5°C / s, and the heat / cold supply power density is 0.1 to 20W / cm 2 This solution is mainly intended to reduce skin sensitivity and improve the treatment experience. The specific heating / cooling rate is based on the user's acceptability.

[0036] The energy supply mode of the therapeutic hot flow / cold flow of the first and second thermal energy therapy units can be a variety of modes such as heat carrier heating, electric heating, TEC control unit, etc. The energy of the reverse pulse therapy flow is generally 60% less than the main therapy pulse flow of the fixed depth, and the temperature difference between the two is in the range of 1 to 15°C. The specific intensity is related to the target depth and breadth of the fixed depth therapy; any instantaneous temperature of cold therapy is not lower than -20°C, and the temperature of heat therapy is not higher than 43°C, and the instantaneous temperature is generally not higher than 45°C.

[0037] During the action of pulsed heat flow at different temperatures, at least two temperature monitoring devices need to be set at the contact layer between the device and the skin: one is used to monitor the human skin temperature to prevent damage to the human skin caused by excessive cold / heat pulses; the other is used to monitor the operating status of the device to prevent abnormal device conditions.

[0038] The intensity and duration of cold / hot flow in pulse therapy increase with the depth and range of action. The pulse width of general cold / hot flow pulses is generally controlled between 3s and 5min.

[0039] During the therapy process, the first and second thermal therapy units can implement microcurrent stimulation to improve the surface skin condition as needed. At this time, the thermal bridge, electrodes and other units arranged between the first and second thermal therapy units should also ensure a certain degree of insulation. The microcurrent stimulation function requires the control part to be able to provide a microcurrent of about 50 to 300uA.

[0040] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0041] (1) The present invention makes full use of the fact that irreversible cold / heat damage generally takes a certain amount of time, and destroys the corresponding cold / heat temperature conditions through a unique reverse heat energy pulse, thereby protecting the superficial tissues of the human body from the corresponding excessive cold / heat temperature effects to the greatest extent.

[0042] (2) The present invention reduces the risk of accidental overcooling / overheating of the subcutaneous layer, thereby reducing the risk of one or more adverse events associated with cryogenic cooling (e.g., hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, unwanted blistering, unwanted scarring, permanent unwanted changes, freezing of the skin, loss of sensation (e.g., permanent and / or temporary), and disfiguring scars). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the device of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the use status of the device of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the fixed depth working mode of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of different working modes of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of control signals for different working modes of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a distribution diagram of different structures of thermal therapy units. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, a device that can be used for cold / hot therapy with a fixed depth, its working state is as follows Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a first thermal energy therapy unit 1, a second thermal energy therapy unit 2 and a control unit; the first thermal energy therapy unit 1 includes a first cold and heat generating body 11 and a first therapy surface 12 covered on the first cold and heat generating body 11, and the second thermal energy therapy unit 2 includes a second cold and heat generating body 21 and a second therapy surface 22 covered on the second cold and heat generating body 21.

[0051] The first therapy surface 12 and the second therapy surface 22 are connected by a thermal bridge 3 having thermal resistance. In this embodiment, the thermal resistance of the thermal bridge 3 is greater than the contact thermal resistance between the first / second therapy surface and the human body, and is significantly smaller than the heat transfer thermal resistance of the first / second therapy surface through the human body.

[0052] The first thermal energy therapy unit 1 and the second thermal energy therapy unit 2 are both provided with a heat sink 4 for discharging their own heat / cold; when the heat and cold generators of the first / second thermal energy therapy unit receive a control signal, the corresponding heat sink 4 can complete the timely discharge of the heat / cold of the first / second thermal energy therapy unit.

[0053] The control unit includes a waveform generator, which is mainly used to generate electrical signals for the first / second thermal energy therapy unit to generate corresponding cold / heat physical therapy amounts.

[0054] In this embodiment, one first thermal energy therapy unit 1 is provided, and two second thermal energy therapy units 2 are provided and are located on both sides of the first thermal energy therapy unit 1 .

[0055] In this embodiment, the control unit also integrates temperature and humidity sensors, impedance sensors, micro-capacitance sensors, micro-current stimulation functions, etc.

[0056] The micro-capacitive sensor 5 is specifically embedded in the first / second therapy surface to obtain the skin's hydration status and the device's contact status with the skin. Under this function, the first / second therapy surface uses a certain area of ​​conductive material.

[0057] The temperature and humidity sensors include two groups, which are used to monitor the human skin temperature to prevent damage to the human skin caused by excessive cold / heat pulses and the operating status of the equipment; the impedance sensor is mainly configured to detect the impedance values ​​of the cold and hot generating bodies of the first and second thermal therapy units.

[0058] In this embodiment, the device further includes a fixing unit for ensuring that the physiotherapy unit outputs heat flow tightly and continuously during the physiotherapy process while the device is operating.

[0059] A physical therapy method uses the above-mentioned physical therapy equipment, and the method is introduced below in combination with different embodiments. Figure 3-5 The different working modes and different control signals of the present invention are shown. Figure 3 It shows that the use of pulse therapy can achieve fixed-depth hot and cold therapy while avoiding overheating in the superficial area, while ordinary direct hot and cold therapy generally causes overheating / cold temperature areas in the superficial layer. Figure 4 Examples are given for different physiotherapy modes corresponding to different working modes. Figure 5 These are examples of possible cold / hot pulse therapy at different depths. They mainly illustrate that the intensity of the pulse cycles may vary at different depths.

[0060] Example 1: Depth-Degree Freezing Treatment

[0061] The skin contact status is monitored by micro-capacitance before freezing.

[0062] The specific skin condition and microcapacitance reference values ​​for contact with the treatment surface depend on the body constitution, specific skin texture, and test frequency. See Table 1 for details.

[0063] Table 1

[0064]

[0065] Among them, the equipment was used to conduct the same experiment on 25 mm thick pig skin and subcutaneous fat, which were placed on a heat-stabilizing plate at a constant temperature of 37°C.

[0066] When conducting freezing experiments, try to ensure the skin's antifreeze ability. Before conducting thermal therapy, you can check the skin's hydration status and improve the skin condition. Specifically, the first and second thermal therapy units are connected to the 1K~10MHz capacitive sensor to detect the corresponding micro-capacitance value of the first / second thermal therapy unit. When the corresponding unit area capacitance value is higher than 100PF / cm 2 (Background capacitance has been deducted), and when the capacitance ratio of the two is roughly proportional to the external treatment area ratio of the first / second thermal therapy unit, the above capacitance value is recorded. Furthermore, microcurrent stimulation mode is applied to the treatment surfaces of the first and second thermal therapy units to activate surface skin activity, dilate local microcapillaries, and improve the epidermal resistance to cold and heat. (Since this experiment used non-living tissue, electrical stimulation mode was not used.)

[0067] Based on the user's individual information, the subcutaneous fat tissue layer is selected as the primary treatment area. The TEC thermal therapy unit is activated, and the first and second thermal therapy units work together to slowly cool the target area to the waiting treatment temperature zone (3-10°C away from the target treatment temperature zone, for example, 0-5°C). Once the temperature reaches the waiting treatment temperature zone, wait for 3-5 minutes.

[0068] Targeted pulse therapy cold flow shock is started. The first thermal therapy unit and the second thermal therapy unit are cooled to -2 to -8℃ at the same time for 30-50s to ensure that the corresponding subcutaneous fat tissue area has entered the target cold temperature zone. After that, the first and second thermal therapy units are immediately subjected to a 0-10℃ heat flow therapy pulse for 2-15s, so as to quickly restore the temperature of the superficial skin tissue to the normal active area without affecting the temperature recovery of the deep subcutaneous fat area, thereby avoiding substantial frostbite to the surface tissue due to continuous low temperature.

[0069] The first thermal therapy unit repeats the above process, and the intensity of the corresponding cold pulse therapy is increased / decreased according to actual needs. The second thermal therapy unit can maintain the surrounding temperature in the waiting therapy temperature zone or perform other functional requirements according to the temperature sensor test. The overall therapy can be actually controlled within 5 to 30 minutes. During the treatment, the average temperature of the treatment surface is -8 to -2°C, the highest temperature of the dermis area 1 mm from the skin surface is 0-5°C, and the temperature 3 mm below the skin is -5 to 0°C. The temperature of the deeper subcutaneous tissue and subcutaneous fat drops to the basal body temperature of 37°C, and the temperature of the dermis drops to the dermal temperature of approximately 32°C.

[0070] The biggest advantage of this solution is that it can ensure that the overall treatment temperature of the subcutaneous fat layer is maintained below the fat solidification point in the fat cells, achieving the effect of internal damage to the fat cells through sufficient coagulation, while avoiding the irreversible loss of the superficial skin layer caused by tissue coagulation and dehydration due to prolonged exposure to low temperatures.

[0071] Example 2: Hair removal + heating

[0072] This embodiment is used to inhibit subcutaneous hair follicles in the leg area. Since the primary purpose is to eliminate hair growth, if there is a lot of hair blocking the treatment area or other conditions that are not conducive to thermal therapy output, consider adding a skin contact confirmation step. Specifically, the first thermal therapy unit is powered by a single AC constant amplitude power supply in low-power mode, and an impedance analyzer simultaneously analyzes the impedance R2 / R21 of the second thermal therapy unit before and after the first thermal therapy unit is powered on. Similarly, the second thermal therapy unit is powered by a single AC constant amplitude power supply in low-power mode, and an impedance analyzer simultaneously analyzes the impedance R1 / R12 of the first thermal therapy unit before and after the second thermal therapy unit is powered on. When R1 / R12 ≈ R2 / R21, the above values ​​are recorded and the next step is initiated. If they are not consistent, the contact between the device and the body is adjusted until complete and good contact is achieved.

[0073] Based on the user's individual information, the dermis is selected as the primary treatment area. The TEC thermal therapy unit is activated, and the first and second thermal therapy units work together to raise the target area's temperature to the waiting treatment zone (3-10°C away from the target treatment zone, e.g., 40-45°C). Once the temperature reaches the waiting treatment zone, wait for 3-5 minutes.

[0074] Targeted pulsed thermal shock therapy begins, with the first and second thermal therapy units simultaneously heating to 45-55°C for 10-50 seconds to ensure that the target tissue deep within the hair follicles has entered the target thermal zone. Immediately thereafter, the first and second thermal therapy units apply a 5-15°C cold flow pulse for 2-15 seconds. This allows the superficial epidermal tissue to quickly return to its normal active zone while affecting the temperature of the deep hair follicles, thus avoiding substantial damage to the surface tissue caused by continuous thermal treatment.

[0075] The first thermal therapy unit repeats the above process. The second thermal therapy unit then maintains the peripheral treatment area within the waiting treatment temperature zone based on temperature sensor testing. The overall treatment should take 5-10 minutes. During treatment, the treatment surface temperature is 40°C, the dermis temperature 1 mm from the skin surface is 42°C, and the temperature 3 mm below the skin is 45-52°C. Deeper down, the temperature of the subcutaneous layer and subcutaneous fat decreases toward basal body temperature of 37°C, and the dermis temperature decreases toward the dermal temperature of approximately 32°C.

[0076] Example 3: Cold and hot compresses at a specific depth

[0077] This embodiment is used for initial swelling suppression and subsequent heat-compression therapy for muscle and joint strains in the leg area. This solution not only effectively avoids the indiscriminate freezing of tissue areas caused by simple ice compresses, allowing for flexible adjustment of the compress temperature to meet actual needs, but also reduces the discomfort and other effects of traditional, prolonged, simple cold / hot compresses on superficial skin tissues through targeted cold and hot compress treatments.

[0078] In terms of equipment structure, when implementing this solution, the relevant air-cooled heat sink can be replaced with a heat sink system that also has a certain heat storage function of ice water bag storage. On the one hand, it is conducive to accurate temperature control, and on the other hand, it can further save electricity. In terms of the arrangement of the first / second thermal energy therapy unit, multiple parallel forms can be used at one time: for example, Figure 6 It can be combined with center-outward, interval combination, etc.

[0079] Implementation method: The first thermal therapy unit is powered by a separate AC constant-amplitude power supply in low-power mode, and the impedance analyzer simultaneously analyzes the impedance R2 / R21 of the second thermal therapy unit before and after the first thermal therapy unit is powered on; similarly, the second thermal therapy unit is powered by a separate AC constant-amplitude power supply in low-power mode, and the impedance analyzer simultaneously analyzes the impedance R1 / R12 of the first thermal therapy unit before and after the second thermal therapy unit is powered on; when R1 / R12≈R2 / R21, record the above values ​​and start the next step. If there is any inconsistency, adjust the contact between the device and the body until it is in complete contact and good contact.

[0080] Based on the user's individual information, the dermis is selected as the primary treatment area. The TEC thermal therapy unit is activated, and the first and second thermal therapy units work together to raise the target area's temperature to the waiting treatment temperature range (e.g., 15-20°C). After the temperature reaches the waiting treatment temperature range, wait for 3-5 minutes.

[0081] Targeted pulsed cold flow therapy begins with the first and second thermal units cooling the affected area (subcutaneous muscle, etc.) to 5-10°C for 15-50 seconds, ensuring the injured area (subcutaneous muscle, etc.) reaches the target temperature zone (10-15°C). Immediately thereafter, the first and second thermal units apply a 4-20 second pulse of heat flow therapy at 15-25°C. The first thermal unit repeats this process, and the second thermal unit maintains the peripheral treatment area within the waiting treatment zone or at 20-25°C based on temperature sensor testing. This holistic treatment ensures that the target tissue temperature in deep muscle / joint areas, such as deep muscles / joints, remains at 10-15°C while avoiding discomfort in surface tissues caused by persistent low / high temperatures.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for those skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or to make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device capable of providing a fixed depth cold / hot therapy, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first thermal therapy unit, a second thermal therapy unit and a control unit, wherein the first thermal therapy unit comprises a first heat and cold generating body and a first therapy surface covering the first heat and cold generating body, and the second thermal therapy unit comprises a second heat and cold generating body and a second therapy surface covering the second heat and cold generating body; the first therapy surface and the second therapy surface are connected via a thermal bridge having thermal resistance; the first thermal therapy unit and the second thermal therapy unit are both provided with a heat sink for dissipating heat / cold from the unit; the control unit is used to control the operation of the first thermal therapy unit, the second thermal therapy unit and the heat sink; The thermal resistance of the thermal bridge is greater than the contact thermal resistance between the first / second physical therapy surface and the human body, and is less than the heat transfer thermal resistance of the first / second physical therapy surface through the human body.

2. The device for hot / cold therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first thermal energy therapy unit and the second thermal energy therapy unit are both provided in single or multiple configurations and are alternately arranged.

3. The device for hot / cold therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit includes a waveform generator for ensuring that the first / second thermal energy therapy unit generates corresponding cold / heat physical therapy amounts.

4. The device for hot / cold therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first / second thermal therapy unit adopts electrically controlled heating / cooling; the first / second hot and cold generators adopt graphite, graphene, ceramics, metals, semiconductor refrigerators, hot and cold flow pipelines or gel chemical hot and cold patches.

5. The device for hot / cold therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat sink adopts natural cooling, air cooling or a pipeline system containing a heat / cold fluid; when the heat sink is directly connected to the external heat / cold fluid pipeline system, the corresponding hot and cold flow output is generated by the external hot and cold generation module and is supplied in a time-sharing manner through the control unit.

6. The device for hot / cold therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first / second therapy surface is embedded with a micro-capacitance detector for obtaining the skin's hydration status and the device's contact status with the skin; when micro-capacitance is used to detect hydration, a certain area of ​​conductive material is distributed on the first / second therapy surface.

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