Ice pulse

Abstract

A wearable cooling device (Ice Pulse) comprises a flexible outer shell made from a high-grade polymer and a water-filled core that can be frozen. The device is designed to be applied to key heat-exchange areas of the body, such as the wrists or palms, to reduce core body temperature. The outer surface features raised lines that enhance aerodynamics and reduce drag during physical activity. Additionally, the ribbed base creates air channels between the device and the skin, promoting airflow and improving heat dissipation. The device maintains a surface temperature between 8°C and 25°C for up to 120 minutes at a room temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. The product features a flap valve, to fill the product with liquid to freeze before use, this same valve can be used to empty the product when use has concluded.

Description

[0001] Ice Pulse: Product Description

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a novel, wearable cooling device designed to provide temperature regulated, prolonged cooling. The product utilises a water filled frozen centre of a dome shaped design to cool the user.

[0004] Background

[0005] Maintaining optimal body temperature is essential for comfort and performance in numerous activities. Traditional cooling solutions, such as gel-based packs, offer limited cooling duration and flexibility, restricting their effectiveness in dynamic or prolonged use scenarios. There is a need for a wearable cooling device that delivers sustained cooling benefits while adapting to the user’s movements without hindering them and varying environmental conditions, whilst keeping them cool on the go. Summary

[0006] The invention is a wearable, temperature cooling device featuring a flexible outer shell made from a high-grade polymer and a water-filled core that can be frozen and held against key veins, with the intention to cool core body temperature.

[0007] Detailed Description

[0008] Product Design and Structure:

[0009] The wearable cooling device consists of a outer shell made from a high-grade dense, soft polymer. This material is selected for its lightweight nature, exceptional thermal conductivity, durability, and elasticity. This material allows for significant flexibility in how it conforms to different body parts while maintaining structural integrity even under stress from movement or environmental conditions. Flexibility of the product, takes into account for the documented 9% expansion of ice in the freezing process.

[0010] Depicted in the provided figures, Figure 1, highlights a top, three dimensional view of the product's curved surface, with raised lines running alongside this surface.

[0011] The raised lines contribute to improved aerodynamics by reducing air resistance when the device is worn during dynamic activities such as running or cycling. This design minimises drag, allowing users to maintain performance levels without interference from the cooling apparatus.

[0012] This innovative design element not only boosts the device's thermal efficiency but also adds a distinctive aesthetic appeal, setting it apart from the looks of conventional cooling devices, and a novel aspect to the area. Similar science can also be applied to the base of the surface of the product, that intends to be faced against the user’s skin. The ribbed straight lines on the base of the Ice Pulse device (Figure 2) are a key innovation that improves its thermal performance. These ribs create small air channels between the device and the user's skin, promoting better airflow and enhancing convective heat transfer. As air moves through these channels during physical activity or environmental exposure, it facilitates more efficient heat dissipation from both the user's body and the cooling core inside the device. This design feature allows for the centre of the product to stay cooler for a longer period, in comparison to a flat surface.

[0013] Further to this, these ribs ensure consistent contact with uneven surfaces on the body by providing slight flexibility in how they rest against different contours. This adaptability, is important to the design for maintaining optimal thermal conductivity across various body parts where skin contact may otherwise be inconsistent. The ribbed base also contributes to a more comfortable user experience by reducing any potential suction effect that could occur with smooth surfaces when applied to moist or sweaty skin during physical exertion.

[0014] The outer shell encases a hollow centre which is filled with water, then serves as the primary cooling medium when frozen. The dome shape configuration is designed this way to conform to the natural contours of the body, and its likely placement on the wrists, enhancing user comfort by minimising resistance during movement.

[0015] Operation

[0016] The Ice Pulse is designed for versatile use across various environments, demonstrating particular effectiveness when worn on the wrist or applied to areas such as the palms or face. These strategic placements utilise the body’s natural heat exchange regions, enhancing the device’s ability to reduce core body temperature efficiently.

[0017] Ice is selected as the optimal cooling medium for the Ice Pulse due to its superior thermal properties. Its high latent heat of fusion allows it to absorb substantial heat during the transition from solid to liquid, enabling the device to maintain cold temperatures longer than gel-based alternatives. This extended cooling capability is especially beneficial in settings requiring prolonged thermoregulation, such as athletic activities or general overheating.

[0018] Operational Parameters

[0019] The operational parameters of the Ice Pulse cooling device are precisely constructed to ensure optimal performance, user comfort, and ease of use. Prior to use, the device is filled with approximately 50ml of water (four tablespoons) via a flap valve located at the top. Once filled, the valve is securely closed, and the device is placed in a freezer to prepare for use.

[0020] In a standard freezer set at -20°C, the water core typically freezes within 1.5 hours. The freezing duration is comparable to that of a standard ice cube, offering convenience for users in different settings. Once frozen, the Ice Pulse maintains a surface temperature between 8°C and 25°C for up to 120 minutes at room temperature (23°C). The ability to sustain this temperature range ensures the device provides enough duration of cooling.

[0021] By requiring only water filling and freezing, combined with its cooling efficiency and design makes it an advanced yet user friendly solution for personal temperature regulation across diverse environments.

[0022] After use, the melted water can be emptied by lifting the flap valve, leaving the hollow core ready for reuse.

[0023] Ergonomic Design

[0024] The slim and lightweight construction of the Ice Pulse is integral to the product. By maintaining a compact profile. The intention of the device is to minimise bulkiness and does not hinder the wearer’s range of motion. This design consideration is important for users engaging in physical activities, as it allows for unrestricted movement and reduces the likelihood of the device shifting or becoming a distraction. The low-profile design also contributes to the device's aesthetic appeal, making it a discreet and unobtrusive accessory suitable for various settings.

[0025] The surface of the Ice Pulse is designed to provide a soft and comfortable contact with the skin, enhancing user comfort during use. The high-grade polymer not only offers flexibility but also ensures a consistent temperature distribution, preventing hot or cold spots that could cause discomfort. The ribbed base design feature facilitates gentle airflow, reducing moisture build up. This attention to thermal responsiveness ensures that the device remains comfortable against the skin, even during extended use.

[0026] The versatile design of the Ice Pulse allows it to be easily positioned on various body locations, including the wrists, temples, and neck, to deliver targeted cooling where it is most needed. This adaptability eliminates the need for multiple devices.

[0027] Attachment Mechanism

[0028] The device features, as depicted in Figure 1, adjustable strap holders on either side of the product that allows for the addition of a strap if the user intends to securely fasten the device to their wrist, arm or part of their body. The option of the additional strap, and this functional mechanism is put in place to ensure users can engage in their activity or moving dynamically with the option to use the device freely, or securely fastened based on their specific needs and preferences. The implementation of the strap is to stop the product from shifting or becoming a distraction for the user. Material Flexibility and Structure

[0029] The use of flexible materials, such as the dense polymer, allows the device to move harmoniously with the user’s body, reducing any potential restriction or movement. In addition to its flexibility, this polymer exhibits long lasting thermal conductivity, which is important for efficient heat transfer from the frozen core to the user's skin. Its durability ensures that the device withstands repeated use, making it a sustainable option. Furthermore, the polymer1is hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin, making it suitable for prolonged wear in many uses where the user is overheated. These properties collectively enhance the Ice Pulse device’s functionality, reliability, and user comfort, and distinguishes it as an advanced personal cooling solution.

[0030] Thermal Regulation and Muscle Cooling

[0031] One of the most significant features of the ice pulse product, is the product’s ability to maintain a safe temperature which cools the user without causing vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction is a physiological effect, that occurs when the body is met with a temperature that is too cold, and the body’s natural reaction is to instead keep the body’s heat in. This is why the optimal temperature range the product is able to stay between, is significant as to why the product offers effective cooling.

[0032] Potential Future Modifications

[0033] A future consideration for the product, incorporating boron nitride (h-BN) into the polymer matrix presents considerable potential for enhancing both the performance and quality of the product. Known for its high standard of thermal conductivity, boron nitride further increases the polymer’s density, in which the capabilities of the cooling duration of the product could be further extended. This, would in turn, support more efficient and stable temperature regulation over extended periods of use.

[0034] The Ice Pulse design can be further enhanced to cater to a broader range of user preferences and applications. One notable modification involves the introduction of an ice ball variant. This alternative form features a more rounded shape to the current product, providing users who prefer to hold the device freely to specifically target the palms of the hands, which is known to be an effective area for cooling. The ice ball maintains the core functionality of sustained cooling, leveraging the high latent heat of fusion of water to ensure sustained cooling to the palms.

[0035] 1P Bains and S Kaur, 'Silicone in Dermatology: An Update' (2023) 16 J Cutan Aesthet Surg 14. Novel Features

[0036] Water-Filled Frozen Core for Extended Cooling

[0037] The Ice Pulse incorporates a water-filled, frozen core specifically designed for prolonged temperature regulation during extended use (Figure 1). Unlike gel packs, which quickly lose effectiveness due to their lower specific heat capacity, the ice pulse internally maintains optimal temperatures range between 8°C and 25°C for up to two hours before needing refreezing. This ensures sustained cooling performance in applications requiring extended thermoregulation.

[0038] Temperature-Regulated Material

[0039] Designed to maintain a consistent surface temperature range, the device ensures effective temperature regulation without causing discomfort or ice burns. This steady temperature regulation is especially useful in settings where constant cooling is required to prevent overheating. It also ensures that the product does not cause the skin temperature to drop to more than 5 degrees above the product's own temperature, avoiding any sudden or excessive cooling that risks injury.

[0040] Innovative Dome-Shaped Design

[0041] The dome-shaped design of the Ice Pulse not only conforms to the body's natural contours, such as the palms, wrists, temples, and neck, but also optimises aerodynamic efficiency. This shape minimises bulk and drag, allowing users to move freely without feeling encumbered. Additionally, it ensures even weight distribution and maximises skin contact, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency.

[0042] Raised Lines for Aerodynamics

[0043] Raised lines on the device's surface serve multiple purposes. They enhance structural integrity, ensuring the device maintains its shape under physical stress, and improve aerodynamics by reducing drag during dynamic activities like running or cycling. Furthermore, these lines increase the surface area, facilitating better heat dissipation and contributing to more efficient cooling.

[0044] Ribbed Base for Enhanced Heat Transfer

[0045] The ribbed base of the Ice Pulse creates micro-channels that promote better airflow between the device and the skin, increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient. This design facilitates efficient heat dissipation, allowing the device to remain cooler for longer periods. The ribbed lines also ensure consistent contact with uneven body surfaces, enhancing thermal conductivity and user comfort.

[0046] Optimised Product Thickness

[0047] The device's thickness is carefully designed to balance flexibility and durability, ensuring it remains lightweight and compact without adding unnecessary bulk. This optimisation supports ease of use across various applications, from athletic activities to professional, providing effective cooling while maintaining a sleek profile.

[0048] Advantages

[0049] Extended and Consistent Cooling Performance

[0050] The Ice Pulse device leverages a water-filled core with a high latent heat of fusion, enabling sustained temperature regulation between 8°C and 25°C for up to 120 minutes. This ensures prolonged cooling efficacy compared to traditional gel-based alternatives, making it ideal for extended use in various environments.

[0051] Aerodynamic Design

[0052] The dome-shaped configuration conforms seamlessly to the body’s natural contours, such as the wrists, temples, and neck, minimising movement restriction and enhancing comfort. Additionally, the raised lines and ribbed base not only improve structural integrity and durability but also optimise aerodynamics by reducing drag during dynamic activities

[0053] Superior Thermal Efficiency through Advanced Heat Transfer Features

[0054] The ribbed base design creates micro-channels that facilitate enhanced airflow and convective heat transfer between the device and the skin. This innovative feature promotes more efficient heat dissipation, ensuring optimal cooling performance even during vigorous movements

[0055] Lightweight, Compact, and Versatile Construction

[0056] Crafted from a high-grade polymer, the Ice Pulse is both lightweight and compact, eliminating unnecessary bulk and allowing for unrestricted movement. The versatile attachment mechanism enables the device to be worn with a strap for convenience or detached for flexibility, catering to diverse user preferences and activities. Figures

[0057] Figure 1 (Isometric View): This is an isometric view of the device, offering a three-dimensional perspective that illustrates the overall shape and design. The domeshaped outer shell is clearly visible, along with the raised lines on the surface. The central feature, is a flap valve access point for filling the water core, and is also shown on the top centre in this view. Additionally, the adjustable strap holders on either side of the device are visible, demonstrating how users can use these strap holders to fasten the device to their body during use.

[0058] Figure 2 (Top View): This top-down view provides a detailed look at the raised lines that run across the surface of the device. These lines are not merely aesthetic but serve important functional purposes, such as enhancing structural rigidity and promoting airflow across the surface. The central circular feature is more clearly defined in this view, showing its placement in relation to the rest of the device. The shape of the cooling device is also evident from this perspective, which contributes to its ergonomic fit on various parts of the body.

[0059] Figure 3 (Bottom View): The bottom view reveals a series of ribbed straight lines that cover the base of the device. These ribs are designed to optimise heat transfer by creating micro-channels that facilitate airflow between the product and the user’s skin. This design enhances convective heat transfer, ensuring that body heat is efficiently dissipated while prolonging the cooling effect provided by the frozen water inside the outer polymer shell. The ribbed base also ensures consistent contact with uneven surfaces on the body, improving thermal conductivity and user comfort.

[0060] Figures 4 and 5 (Side View): This side profile emphasises the thickness and curvature of the dome-shaped design. The side view shows how the raised lines curve along with the dome's surface. The adjustable strap holder is also visible in this view, further illustrating how it integrates into the overall design without disrupting its streamlined shape.

[0061] Figures 6 and 7 (RearViews) These views further emphasise the dome-shaped design of the Ice Pulse device. The curvature seen in these figures allows for consistent contact with the skin, which is essential for effective cooling. The raised lines on both sides contribute to improved aerodynamics. These views also show how the device’s shape facilitates even pressure distribution across its surface, ensuring that no single point bears excessive force during use.

Claims

Claims Document for Ice Pulse1. A wearable cooling device comprising:A flexible outer shell made from a dense silicone-like polymer;- Designed to be filled with 50ml of liquid / water, and then frozen until solid.The significance of the dense polymer is to make the small amount of liquid / water used to both prolong the cooling effect as well as to maintain a controlled surface temperature of between 8°C and 25°C. This temperature range is scientifically known to be the ideal temperature to cool the bloody without causing vasoconstriction or any nerve or dexterity problems. The dense polymer also allows the cooling to last for a substantial period of time of up to 120 minutes, with the target temperature range.A dome-shaped design that conforms to the user's body contours, enhancing ergonomic comfort and minimising aerodynamic drag;- Raised lines on the top surface of the device to improve structural integrity, aerodynamics, and heat dissipation;A ribbed base with micro-channels that facilitate airflow between the device and the user's skin, enhancing convective heat transfer;An adjustable strap holder mechanism allowing secure attachment to various body parts2. The wearable cooling device of claim 1, wherein:The dome shape and flexible outer shell allows the product to move seamlessly with the user’s body, minimising obstruction and allowing for a full range of motion.

3. The wearable cooling device of claim 1, wherein:The thickness of the device is optimised to balance flexibility and durability, ensuring sustained cooling for extended period, without adding unnecessary bulk.

4. The wearable cooling device of claim 1, wherein:The secure attachment mechanism of strap holders, allows for a strap to be inserted if the user isn’t freeholding the product, which prevents shifting or slipping during dynamic movements, maintaining consistent cooling in targeted areas.

5. The wearable cooling device of claim 1, wherein:The frozen liquid core provides extended cooling benefits compared to gel-based alternatives, enhancing performance during prolonged activity, by maintaining optimal temperature regulation.

6. The wearable cooling device of claim 1, further comprising:The ribbed base creates micro-channels between the device and the user's skin, promoting airflow and improving convective heat transfer, thereby prolonging the cooling effect compared to flat-surfaced devices7. The wearable cooling device of claim 1, further comprising:The raised lines on the top surface enhance structural integrity by reinforcing the outer shell and reduce aerodynamic drag during dynamic activities such as running or cycling while increasing surface area for improved heat dissipation.The wearable cooling device of claim 1, further comprising:A flap valve located at the top of the device allowing users to easily fill it with liquid before freezing.

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