Air Flow System with Proximal Connector for Inflammation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for inflammation, such as ice packs and heat therapy, have limitations, including risk of cold burns and ineffective deep tissue penetration, and lack a system for simultaneous temperature-controlled air circulation therapy.
Innovation Solution
An air flow system with temperature and speed control, featuring a hose member with separate exterior and interior flow channels, a proximal connector for directed air flow, and a flexible flow chamber that transitions between expanded and collapsed configurations, allowing for controlled air supply and recovery, and air circulation therapy to treat inflammation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice packs are applied directly to injured tissue for cold therapy, then vasoconstriction and inflammation reduction are achieved, but cold burns and frostbite risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (air or gas) between the cold source and the injured tissue. Instead of direct ice pack contact, cooled air is circulated through a chamber surrounding the body part, providing cold therapy without direct thermal contact that causes burns. This mediator transfers thermal energy safely to reduce inflammation while avoiding harmful direct contact effects.
2Temperature
If heat therapy is applied to injured tissue, then blood flow increases and joint stiffness releases, but the treatment lacks deep tissue penetration capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic circulation of heated or cooled air/gas through a closed loop system with fans and ducts. This fluid dynamics approach allows thermal energy to penetrate deep into tissues through convection currents that circulate continuously, overcoming the limitation of superficial heat transfer. The moving gas medium delivers thermal energy deeper and more effectively than static heat packs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cold or heat therapy is used separately for acute inflammation and rehabilitation, then specific treatment goals are met, but a unified temperature-controlled system is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal air circulation therapy system that can deliver both cold and heat therapy through the same apparatus. By controlling the temperature of the circulated air/gas, the single system performs multiple functions: cold therapy for acute inflammation (vasoconstriction) and heat therapy for rehabilitation (vasodilation and stiffness reduction). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate ice packs and heat packs while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
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 effectively delivers heated or cooled air at varying speeds to penetrate deeper into tissues, reducing inflammation and joint stiffness while avoiding surface contact risks, providing a more efficient and safer treatment for inflammation and rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
air circulation therapy
Data Source
AI summary
The air flow system includes a hose member having an exterior flow channel and an interior flow channel, a distal connector, a proximal connector, and a flow chamber. The air flow in the interior flow channel is separate from the exterior flow channel. Air flows from the exterior flow channel, through a flow chamber, around a treatment site of inflammation and back to the interior flow channel. The system for air circulation therapy also includes a connector to the hose member, an air pump supply in an inner chamber, and an air recovery unit in an outer chamber. The proximal connector includes a nozzle head, a tubular sleeve, a first set of slot openings, a second set of slot openings, a cover sleeve, and a locking ring. The system includes the flow chamber of a flexible polymeric material.