Body-Conforming Thermal Contact Structure for Stable Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal compresses have limitations such as inconsistent temperature regulation, discomfort due to extreme temperatures, and inadequate fit to body morphology, restricting movement and activity.

Innovation Solution

A thermal device with a structural element that conforms to the body's shape, incorporating controlled thermal exchange systems, sensors, and additional stimuli like electrostimulation, to provide consistent and adaptable temperature and therapeutic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional thermal compresses are used, then thermal effect is provided, but temperature regulation is inconsistent and equilibrates with environmental temperature over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature consistencyVSAvoidthermal effect reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive thermal compresses with an active electronic control system that uses sensors to detect temperature and a control unit to regulate heating elements, ensuring consistent temperature delivery regardless of environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the compress temperature and feed this information back to a control unit, which adjusts the heating power accordingly to maintain the desired temperature and prevent equilibration with environmental temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If thermal compresses are made extreme hot or cold, then therapeutic effect is enhanced, but patient comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Temperature sensors continuously monitor the compress temperature and provide feedback to the control unit, which regulates the heating elements to maintain temperature within a comfortable and safe range while still delivering therapeutic effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the heating power based on real-time temperature measurements and pre-programmed temperature profiles, allowing the compress to deliver varying temperatures over time to optimize both therapeutic effect and patient comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If thermal compresses are placed on body, then thermal treatment is provided, but patient movement is restricted and patient must remain at rest

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal treatment effectivenessVSAvoidpatient mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compress incorporates flexible heating elements and a flexible housing that allow the device to move with the patient's body parts, enabling thermal treatment during movement rather than requiring the patient to remain stationary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system can be applied to various body parts and used during different activities, making the thermal treatment compatible with daily life and movement rather than requiring separate treatment time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If thermal compresses are used, then thermal effect is provided, but shape is not adapted to body portion morphology

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody fitVSAvoidthermal exchange efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compress housing is designed with curved surfaces that conform to the natural contours of body parts, and the heating elements are shaped to match the specific geometry of the target area, ensuring both comfort and effective thermal contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multiple independently controllable heating zones with sensors positioned at different locations, allowing the temperature to be optimized for each specific body part's morphology and thermal requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device maintains a consistent temperature for extended periods, allows freedom of movement, and delivers synergistic therapeutic effects by combining thermal and mechanical inputs.

Implementation Method 1

The structural element (21) is made, at least partially, of a rigid material, so that its shape is predefined and cannot be changed anymore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity:

Implementation Method 2

The element of contact (20) allows thermal exchanges, in particular controlled thermal exchanges with the body at a specific point of the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The element of contact (20) is provided with sensors, adapted to detect thermal and/or mechanical stimuli

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20260020978A1System adapted for providing a thermal, medical and therapeutical effect at a specific point of body of a patient

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 CRYOTHERMO 4 0 SARL

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system (1) adapted for providing a thermal and therapeutical effect to a patient (10) at a specific point of his body. The system comprises an element of contact (20a, 20b), adapted to be placed in contact to the point of body. The element of contact comprises a structural element (21) defining a tridimensionality shape. The system also comprises a thermal regulation device (50) and a regulation fluid circulating through the thermal regulation device and the element of contact. The present invention also relates to a process adapted to manufacture such a structural element.