Cold Therapy Device with Differential Insulation Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cold therapy devices have limited heat absorption capacity, variable skin temperature control, and are often uncomfortable and difficult to apply, as they lack a specific design to maintain a safe and effective temperature profile over time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use cold pack device with a Z-configuration attachment wrap, adjustable fastening zone, and distinct insulation layers on both sides, featuring a multi-cell gel composition that freezes between -5°C to 5°C, minimizing heat influx from surroundings and regulating thermal conduction for a consistent skin temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If frozen water or gel is used to maximize heat absorption capacity, then the duration of cooling action is improved, but the skin temperature may drop below freezing causing discomfort or safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different insulation properties to different sides of the cold pack. The body-side has lower insulation (R-value 0.001-0.005 m²·K/W) to allow therapeutic cooling, while the clothing-side has higher insulation (R-value 0.01-0.05 m²·K/W) to prevent heat gain from surroundings. This differential insulation enables the gel to remain frozen longer while maintaining safe skin temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise R-value parameters for the insulation layers to control heat transfer rates. By changing the insulation parameters differentially on each side, the system optimizes both the duration of cooling action and the safety of skin temperature, resolving the contradiction between extended duration and harmful low temperatures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a towel or fabric is placed between the cold product and skin to ensure safe temperature, then skin comfort is improved, but the skin temperature becomes highly variable and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specifically engineered body-side insulation layer as an intermediary between the frozen gel and the skin. This layer has a controlled R-value (0.001-0.005 m²·K/W) that mediates heat transfer to provide consistent therapeutic cooling. This engineered intermediary replaces variable consumer choices of towels or fabrics with a precisely controlled thermal interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform insulation is provided on both sides of the cold pack, then manufacturing is simplified, but heat flow from surroundings and body cannot be differentially controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different insulation qualities on different sides of the cold pack. The clothing-side insulation (R-value 0.01-0.05 m²·K/W) differs from the body-side insulation (R-value 0.001-0.005 m²·K/W). This local differentiation enables the system to independently control heat flow from surroundings versus heat flow from the body, providing adaptability for optimal therapeutic performance.
4Strength
If additives are used to depress the freezing point of the gel, then the gel remains flexible at lower temperatures, but the skin temperature can drop below freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the gel composition has a freezing point between -5°C to 5°C, optimizing the balance between flexibility and safety. This parameter control, combined with differential insulation, ensures the gel remains flexible enough for application while preventing skin temperature from dropping below freezing during use.
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 safe and effective skin temperature reduction of at least 10°C for 15 to 60 minutes, providing a comfortable and consistent cooling experience without the need for additional insulation layers, thus enhancing user convenience and therapeutic effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
frozen cold packs can absorb the heat of fusion or melting of ice which is much greater than the latent heat required to raise the temperature of an unfrozen liquid
Implementation Method 2
a gel composition which, when frozen, maintains a constant temperature for a period of time
Implementation Method 3
an outside insulation that reduces absorption of heat from the surroundings, and an inside insulation on a body-contact surface of the wrap that contributes to a safe and effective skin temperature
Implementation Method 4
regulating thermal conduction for a consistent skin temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a device for absorbing heat from a body. More particularly, the invention pertains to an improved device which utilizes a gel material comprising liquids and solids to absorb, over an extended period of time, heat from a body. The present invention also includes methods of providing cold therapy treatment to a user