Directed Water Circulation in Modular Cold Therapy Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold exposure therapy systems lack precision, scalability, and integration with modern wellness technologies, leading to inconsistent and unsafe therapy experiences.
Innovation Solution
A modular chilling system with an integrated pump and impingement port architecture, self-contained agitator modules, and optional connectivity to wearable devices for personalized therapy sessions, featuring a finned ice geometry for enhanced melting and a freezing chamber with integrated charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual ice containers (bathtubs, horse troughs, ice chests) are used for cold exposure therapy, then the system is simple and accessible, but the temperature distribution becomes highly stratified and thermal exchange is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water body into multiple zones using baffle structures that create separate circulation paths. This segmentation prevents thermal stratification by ensuring water is systematically moved through different temperature zones, achieving uniform cooling throughout the entire volume without requiring complex mixing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a hydraulic circulation system with pumps and directed water flow paths to actively move water through the cooling chamber. This hydraulic approach replaces passive thermal conduction with active fluid circulation, ensuring consistent temperature distribution and efficient heat transfer from water to ice contact surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior cold therapy systems are used, then no external plumbing is needed, but constant manual intervention is required for monitoring temperature, replenishing ice, and determining session duration
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor water temperature and provide real-time feedback to the user. This feedback mechanism enables automatic temperature regulation, session duration tracking, and alerts for ice replenishment, eliminating the need for constant manual monitoring while maintaining portability through integrated electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements self-regulating features including automatic pump control based on temperature thresholds, integrated timers for session management, and indicators that notify users when ice needs replenishment. These self-service capabilities reduce manual intervention to minimal actions while maintaining full portability and adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-modular cold therapy systems are used, then initial setup is straightforward, but cleaning becomes cumbersome and the system is prone to leaking or mechanical failure after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with modular segmented components including removable liners, separable pump units, and detachable ice containers. This segmentation allows each component to be independently cleaned, inspected, and replaced, significantly improving durability and ease of maintenance while maintaining straightforward initial assembly through simple connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs removable and replaceable components such as disposable or washable liners, regenerable ice containers, and serviceable pump units. These components can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement without affecting the main system structure, enhancing reliability after repeated use while keeping the overall assembly simple.
4Device complexity
If traditional cold therapy approaches are used, then no integration with wearable devices is needed, but the system cannot adapt to different user needs or provide personalized therapy based on physiological cues
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates with wearable devices through wireless communication protocols, receiving real-time physiological data such as heart rate, skin temperature, and activity level. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust therapy parameters including temperature, duration, and intensity based on the user's physiological state, providing personalized therapy while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized communication interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates universal communication interfaces and control algorithms that can process multiple types of physiological data from various wearable devices. This multi-functionality allows the same system to adapt to different user needs and therapeutic goals without requiring complex custom integrations, achieving personalization through a unified platform.
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
Enables efficient, repeatable, and user-customized cold therapy with precise temperature control, safety features, and portability, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
These jets are configured to project the treatment water towards the surface of the treatment ice to accelerate melting and induce rapid thermal exchange
Implementation Method 2
After being chilled by contact with the ice, the treatment water exits the system
Implementation Method 3
forming treatment ice within an ice container having a finned geometry, which imparts a protruded structure to the ice, increasing surface area and accelerating melting when exposed to circulating treatment water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for conducting temperature-controlled water exposure therapies using a modular, portable chilling system. The system includes an ice container configured to form treatment ice with enhanced surface geometry and an attachable agitator module housing a pump, rechargeable battery, and controller. During operation, treatment water is drawn through an inlet, circulated via impingement ports towards the treatment ice, and returned to a treatment tank, resulting in rapid and uniform cooling. The system supports interchangeable components, ergonomic transport, and sealed, self-contained operation without external plumbing. Method embodiments include biometric-guided therapy configurations, modular preparation workflows, and predictive session personalization using wearable data. The system can be monitored and configured using a software application linked via wireless communication. This invention offers improved usability, faster cooling performance, and intelligent session control compared to prior passive ice bath or convection-based approaches.