Cold Hot Compress Device Segmented Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cold/hot compress devices using thermoelectric cooling chips are inefficient in switching between cold and hot functions, consuming excessive energy and wasting resources due to the same cooling and heating sources and circulation pipeline being used for both functions.
Innovation Solution
A cold/hot compress device that separates cooling and heating sources, utilizing a cooling chip to cool water for cold compress and a heating film to generate heat for hot compress, eliminating the need for repeated water heating and cooling, and allowing quick replacement of compress strips for different body parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same thermoelectric cooling chip and circulation pipeline are used for both cold and hot compress functions, then the device structure can be simplified, but the switching efficiency between cold and hot functions deteriorates and excessive energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into separate cold compress and hot compress modules. The cold compress function uses a thermoelectric cooling chip with water circulation, while the hot compress function uses an independent heating element. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently without energy waste from repeated heating and cooling of the same water, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and energy efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the same circulation pipeline is used for both cold and hot compress, then the pipeline system can be simplified, but the switching time between cold and hot functions increases due to repeated heating and cooling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate circulation pipelines for cold and hot compress functions. The cold compress pipeline connects the thermoelectric cooling chip to the compress bag, while the hot compress pipeline connects the heating element directly to the compress bag. This segmentation eliminates the need to heat and cool the same water repeatedly, significantly reducing switching time while maintaining reasonable pipeline system complexity.
3Reliability
If cold water is continuously circulated through the thermoelectric cooling chip to maintain cold compress function, then the cold compress effect can be maintained, but energy is wasted when hot compress function is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the cold and hot compress functions into independent systems with separate water circulation paths. When hot compress is needed, the cold water circulation is stopped and replaced by direct heating of the compress bag through the heating element. This ensures reliable cold compress effect when needed while eliminating energy waste from continuous cooling when hot compress is the required function.
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
This solution achieves efficient energy-saving cold/hot switching and allows for rapid adaptation to different body parts, reducing energy waste and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal conduction frame stacked against the cooling surface of the cooling chip and extended into the container for chilling the cold water
Implementation Method 2
an outer surface of one of the substrates is provided with a heating film isolated from the water path
Implementation Method 3
after an N-type semiconductor and a P-type semiconductor on the thermoelectric cooling chip are electrically conducted, current flows from the N-type semiconductor to the P-type semiconductor to absorb heat energy to form a cooling end
Implementation Method 4
If the current is switched to a reverse direction, the current flowing from the P-type semiconductor to the N-type semiconductor will release heat energy to form a heating end
Data Source
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AI summary
A cold/hot compress device with efficient cold/hot switch and quick compress strip replacement includes a host machine and a flexible compress strip, and the host machine can pump the cooled water into the compress strip for a cold compress of an affected part on a human body surface and also can quickly discharge the cold water contained in the compress strip and drive a heating film to generate heat for a hot compress without the need of heating the cold water for an efficient cold/hot switch. The flexible compress strip can be replaced quickly as needed, and its application is very simple and practical.