Handheld Itch Relief Device with Convex Protrusions and Peltier Cooling

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for eczema, such as oral medication and moisturizers, are lengthy and do not effectively address the immediate itching sensation, leading to the 'itch-scratch-itch cycle, which can worsen skin damage and increase the risk of infection, especially in children.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device with convex protrusions made from heat-conductive materials, designed to mimic scratching while minimizing skin damage, equipped with a cooling mechanism to provide instant relief and break the itch-scratch cycle, featuring a Peltier cooling device and a user-friendly design for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a user scratches their skin to relieve itching, then the itching sensation is temporarily relieved, but skin damage and infection risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitching sensationVSAvoidskin damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a scratching device with convex protrusions as an intermediary tool between the user and their skin. This mediator provides the mechanical stimulation needed to relieve itching while the controlled geometry of the protrusions prevents the skin penetration and damage associated with direct fingernail scratching. The device translates the user's scratching impulse into a safer form of mechanical stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the scratching interface by using convex protrusions with specific geometric characteristics (curved surfaces, controlled size and spacing). This parameter modification transforms the harmful sharp-point contact of fingernails into a distributed, rounded contact pattern that stimulates nerve endings for itch relief while distributing pressure to prevent skin breakdown and penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If current treatments like oral medication and moisturizers are used, then skin condition improves over time, but immediate itching relief is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin condition improvementVSAvoidtime to relief

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides immediate mechanical relief through the scratching device while the skin undergoes gradual healing from medical treatments. The device performs preliminary symptom management by mechanically stimulating itch-relief pathways, allowing users to tolerate the delayed action of medications and moisturizers without succumbing to the urge to scratch and worsen their condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous itch management by allowing repeated use of the scratching device throughout the day as needed, while medical treatments work continuously in the background. This continuous mechanical relief complements the ongoing pharmacological and dermatological treatments, maintaining broken the itch-scratch cycle without interrupting the healing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fingernails are used to scratch, then itching is relieved, but skin breaking and infection risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitching sensationVSAvoidskin breaking

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a scratching device with convex protrusions as an intermediary tool between the user and their skin. This mediator provides the mechanical stimulation needed to relieve itching while the controlled geometry of the protrusions prevents the skin penetration and damage associated with direct fingernail scratching. The device translates the user's scratching impulse into a safer form of mechanical stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the scratching interface by using convex protrusions with specific geometric characteristics (curved surfaces, controlled size and spacing). This parameter modification transforms the harmful sharp-point contact of fingernails into a distributed, rounded contact pattern that stimulates nerve endings for itch relief while distributing pressure to prevent skin breakdown and penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides non-invasive, effective itch relief by reducing skin damage and infection risk, allowing affected skin to heal quicker and offering a child-friendly, easy-to-use solution for managing eczema and other skin conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the cooling device is a Peltier device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

the protrusions are formed from a heat-conductive material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20220168170A1A device for alleviating itching

Publication Date: 2022.06.02 COSI CARE LTD

AI summary

A device (100) for alleviating itching is described. The device (100) includes a body (102) and a plurality of convex protrusions (106) being mounted on the body. In use, the plurality of convex protrusions (106) provides a plurality of contact points on a user's skin.