Handheld Cooling Tool with Integrated Heat Absorbing Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld cooling tools for personal care require a removable reservoir of liquid coolant, which is prone to damage or misplacement, and phase change materials are too cold for comfortable facial applications.
Innovation Solution
A handheld cooling tool with a permanently assembled design featuring a high thermal conductivity applicator head, a low thermal conductivity grasping surface, and a heat absorbing core, eliminating the need for a removable coolant reservoir and providing a comfortable temperature for facial use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable reservoir of liquid coolant is used, then the cooling effect can be achieved, but the device becomes complex and the reservoir is prone to damage or misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coolant reservoir, applicator head, and housing into a single integrated unit. The coolant is permanently contained within the applicator head assembly, eliminating the need for removable reservoirs. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by maintaining cooling functionality while eliminating the complexity and reliability issues associated with removable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the coolant from a separate removable reservoir and integrates it directly into the applicator head structure. By taking out the reservoir as a separate component and incorporating the coolant permanently within the applicator head, the design eliminates the need for user handling of separate coolant containers, thereby reducing device complexity and improving reliability.
2Power
If phase change material is used as heat sink, then cooling capacity is improved, but the tool becomes too cold for comfortable facial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal properties to different parts of the device. The applicator head portion that contacts the skin is made of a material with lower thermal conductivity, while the internal coolant channels and heat sink structures use materials with higher thermal conductivity. This local differentiation of material properties allows efficient heat transfer internally while providing a comfortable, moderate temperature at the skin-contact surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the applicator head material to a lower value compared to traditional phase change material applications. By selecting materials with specific thermal conductivity ranges, the device maintains adequate cooling capacity while ensuring the skin-contact surface remains at a comfortable temperature, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling power and comfort.
3Ease of operation
If permanent assembly is used, then ease of operation and robustness are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules that are permanently assembled: the applicator head with integrated coolant reservoir, the housing with coolant channels, and the heat sink structure. While the final assembly is permanent, each module can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, and then joined through efficient assembly methods. This segmentation approach balances ease of operation with manufacturability.
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 tool effectively reduces skin temperature, providing a consistent cooling effect for improved skin appearance and muscle relaxation, with a robust and user-friendly design that stands up to consumer usage and environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator head (2) that is thermally connected to the heat absorbing core (3)
Implementation Method 2
the tool removes thermal energy from the surface
Implementation Method 3
the construction of these elements is intended to facilitate substantial heat transfer from the skin to the core of the tool
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A handheld, personal care cooling tool comprises a body that supports an applicator head and houses a heat absorbing core. The applicator head is thermally connected to the heat absorbing core. An optional spring (5) is provided between the applicator head and body. The construction of these elements is intended to facilitate substantial heat transfer from the skin to the core of the tool in a short amount of time. Upon contact with a surface, the tool removes thermal energy from the surface. The tool may be used to treat areas of the face, such as under-eye, forehead, cheeks, and jowls to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing inflammation, puffiness, blood pooling and other undesirable skin imperfections.