Portable Cooling Unit with Labial Inserts for Immediate Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for vulvar itching and burning, such as steroid creams and medicated pads, are often messy, inconvenient, and provide delayed relief, lacking immediate and non-messy solutions for women experiencing irritation and inflammation of the external female genitalia.
Innovation Solution
A portable cooling unit and associated labial inserts that maintain a controlled, soothing temperature for extended periods, allowing for immediate relief from burning and itching without disrupting clothing or mobility, utilizing a thermoelectric heat transfer module and insulating tray to cool the inserts within a compact, user-friendly design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If topical creams and medicated pads are used to treat vulvar burning and inflammation, then treatment is provided, but relief is delayed and the treatment is messy and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transition of phase change material from solid to liquid state to provide cooling effect. The PCM absorbs heat from the vulvar area during melting, providing immediate soothing relief for burning and inflammation without messy application like traditional creams
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful heat from the affected area by using phase change material that absorbs excess thermal energy through phase transition. This removes the thermal stress causing burning and inflammation, providing targeted relief without the messiness of topical medications
2Loss of time
If topical creams are applied for immediate relief, then treatment is provided, but they stain undergarments and affect clothing appearance and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides immediate cooling relief through its melting process, reducing the time to achieve relief. The solid-liquid phase transition occurs within the insert itself, eliminating the need for external creams that would stain clothing and restrict mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable inserts containing phase change material that are used for immediate relief and then discarded. This eliminates the messiness of reusable creams and pads, allowing free movement without concern for staining or residue on clothing
3Temperature
If a cooling device is used to provide immediate relief, then soothing temperature is achieved, but the device must be portable and maintain cooling for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material maintains a constant temperature during the phase transition process, providing consistent cooling effect. The material continues to absorb heat as it transitions from solid to liquid, extending the duration of cooling action without requiring external power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the phase change material from solid to liquid, which fundamentally alters its thermal properties. This parameter change enables the material to absorb large amounts of heat at a relatively constant temperature, providing extended cooling duration for portable 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
Provides immediate, non-messy, and sustained relief from vulvar itching and burning by maintaining a cooled temperature for an extended period, enhancing user convenience and comfort while minimizing disruption to daily activities.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric heat transfer module for placement between the upper housing and the base housing, wherein the heat transfer module is in thermally conductive communication with the cooling compartment
Implementation Method 2
an insulating tray; and wherein the cooling compartment is seated within the insulating tray
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing prolonged topical cooling to the external female genitalia as a therapeutic benefit to and relief from female itching and burning is disclosed as a lightweight, portable cooling unit in combination with one or more labial inserts which are specifically designed to conform to the user's anatomy. The cooling unit is typically a container capable of both cooling and transporting the labial inserts during travel, and providing easy access to relief when needed by the user. A cooled labial insert can be applied to the external female genitalia for treatment of the acute symptoms associated with vulvar inflammation and irritation. The inventive apparatus can maintain a cooling temperature to the affected area for an extended period of time, limited only by the life of the cooling power source. The labial inserts can be worn in public with minimum disruption to the user's clothing and mobility.