Cryogenic Composition for Flexible Reusable Cold Therapy Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryotherapy devices face issues with flexibility and durability during repeated freezing/thawing cycles, leading to reduced effectiveness and short device lifespan, particularly due to phase change compositions that become less flexible and require complex container designs.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic composition incorporating superabsorbent polymer granules, a humectant, and a hydrophobic compound creates a flexible and insulating layer, maintaining flexibility after freezing and allowing for multiple uses by trapping water within the polymer pellets, with a hydrophobic compound having a freezing point below -10°C, such as neopentylene glycol diheptanoate, isopropyl sebacate, or isodecyl neopentanoate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If phase-change compositions are used in cryotherapy devices, then cooling effect is achieved, but flexibility is lost after freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite material system consisting of water, a superabsorbent polymer, and a humectant. The superabsorbent polymer forms a three-dimensional network that absorbs and retains water, while the humectant prevents complete drying. This composite structure allows the material to undergo phase change for cooling while maintaining flexibility through the polymer network's elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the cryogenic composition by adding a superabsorbent polymer and a humectant to the water-based system. The polymer's ability to absorb water and the humectant's moisture-retaining properties change the material's behavior during freeze-thaw cycles, maintaining flexibility while enabling phase-change cooling.
2Temperature
If water-based compositions are used for cryotherapy, then excellent cold retention is achieved, but tissue damage occurs at temperatures below 0°C
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary layer consisting of the superabsorbent polymer and humectant between the water-based cryogenic composition and the skin. This intermediary structure modifies the thermal properties, allowing controlled heat transfer for effective cooling while preventing direct contact with extremely cold temperatures that would cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The addition of superabsorbent polymer and humectant changes the thermal and physical parameters of the water-based composition. The polymer network and humectant create a buffer that moderates temperature extremes, maintaining effective cooling capability while preventing harmful freezing temperatures from reaching the skin.
3Ease of operation
If antifreeze compositions are used in cryotherapy devices, then flexibility is maintained, but cold stability becomes very unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite material system where water provides excellent cold retention, superabsorbent polymer maintains flexibility and structure, and humectant ensures moisture retention. This composite approach combines the advantages of each component: water's high specific heat capacity for cold retention, polymer's elasticity for flexibility, and humectant's moisture-binding capability for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention assigns different functional properties to different components of the cryogenic composition. Water provides cold retention in the bulk, while the superabsorbent polymer provides flexibility and structural integrity, and the humectant provides moisture stability at the molecular level. Each component addresses a specific requirement, achieving overall system optimization.
4Temperature
If water-based compositions are used for cryotherapy, then good cold retention is achieved, but device complexity increases due to semi-permeable container requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a homogeneous cryogenic composition where water, superabsorbent polymer, and humectant are uniformly distributed and integrated. This homogeneity eliminates the need for complex semi-permeable membranes or layered structures, as the composition itself provides the necessary properties throughout its entire volume, simplifying the container design to a simple flexible pouch.
5Temperature
If conventional cryogenic compositions are used, then initial cooling effect is achieved, but usage time is reduced due to extended sub-zero surface temperature during thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal and physical parameters of the cryogenic composition by incorporating superabsorbent polymer and humectant. These modifications alter the thawing behavior, allowing the composition to transition more efficiently from sub-zero to therapeutic temperatures, thereby extending the usable duration of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material system of water, superabsorbent polymer, and humectant provides superior thermal management properties. The polymer network and humectant create a structure that facilitates more uniform and controlled thawing, reducing the time the surface remains at harmful sub-zero temperatures and extending the effective usage window.
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 composition remains flexible and effective for up to 30 uses, maintaining a stable surface temperature between 3-5°C for at least 60 minutes, significantly extending the device's usability and durability compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
superabsorbent polymer granules (b) loaded with water (c)
Implementation Method 2
the hydrophobic compound (a) creates a hydrophobic film, or 'insulating layer,' around the polymer granules (b), thus trapping some of the water within them
Implementation Method 3
Phase-change devices, such as those described in patent EP 1 011 558
Implementation Method 4
Upon freezing, some of the water contained within the absorbent's network is released and changes phase, transforming into ice crystals
Implementation Method 5
the hydrophobic compound (a) creates a hydrophobic film, or 'insulating layer,' around the polymer granules (b)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel cryogenic composition intended to be used in heat treatment devices, and to the method of preparing same. The invention also relates to a heat treatment device and, more particularly, to a medical device, used to cool part of a human or an animal body, particularly following trauma, inflammation or a surgical procedure. The invention finds an application in the therapeutical and/or medical field and also in other fields such as, for example, for cooling foodstuffs or maintaining same at low temperature.