Compact Cryotherapy Chamber with Segmented Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Whole Body Cryotherapy systems are large, energy-intensive, lack precise temperature control, and have significant downtime between sessions, posing challenges in efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A compact cryotherapy system with a stainless steel and copper liquid nitrogen delivery system controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and touch-screen interface, featuring a pre-cooling stage and safety features like check-in and stop commands to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional large-scale WBC systems are used to enclose entire stairwells and large rectangular chambers, then multiple people can be accommodated simultaneously, but energy consumption and cooling gas requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the service capability into multiple independent compact chambers rather than one large chamber. Each chamber serves one or two people independently, allowing the system to handle multiple clients sequentially with minimal energy consumption per session. The modular design enables the chamber to be quickly reheated and reused for the next client without the energy penalty of cooling a large volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles with each chamber serving clients sequentially rather than continuously. The compact chamber can be rapidly cooled and reheated between sessions, enabling frequent turnover of clients. This periodic operation mode reduces total energy consumption compared to maintaining large chambers at cryogenic temperatures continuously for multiple simultaneous users.
2Temperature
If conventional large systems are constructed with significant volume to cool, then desired cool temperatures can be reached, but the amount of materials and construction requirements become very significant
Solution Approach 1:
The construction is divided into multiple compact modular chambers rather than one large structure. Each chamber uses minimal materials to enclose a small volume, reducing total material requirements while achieving the same temperature control capability. The modular units can be manufactured and assembled with standard construction materials on a much smaller scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs well-insulated compact chambers that can be constructed with thin-walled insulated enclosures rather than massive structural construction. The focus is on thermal insulation quality rather than structural mass, allowing the use of lighter materials and simpler construction methods to achieve the required cryogenic temperature containment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional systems are designed as permanent fixtures within structures, then stability is provided, but the systems become non-movable and require significant structural integration
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent portable chamber units that can be relocated as needed. Each compact chamber is self-contained with its own insulation and cooling infrastructure, allowing individual units to be moved and reconfigured without requiring permanent structural integration. This modular approach provides both stability during operation and versatility for relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static permanent installation to dynamic reconfigurable deployment. The compact chambers can be moved between locations and reconfigured to serve different client needs, enabling the system to adapt to changing operational requirements while maintaining stability during each cryotherapy session through proper anchoring and insulation.
4Reliability
If conventional systems require significant down time between cooling sessions, then cooling capacity is maintained, but productivity decreases when sessions are designed for numerous people
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent compact chambers can operate in parallel or sequential fashion, reducing total downtime. While one chamber is being used, another can be rapidly prepared or cooled, allowing continuous service flow. The small thermal mass of each chamber enables quick temperature recovery between sessions compared to large conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs rapid cyclic operation with each chamber going through quick cool-down and recovery cycles. The compact volume allows the chamber to reach cryogenic temperatures rapidly and then be quickly reheated for the next client, maximizing the number of sessions per day. This periodic operation with short cycle times dramatically increases productivity compared to conventional systems with long downtime intervals.
5Ease of operation
If conventional systems use timer control alone, then simple operation is maintained, but precise control and safety safeguards are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor chamber temperature, client presence, and system state, providing feedback to the control system. This automated feedback mechanism ensures safe operation by detecting abnormal conditions and responding appropriately, while maintaining simple user interaction through automated safety protocols and guided interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-protection functions through automated control systems that track temperature profiles, session duration, and safety parameters. The controller automatically enforces safety limits and protocols without requiring constant user attention, providing both simplicity for the user and robust safety control through autonomous system monitoring and response.
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 system provides precise temperature control, reduces energy consumption, minimizes downtime, and enhances safety through automated control and user input validation during sessions.
Implementation Method 1
a stainless steel and copper liquid nitrogen to nitrogen gas delivery system
Implementation Method 2
for cooling the chamber to the first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically producing and monitoring a cryotherapy session within a chamber includes a plumbing system coupled to the chamber for cooling the chamber. A central controller may be coupled to the plumbing system. The central controller may be operable for: initiating the cryotherapy session within the chamber with a cryogenic gas flowing through the plumbing system for cooling the chamber to a first temperature; determining if the first temperature has been reached within the chamber; determining if a check-in command has been received for the cryotherapy session; and stopping the cryotherapy session after a predetermined period of time. The central controller may initiate a pre-cooling session for cooling the chamber to a second temperature which is different than the first temperature; and determine if the second temperature has been reached in the chamber. The pre-cooling session generally occurs prior to the cryotherapy session for removing ambient heat.