Adaptive Cryotherapy Device Skin Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryotherapy sessions have variable effects on individuals, and there is a need to improve their effectiveness by personalizing the treatment based on the subject's physiological reaction to cold exposure.
Innovation Solution
A cryotherapy device with a cryotherapy chamber, a cold generator, a central unit, a skin temperature measurement sensor, and an information device that adjusts signals to the subject based on measured skin temperature, allowing for personalized sessions by influencing the progress of the treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed cryotherapy session duration is used for all subjects, then the device operation is simple, but the treatment effectiveness varies from subject to subject
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures skin temperature during the cryotherapy session and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the treatment duration. The central unit receives temperature data from sensors and automatically controls the information device to notify the subject when to exit, replacing fixed-duration protocols with adaptive, physiology-based timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cryotherapy session duration transitions from a static, pre-determined value to a dynamic parameter that changes in real-time based on individual skin temperature responses. The treatment adapts its characteristics during execution to match each subject's physiological state, improving reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cryotherapy session is personalized based on skin temperature measurements, then treatment effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement of skin temperature using integrated sensors and automatically processes this data to determine session duration. The central unit autonomously interprets temperature readings and controls the information device accordingly, eliminating the need for practitioner intervention and keeping the system simple despite its adaptive capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement and control system serves multiple functions: it monitors skin temperature, determines treatment duration, provides real-time feedback to the subject, and adapts the protocol dynamically. This multi-functionality is achieved through an integrated central unit that consolidates what could otherwise be separate complex subsystems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If skin temperature measurement and real-time signal adjustment are implemented, then session adaptation to subject improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where skin temperature measurements continuously inform real-time adjustments to the treatment protocol. The central unit processes sensor data and dynamically controls the information device to provide appropriate signals to the subject, enabling adaptive session management without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The central unit acts as an intermediary that receives raw temperature data from sensors, processes this information according to predetermined criteria, and generates appropriate control signals for the information device. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic and separating measurement from actuation functions.
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 adapts the cryotherapy session to the individual's skin temperature changes, improving the treatment's effectiveness and personalization, thereby enhancing the physiological response to cold exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a cold generator (4) arranged to generate a temperature internal to the cryotherapy chamber (2) lower by at least ten degrees Celsius than a temperature external to the cryotherapy chamber (2)
Implementation Method 2
a first measurement sensor (6) operatively connected to said central unit (5) for measuring a skin temperature of a part of subject (3) located in said cryotherapy chamber (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Cryotherapy device (1) comprising: - a cryotherapy chamber (2) for receiving a subject to be treated (3); - a cold generator (4) arranged to generate an internal temperature in the cryotherapy chamber (2) that is at least ten degrees Celsius lower than the external temperature of the cryotherapy chamber. The device includes: - a central unit (5); - a first measuring sensor (6) functionally connected to said central unit (5) for measuring the skin temperature of a part of the subject (3) located in said cryotherapy chamber (2); and - an information device (7) functionally connected to said central unit (5) for generating a signal for the subject (3), said central unit (5) controlling the emission of the signal (S) for the subject based on skin temperature measurements generated by the first measuring sensor (6).