Articulatable Distributed Weight Heating Pad with Segmented Pockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating pads for muscle recovery lack articulation and pressure distribution, limiting their effectiveness in providing comprehensive relief and comfort during and after workouts.
Innovation Solution
A distributed-weight heating pad with a layered structure featuring a heating element, weighted pockets, and a controller that provides both conductive and radiant heat, allowing for articulation and customizable temperature control through a battery-powered system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heating pads are used, then heating function is provided, but articulation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pad is divided into multiple independent pockets containing weighted elements, separated by channels. This segmentation allows each pocket to move independently, enabling the pad to articulate and conform to body contours while maintaining structural integrity through the channel connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating pad utilizes a flexible layered structure with covers and internal pockets that can bend and articulate. The thin film-like construction allows the pad to flex around joints and body parts while maintaining its heating functionality, resolving the contradiction between articulation capability and structural complexity.
2Stress or pressure
If conventional heating pads are used, then heating is provided, but pressure distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Weighted elements are distributed within individual pockets across the heating pad surface, creating localized pressure zones. This local quality approach ensures even pressure distribution across the treatment area without requiring a uniformly complex structure, as each pocket independently contributes to the overall pressure distribution pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighted elements are segmented into multiple pockets rather than using a single continuous weight layer. This segmentation allows the pressure to be distributed across multiple contact points, improving overall pressure distribution while keeping each pocket's structure relatively simple.
3Temperature
If heating element is activated, then heat is provided, but temperature control precision is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from the temperature sensor and adjusts the heating element activation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise temperature control by continuously monitoring the treatment area temperature and modulating the heating power, resolving the contradiction between temperature control precision and control system complexity through an efficient closed-loop system.
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 solution enables effective muscle recovery by providing both heat and pressure, facilitating deeper tissue penetration and improved comfort, while allowing for articulation around joints, enhancing the overall treatment experience.
Implementation Method 1
activate the at least one heating element layer to provide both conductive heating and radiation heat
Implementation Method 2
activate the at least one heating element layer to provide both conductive heating and radiation heat
Implementation Method 3
a weighted layer disposed between the first cover and the second cover that has a plurality of pockets having a plurality of channels formed between the plurality of pockets to facilitate articulation. Each of the plurality of pockets contains one or more weighted elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed-weight heating pad includes a weighted layer in between two covers that provides additional pressure on a user. The weighted layer has a plurality of pockets with weighted elements therein and formed with channels between pockets that allow or enhance articulation of the distributed-weight heating pad. A heating element layer is also disposed between the covers along with a controller and battery that cause the heating element layer to provide both conductive heating and radiation heating. Moreover, the controller may cause the heat from the heating element layer to have a ramping segment to quickly apply heat until a desired temperature is reached. Other devices and methods are presented.