Elastic Textile Holder for Body-Conforming Thermal Pack Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat therapy devices for pain relief are inconvenient, lack consistent and controlled temperature maintenance, and often fail to comfortably conform to body contours, leading to ineffective and costly solutions.
Innovation Solution
A reusable, washable textile holder with elastic properties that removably holds thermal or therapeutic articles close to the body, providing a consistent and comfortable heat application through a coordinated system of elastic regions and fastening mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable elastic thermal wraps are used, then pain relief effectiveness is improved, but cost increases and environmental sustainability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: a reusable elastic wrap holder and replaceable thermal packs. This allows the expensive and environmentally impactful disposable component (thermal pack) to be separated from the reusable component (holder), enabling multiple uses of the holder while only replacing the consumable thermal pack, thereby reducing overall cost and waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable elastic wrap holder is designed to be washed and reused multiple times, recovering and reusing the holder component. Only the thermal pack, which is the consumable element, is discarded after use, maximizing resource utilization and reducing environmental impact.
2Loss of substance
If reusable thermal devices are used, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but temperature consistency and control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal packs are pre-packaged in sealed, sterile containers with pre-measured therapeutic agents. This preliminary preparation ensures that each thermal pack delivers consistent and controlled temperature and therapeutic effect when activated, eliminating the need for manual preparation that could lead to variability.
3Ease of operation
If thermal packs are removably mounted to holder, then ease of replacement is improved, but secure positioning during use worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism uses dynamic elements such as elastic straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or snap connections that allow the thermal pack to be easily attached and removed while maintaining secure positioning during use. The elastic components provide continuous pressure to keep the thermal pack firmly in place against the body.
4Reliability
If elastic wraps with high holding force are used, then article positioning is improved, but comfort worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic wrap holder incorporates regions of varying elasticity and holding force. High holding force regions are positioned at critical areas to secure the thermal pack firmly, while lower holding force regions are positioned at areas contacting the body to maintain comfort. This localized differentiation allows secure positioning without compromising overall comfort.
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 offers improved comfort, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness by maintaining consistent heat transfer and adapting to various body contours, allowing for extended pain relief even after the heat source is removed.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic region having a Holding Force (HF-4.0) of greater than about 0.1 kgf and a Holding Force (HF-2.5) of less than about 1.0 kgf
Data Source
AI summary
A body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one article in close bodily contact. The holder may be a wrap or tube constructed to enclose a portion of the body where the article is to be held. The article may be a therapeutic article, such as a heat generating thermal pack, a cooling pack, or other article comprising a therapeutic agent; an absorbent article; a sensing article; or a filter article. The invention also relates to a system comprising the body conforming holder and an article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder.