Thermally controlled face engaging device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices that apply thermal profiles to the skin are often bulky and energy-intensive due to the use of large heat sinks or active cooling methods, and they fail to effectively manage thermal loads during use, especially in areas with high thermoreceptor density like the face and mouth.
Innovation Solution
A face engaging device with a thermoelectric actuator and a fluid channel that transfers heat away from the device by using fluid flow, allowing for adjustable and alternating thermal profiles to be applied to the skin, thereby managing thermal loads efficiently and providing subjective thermal sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional devices use large heat sinks or active cooling methods to apply thermal profiles to the skin, then thermal load management is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal management function from a separate cooling system and integrates it directly into the thermal actuator component. The heat sink is incorporated within the actuator housing, allowing heat to be conducted directly from the Peltier element through the actuator body to the fluid channel, eliminating the need for separate cooling mechanisms and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the thermal actuator serves as both the heating/cooling element and the heat transfer medium conduit. The fluid channel is embedded within the actuator structure itself, combining thermal regulation and heat dissipation functions into one unified system that reduces energy consumption and device bulk.
2Temperature
If conventional devices use large heat sinks or active cooling methods, then thermal load management is achieved, but the device structure becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the fluid channel is embedded within the walls of the thermal actuator housing. The heat sink functionality is nested inside the actuator body, with the fluid channel running through the thermal mass. This nested arrangement allows the cooling function to be contained within the existing actuator volume, eliminating the need for external heat sinks and reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface contact approach to a three-dimensional integrated volume approach. The fluid channel is positioned within the thermal mass of the actuator housing, creating internal volume utilization for heat dissipation. This dimensional change allows efficient thermal management within a compact form factor by utilizing the internal structure rather than requiring external cooling components.
3Ease of operation
If thermal actuators are applied to areas with high thermoreceptor density like the face and mouth, then subjective thermal sensations are enhanced, but thermal load management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor monitors the temperature at the skin interface in real-time. This temperature feedback is fed to a controller that adjusts the power supplied to the Peltier element accordingly. This closed-loop control allows precise thermal load management, maintaining effective thermal sensations on sensitive facial areas while preventing excessive heat buildup that could cause discomfort or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic thermal control by continuously adjusting the thermal actuator output based on real-time conditions. The system can rapidly switch between heating and cooling modes, and modulate the intensity of thermal application, allowing adaptive response to the sensitive thermoreceptor-rich facial area while maintaining safe thermal loads through continuous adjustment of operational parameters.
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 provides energy-efficient generation of thermal sensations with low power consumption, effectively managing thermal loads and enhancing user experience through adjustable thermal profiles that interact with physiological systems, such as vasoconstriction, respiration, and perceived temperature.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal actuator is configured to transfer heat between the thermal actuator and fluid disposed in the fluid channel
Implementation Method 2
the first heat transfer surface is configured to be in contact with the skin of the user when the opening is placed in fluid communication with the mouth and/or nose of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A face engaging device such as a nozzle, facemask, etc., may include a housing including a fluid channel extending through the housing to an opening configured to be placed in fluid communication with the mouth of a user. The housing may include a first surface configured to be placed in contact with the skin of the user and a second surface exposed to the fluid channel. The face engaging device may also include a thermal actuator supported by the housing and including a first heat transfer surface position on the first surface, where the first heat transfer surface is configured to apply a thermal profile to the skin of the user when the opening is placed in fluid communication with the mouth of the user.