Inelastic Component Mounting for Wearable Compression and Thermal Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temperature therapy devices have limitations such as limited re-usability, require pre-cooling or pre-heating, disrupt user rest, and are difficult to make in smaller form factors for easy transport.

Innovation Solution

A device with a compressive element, inflatable bladder, and temperature modulation assembly that applies compressive and thermal therapy, allowing for rapid transitions between hot and cold therapy modes, and is wearable for continuous therapy provision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional temperature therapy devices (ice packs, heating pads) are used, then temperature therapy can be applied, but the device requires pre-cooling or pre-heating and has limited re-usability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of temperature therapyVSAvoidpre-cooling or pre-heating time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies phase change materials that undergo phase transitions (freezing/melting) to provide temperature therapy. The PCM capsules contain material that can be rapidly frozen and then provide cold therapy over an extended period, eliminating the need for pre-cooling of the entire device and enabling continuous re-use through rapid refreezing in a freezer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device segments the temperature therapy function into separate PCM capsules that can be independently frozen and replaced. This allows the main device body to remain at ambient temperature while only the therapeutic elements require freezing, significantly reducing pre-cooling time and enabling quick exchange of therapy elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional temperature therapy devices are used, then temperature therapy can be applied, but the user must be close to external cooling/heating elements which disrupts rest

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of temperature therapyVSAvoidtime for user to access external cooling/heating

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature therapy device is pre-cooled by freezing PCM capsules in a freezer before use. This preliminary action stores the cooling capability within the device itself, eliminating the need for the user to access external cooling elements during therapy. The device can then be applied immediately and used without interruption for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Weight of moving object

If conventional temperature therapy devices are used, then temperature therapy can be applied, but the device cannot be made in smaller form factors for easy transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability of temperature therapy deviceVSAvoidsize of temperature therapy device

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses flexible gel-like PCM capsules that can be molded into thin, conformable shapes. These flexible capsules allow the device to be made in a compact, wearable form factor that can be easily transported and applied to various body parts, while the gel material provides sufficient thermal mass for extended therapy duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 efficient, portable, and continuous temperature therapy with rapid mode transitions, enhancing user convenience and recovery by conforming to body contours and reducing recovery disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

the compressive element comprises an inflatable bladder... upon activation of the compressive element: (i) a compressive force can be applied to the body surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

at least one temperature modulation assembly adapted to apply temperature treatment to the body surface of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4373444B1System for mounting inelastic components to a flexible material to apply compressive and thermal therapy

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 HYPERICE IP SUBCO LLC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C

AI summary

A device for applying compressive therapy is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the device has a top layer (122) and a bottom layer (124) adapted to contact a body surface of a user. The device further includes a compressive element (160) disposed between the top layer (122) and the bottom layer (124), where the compressive element (160) is configured such that, upon activation of the compressive element: (i) a compressive force is applied to the body surface and (ii) the compressive element curves to more closely conform to the bottom layer (124).