Flexible Thermal Sheet with Ridges for Self-Heating Acupressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for aches and pains, swelling, and joint support often require electricity, specific sizing, or involve cumbersome applications that limit mobility and flexibility, and may not provide effective long-term relief without expert administration.
Innovation Solution
A flexible thermal sheet with integrated ridges that reradiates heat and provides acupressure-like massage, allowing for customizable application and use on multiple body areas without electricity, sizing, or prior heating, and can be used with existing supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrical heating pads are used to provide heat therapy, then heating effect is achieved, but user mobility is limited and electricity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal sheet contains heat-generating material that produces heat through oxidation of iron powder when exposed to air. The device is self-activating and does not require external electricity or power sources, enabling users to maintain mobility while receiving heat therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter by using phase-change material (paraffin wax) that melts at body temperature to create a gel-like substance. This phase transition allows the material to conform to body contours and provide sustained heat therapy without requiring external power.
2Temperature
If thermal packets are used to provide heat therapy, then heating effect is achieved, but prior heating is required before application
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-generating material is pre-packaged in the thermal sheet, but the actual heat generation occurs only when the sheet is applied to the body and exposed to air. This eliminates the need for prior heating preparation while still providing the heating effect when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically generates heat upon application through the oxidation reaction of iron powder with oxygen in the air. No external heating equipment or preparation time is required - the device self-activates when placed on the body.
3Force
If compression apparatus are used to provide support and compression, then support effect is achieved, but flexibility and adaptability to different body areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal sheet is made of flexible, thin material that can conform to various body contours and shapes. This flexibility allows the same device to be applied to different body areas (knees, elbows, wrists, etc.) while maintaining compression and support effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal sheet is designed as a universal device that can be applied to multiple body areas and conditions. The combination of heat therapy, compression, and adaptability makes it suitable for various musculoskeletal issues across different joints and body parts.
4Force
If adhesive tape is used to provide compression and support, then compression effect is achieved, but skin preparation is required and daily expense is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal sheet uses flexible elastic material that provides compression without requiring adhesive properties. This eliminates the need for skin preparation and reduces skin irritation risks associated with adhesive tapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal sheet appears to be a disposable or reusable non-adhesive alternative to adhesive tape. By eliminating the adhesive component, the device reduces daily expenses and simplifies application while maintaining compression effectiveness.
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 offers portable, self-heating, multipurpose relief for aches and pains, swelling, and joint support, providing therapeutic heat and massage effects without the need for electricity or precise sizing, suitable for extended use and compatibility with various orthopedic devices.
Implementation Method 1
An outer component consisting of a flexible thermal sheet, which is pressed against a selective body part of user producing a reradiating heat effect
Implementation Method 2
Exothermic composition which generates heat when exposed to oxygen is used only one time and disposed of
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method used to help reduce aches and pains to joints, muscles, and other body parts; helps to relieve swelling; provide support to joints and muscles. Comprising of a plurality of ridges 120 affixed to a flexible thermal sheet 110. Said ridges 120 produce an acupressure-like massage effect and the flexible thermal sheet 110 absorbs and reradiates heat between the device and skin producing a self-heating effect. The device can be sized for a particular application. A user places the device against his or her body part and device is held in place by a method of user's choice.