Flexible Thermoelectric Element for Dynamic Lymphatic Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional static massage methods using thermoelectric devices are inadequate in effectively draining stagnant fluids and wastes from the body, leading to issues like edema and poor blood supply, as they do not directly mobilize lymphatic fluid towards lymph nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing flexible thermoelectric elements that create a dynamic thermal therapy by sequentially controlling cold or warm sensations across multiple regions, mimicking a rubbing effect to compress and move lymphatic fluid towards lymph nodes, preventing backflow and enhancing drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If static massage method using thermoelectric device is used, then skin can be contracted through constant cold heat or muscles can be relaxed through constant warm heat, but stagnant fluids and wastes cannot be effectively drained from the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static constant temperature massage to dynamic sequential temperature zone movement. Multiple thermoelectric modules are controlled to create moving cold and warm zones that sequentially stimulate lymphatic vessels, effectively mobilizing and draining stagnant fluids and wastes along the lymphatic pathway toward lymph nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the thermoelectric device into multiple independently controllable modules arranged in sequence. Each module can be selectively activated to create distinct temperature zones at different positions, enabling the cold and warm zones to move sequentially along the treatment area, thereby improving fluid drainage efficiency.
2Reliability
If static massage is used, then circulation can be increased and inflammation can be reduced, but fluid and waste can clump together causing edema and poor blood supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic sequential activation of thermoelectric modules to create moving temperature zones that continuously stimulate lymphatic vessels. This dynamic approach prevents fluid clumping by maintaining constant movement and directionality in fluid flow, guiding it toward lymph nodes rather than allowing stagnation and edema formation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional thermoelectric device is used, then heating or cooling function is provided, but dynamic massage effect to mobilize lymphatic fluid is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermoelectric device into multiple sequentially arranged modules that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables the creation of moving cold and warm zones that sequentially stimulate different areas, providing dynamic massage effects that mobilize lymphatic fluid while maintaining the basic heating and cooling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially activating and deactivating thermoelectric modules in a cyclic manner. The cold and warm zones move back and forth along the treatment area in periodic cycles, creating a rhythmic massage effect that effectively mobilizes lymphatic fluid without compromising the fundamental thermal therapy functions.
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 dynamic thermal therapy effectively increases skin elasticity, moisture, reduces edema and lymphedema, and improves lymphatic drainage, providing a more efficient massage experience compared to static methods.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric device is a device that directly converts temperature differences into electrical energy, using a phenomenon called the Seebeck effect, or the Peltier effect, which allows the same device to act as a heater or cooler by running a current through it.
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature gradient forming unit configured to form a temperature gradient in a first direction along a first line connecting a start point and an end point on the flexible thermoelectric element; and a second temperature gradient forming unit configured to form a temperature gradient in a second direction along a second line connecting the start point and the end point
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a flexible thermoelectric element to provide dynamic thermal therapy, and to a dynamic thermal therapy device, wherein the flexible thermoelectric element has a plurality of thermoelectric modules, each corresponding to a plurality of regions arranged sequentially, wherein the plurality of thermoelectric modules can selectively perform either exothermic or endothermic operation on the plurality of regions by control of a current.