Flexible Wrap Heating System with Conductive and Infrared Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recovery systems for athletes or individuals after workouts lack effective and portable solutions that provide both heat and compression to aid in muscle recovery without sacrificing mobility.
Innovation Solution
A portable, battery-powered recovery system featuring a flexible wrap with integrated heating elements and a pneumatic subsystem that applies both conductive and infrared heat, along with adjustable compression, controlled by a processor and memory unit for safe and efficient temperature modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a portable recovery system with heating elements is designed, then heat application capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heating elements (first and second heating elements) within a single wrap device, integrating both infrared and conductive heating capabilities into one unified portable system. This merging approach provides comprehensive heat application functionality while maintaining a single-device form factor, resolving the contradiction between improved temperature capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both infrared heating (first heating element) and conductive heating (second heating element), and can be used on different body parts (neck, back, joints). This multi-functionality improves temperature application capability across various scenarios while justifying the device complexity through versatile utility.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible wrap with heating elements is created, then portability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible wrap as the base structure, which is inherently portable and conformable to body parts. The heating elements are integrated into this flexible substrate, allowing the entire device to be rolled or folded for easy transport. This flexible shell approach maintains portability while the modular integration of heating elements manages manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap is designed with distinct segments or zones: a first wrap portion with the first heating element for infrared heating, and a second wrap portion with the second heating element for conductive heating. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing of heating components that can be assembled into the flexible wrap, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining portability.
3Reliability
If multiple heating elements are integrated into a wrap, then heat distribution effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different heating mechanisms in different locations: the first heating element (infrared) is positioned for deep tissue penetration, while the second heating element (conductive) is positioned for surface heating. This local differentiation of heating quality ensures effective heat distribution across different tissue depths and body parts, justifying the increased device complexity through improved therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap integrates multiple heating element types (infrared and conductive) within a single flexible substrate, creating a composite heating system. This composite approach allows the device to deliver both deep and surface heating simultaneously or sequentially, improving overall heat distribution effectiveness while managing complexity through integrated design.
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 system effectively provides rapid heat perception and deep tissue heating, enhancing muscle recovery while maintaining user mobility and safety through controlled temperature and pressure settings.
Implementation Method 1
activate the at least one heating element to provide primarily conductive heat perceived by the user
Implementation Method 2
activate the at least one heating element to provide primarily infrared radiation heat
Data Source
AI summary
In one instance, a recovery system for a user is presented that includes a battery-operated, flexible wrap that applies heat with both conductive heat and radiant heat. The recovery system has a control unit that ramps the temperature applied using primarily perceived conductive heat before leveling at a target temperature. Other systems and devices are presented.