Foldable Oval Ice Bath Structure for Small-Space Cold Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice bath systems are large, require a significant footprint, and are expensive, making them unsuitable for everyday use in confined or limited spaces.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible and modular ice bath system with an elongated oval shape, featuring an inflatable upper lip, frame members, and a removable lid, designed for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for compact storage and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ice bath systems are used, then cold therapy functionality is provided, but the systems are large and require significant footprint space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecold therapy functionalityVSAvoidfootprint space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ice bath system is divided into multiple collapsible panels that can be folded together to form the bath structure. Each panel can be independently collapsed and stored, allowing the system to transition from a deployed functional state to a compact stored state, significantly reducing footprint space while maintaining cold therapy functionality when assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ice bath system incorporates collapsible and expandable structures that dynamically change volume. The panels are designed to collapse flat for storage and expand to form the three-dimensional bath structure when needed, enabling the system to adapt between occupying minimal space during storage and providing full functionality during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ice bath systems are used, then cold therapy functionality is provided, but the systems are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecold therapy functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ice bath system uses flexible panel structures instead of rigid, expensive materials. The panels can be manufactured from cost-effective flexible materials that still provide the necessary structural integrity when assembled, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the cold therapy functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the system into standardized modular panels, the manufacturing process is simplified and materials can be produced more efficiently. This segmentation allows for economies of scale and reduced material waste, lowering overall manufacturing costs compared to traditional monolithic ice bath constructions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If collapsible structure is used, then ease of transport is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transportVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The panel connections are pre-designed with reinforced joining mechanisms that are activated when the panels are assembled. The structural integrity is built into the connection design beforehand, ensuring that when the collapsible panels are assembled, they form a strong, stable structure capable of withstanding the weight of water and users during transport and use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 facilitates ease of use and transport while maintaining structural integrity and providing effective cold therapy benefits, including physical and mental health improvements.

Implementation Method 1

an inflatable upper lip positioned on a top portion of the wall, and wherein the inflatable upper lip is rotatable from a lower stowed position to an upper deployed position after inflated with air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir inflation:

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of vertical frame members, a plurality of horizontal frame members, a plurality of T-shaped connecting members configured to engage the plurality of vertical frame members and the plurality of horizontal frame members, wherein the frame members are configured to support the wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Implementation Method 3

a water inlet valve, a water exit valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS20250367072A1Long Foldable Ice Bath

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 BJORN CAPITAL GROUP LLC

AI summary

Aspects described herein may relate to an ice bath that may include an elongated oval-shaped wall forming an opening a bottom attached to the wall, wherein the wall and the bottom form an ice bath configured to contain water, a plurality of vertical frame members, a plurality of horizontal frame members, a plurality of T-shaped connecting members configured to engage the plurality of vertical frame members and the plurality of horizontal frame members, wherein the frame members are configured to support the wall.