Foldable Infrared Therapy Unit with Segmented Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal saunas and therapy units often lack portability and compact storage, and they typically do not provide a combination of near-infrared and visible light therapy in a cost-effective and accessible manner.
Innovation Solution
A foldable personal therapy unit comprising upper and lower units with pivotable panels that can be configured into a use position, an intermediate position, and a storage position, equipped with infrared and visible light emitters to provide near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared radiation, as well as chromotherapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If personal saunas are made compact to reduce footprint and ease handling, then portability and storage convenience are improved, but the therapy coverage and treatment effectiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The therapy unit is divided into multiple independent panels that can be segmented and reconfigured. Each panel contains infrared emitters and can be positioned to treat different body areas, allowing the compact unit to provide comprehensive full-body therapy through modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed with movable and adjustable configurations, allowing the unit to dynamically change from a compact storage form to an expanded therapy configuration. The panels can be positioned at various angles and orientations to adapt to different user needs and body areas requiring treatment.
2Ease of operation
If personal saunas are made foldable to improve portability and storage, then ease of transport is improved, but structural stability and emission consistency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable structure is segmented into multiple rigid panels connected by hinges, with each panel maintaining its structural integrity and emitter alignment independently. This segmentation allows the overall structure to be flexible and foldable while each panel remains stable and reliable during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking and alignment systems with simpler hinge-based folding mechanisms combined with rigid panel construction. The emitters are integrated directly into the rigid panels, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining emission consistency through the inherent rigidity of the panel structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive infrared and light therapy is provided, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but device cost and complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The therapy unit is designed as a multi-functional device that provides near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared radiation, as well as visible light chromotherapy, all within a single integrated unit. This universal approach consolidates multiple therapy functions into one device, reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple emitter types (near-infrared, mid-infrared, far-infrared, and visible light emitters) into a single integrated panel structure. By combining these different therapy modalities in one unit with unified control, the system achieves comprehensive therapy effectiveness while minimizing the complexity that would arise from coordinating multiple separate devices.
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 solution provides a portable, compact, and cost-effective personal therapy unit that offers a comprehensive therapy experience, including improved blood circulation, pain relief, and mental relaxation, while being easily storable and transportable.
Implementation Method 1
The emitters may comprise a plurality of infrared- and/or visible-light-emitting elements disposed in the frames of the head-end and lower units to emit infrared radiation and/or visible light that is directed toward a user's body. The infrared energy from the emitters may be provided in the near-, mid-, and/or far-infrared spectrums.
Implementation Method 2
The emitters may comprise a plurality of infrared- and/or visible-light-emitting elements disposed in the frames of the head-end and lower units to emit infrared radiation and/or visible light that is directed toward a user's body.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, personal therapy chamber for provision of radiation therapy. The therapy chamber includes a pair of telescopically positionable units that are lightweight and easily portable by a single user. The therapy chamber is configured for use by a single person lying generally prone on a surface. The units are formed from a plurality of pivotably coupled panels that are foldable in a first direction to a rolled up, tube-like storage configuration and unfoldable in a second direction to an arched formation or use configuration. The units, in the use configuration, are disposed to overlie the user and include a plurality of emitters that direct infrared energy toward the user's body.