Foot PEMF Applicator Housing for Heat Dissipation and Easy Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-power magnetic pulse therapy devices (MPTDs) for treating neuropathic pain in the feet face challenges with heat dissipation and ease of donning and doffing, particularly in designs that are bulky, heavy, and prone to thermal runaway, with issues like flux cancellation and eddy current heating.
Innovation Solution
Adapting a mid-power MPTD applicator design for high-power use by enclosing solenoid coils within a rigid housing with an interstitial area filled with a heat transfer medium, such as oil or forced air, to manage heat and facilitate easy foot insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-power MPTD applicator uses thick cable connection to energizing control unit, then high power delivery capability is achieved, but device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into separate functional modules: the energizing control unit containing the high-power pulse generator, and the separate applicator head containing the solenoid coils. This segmentation allows the heavy power supply components to be isolated from the applicator head, reducing its weight while maintaining high power delivery capability through the cable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A thick cable serves as an intermediary connector between the energizing control unit and the applicator head, transmitting high voltage and amperage signals. This intermediary approach allows the applicator head to be lighter and more portable while still receiving the necessary high power from the external power source.
2Productivity
If high-power MPTD applicator operates continuously, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but heat accumulation causes thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The design converts the harmful heat generated by high-power continuous operation into a manageable feature by incorporating cooling channels within the applicator head. These channels allow active cooling that prevents thermal runaway while enabling sustained high-power treatment, effectively turning the heat problem into a controlled thermal management system.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors monitor the applicator head temperature in real-time and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust power delivery or activate cooling systems to maintain safe operating temperatures, preventing thermal runaway while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If manual applicator is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but frequent swapping is required reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head is designed with dynamic cooling capabilities through integrated cooling channels that can be activated during operation. This allows the applicator to maintain safe temperatures during continuous use, eliminating the need for frequent swapping while keeping the design relatively simple and straightforward.
4Adaptability or versatility
If applicator is designed for foot treatment, then treatment specificity is improved, but donning and doffing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is segmented into a modular foot rest component and the main applicator head. The foot rest can be easily attached or removed from the applicator head, allowing patients to easily don and doff the device while maintaining the specific foot treatment configuration when needed.
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 adapted design effectively dissipates heat and ensures safe, efficient delivery of high-power magnetic pulses to the feet, maintaining thermal stability and ease of use, while adhering to safety guidelines.
Implementation Method 1
an interstitial space between the outer housing and the treatment chamber containing a heat transfer medium configured to transfer heat away from the coils
Implementation Method 2
a forced air mechanism circulates air through the interstitial space to remove heat
Implementation Method 3
one or more coils disposed around the treatment chamber and configured to generate magnetic pulses therein when energized
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic pulse therapy applicator configured to deliver high intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to a user's foot. The applicator allows the user to slide their foot into and out of the treatment area with minimal effort and automatically positions the foot within the core of a High-Power solenoid that generates therapeutic magnetic pulses. The solenoid is enclosed within a housing designed for efficient heat dissipation through air cooling, oil cooling, or both, enabling sustained high-power operation.