Handheld Multi-Modality Treatment Device with Integrated Thermal and Electrical Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a quick and convenient nonsurgical treatment solution for muscle pain, stiffness, or soreness, particularly for athletes, that can provide multiple treatment modalities for self-administration.

Innovation Solution

A handheld treatment device incorporating a heater, massager, electrical energy generator for EMS or TENS, and thermoelectric cooler, with a control interface and battery power, allowing users to select from various modalities like heat, cold, massage, and electrical therapy, and optionally controlled via a smartphone app.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple treatment modalities are integrated into a single handheld device, then versatility and convenience are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment modality optionsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple treatment modalities (heating element, cooling element, massager, and electrical stimulation generator) into a single handheld device. This merging of previously separate treatment devices into one unified unit directly addresses the contradiction by improving versatility while managing complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device is designed to perform multiple treatment functions through a single unit, allowing users to select from heating, cooling, massaging, and electrical stimulation modalities. This multi-functionality principle resolves the contradiction by enabling one device to serve multiple therapeutic purposes, thereby enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple treatment modalities are integrated into a single handheld device, then convenience for self-treatment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-treatment convenienceVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed for self-administration with user-friendly controls that allow individuals to independently select and activate appropriate treatment modalities for their own muscle relief. The self-service capability improves ease of operation by eliminating the need for professional intervention while the integrated design manages complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional design allows users to switch between different treatment modalities (heat, cold, massage, electrical stimulation) based on their specific needs, providing convenient self-treatment options while managing device complexity through unified architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a handheld device incorporates heating, cooling, massaging, and electrical stimulation components, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain alleviation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges heating elements, cooling elements, massaging mechanisms, and electrical stimulation generators into a single handheld device. This combination provides comprehensive treatment options that enhance pain alleviation effectiveness while the integrated design approach manages the inherent complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional modules (heating component, cooling component, massaging component, electrical stimulation component), each responsible for a specific treatment modality. This segmentation allows for manageable complexity while maintaining overall treatment effectiveness through coordinated operation of independent modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device offers multi-modal relief for muscle discomfort, providing effective pain alleviation, muscle stimulation, and convenience for self-treatment, with adjustable intensity and modality combinations, enhancing user experience and recovery.

Implementation Method 1

The treatment device can include a heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

The treatment device may also include a thermoelectric cooler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 3

an electrical energy generator that applies current to a user's body via EMS or TENS

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20230372192A1Multi-modality treatment device

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 BETTERLIFE12 LLC

AI summary

A handheld treatment device is configured to apply one or more treatment modalities to a user. The treatment device can include a heater, a massager, and an electrical energy generator that applies current to a user's body via EMS or TENS. The treatment device may also include a thermoelectric cooler. A control interface is configured to activate one or more of the heater, the thermoelectric cooler, the massager, and the electrical energy generator. The treatment device may be battery-powered.