Integrated Heating Pad with Enclosed Battery and Flexible Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat pads for alleviating physical ailments, such as dysmenorrhea, face challenges with inconvenient mobile use and safety risks due to exposed connection cables and lack of efficient heat distribution.

Innovation Solution

A heat pad with an integrated energy storage device and heating element, encased in a flexible, non-conductive cover, featuring a conductor track for energy and signal transmission, a printed circuit board for electrical connection, and a charging device with induction coil for safe and efficient operation, along with insulation and folding mechanisms for enhanced usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connecting cables are used to supply electrical energy to the heating pad, then the heating pad can be powered externally, but mobile use becomes inconvenient and safety risks increase due to exposed cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile use convenienceVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the energy storage device (battery) and heating element into a single integrated heating pad unit. This merging eliminates the need for external connecting cables, allowing mobile use without power cords while maintaining safety through enclosed electrical components. The heating pad becomes a self-contained device that can be freely positioned on the body without cable restrictions or exposure risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical components are exposed for charging and operation, then functionality is maintained, but water and foreign substance ingress becomes possible reducing safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging functionalityVSAvoidwater ingress risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible, waterproof membrane or coating on the heating pad's exterior that seals the electrical components while allowing the device to maintain its flexibility and conformability to the body. This flexible barrier prevents water and foreign substance ingress during charging and operation, enabling safe use in various environments including showering or washing without exposing electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a rigid casing is used to enclose electronic components, then safety and protection are improved, but flexibility and adaptability to body contours are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidbody conformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a flexible protective casing or encapsulation material that can bend and conform to body contours while providing adequate protection for the electronic components inside. This flexible enclosure maintains safety by preventing water ingress and physical damage to components, simultaneously allowing the heating pad to adapt to various body shapes and positions for comfortable, versatile use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If an integrated energy storage device is incorporated, then mobile use and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile usabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the energy storage device, heating element, control circuitry, and charging components into a single unified heating pad assembly. This merging of multiple functional elements into one integrated unit simplifies the overall manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled, while simultaneously improving mobile usability by eliminating the need for external power sources and cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improves mobile use and safety by encapsulating all electronic components, ensuring safe charging and efficient heat distribution, while preventing water and foreign matter ingress, thus enhancing user safety and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element (4) for heating the heat pad (1) using the electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a charging device (8) with induction coil for safe and efficient operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3986088A1Thermal cushion for the human body for the relief of physical complaints

Publication Date: 2022.04.20 CEBEHA2 GMBH

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Figure 2a~2b
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AI summary

The invention relates to a heating pad (1) for the human body for the relief of physical discomfort, in particular dysmenorrhea, comprising at least one energy storage device (2) for storing electrical energy and a heating element (4) for heating the heating pad (1) by means of the electrical energy. The heating pad (1) has at least one conductor (6) for conducting signals and/or the electrical energy, wherein the heating element (4), the energy storage device (2) and the conductor (6) are, in particular completely, enclosed by a cover (14).