Inelastic Component Mounting for Portable Thermal Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature therapy devices have limitations such as limited reusability, requiring pre-cooling or pre-heating, and disrupting user rest and recovery due to the need for external cooling or heating sources, making them inconvenient and difficult to produce in smaller form factors for portable use.
Innovation Solution
A temperature therapy device with a multi-layer retention mechanism and temperature modulation assembly that includes a flexible top layer, an inelastic bottom layer, and an inflatable bladder with a control module for air compression, allowing for compact packaging and portable application of compressive and thermal therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional temperature therapy devices (electric heating pads, ice packs) are used, then temperature therapy can be applied, but the devices have limited reusability and require pre-cooling or pre-heating which disrupts user rest and recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates a phase change material (PCM) that is pre-charged with thermal energy during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the device to provide cooling therapy immediately upon application without requiring the user to pre-cool the device in a refrigerator, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with conventional devices while maintaining extended reusability through the stored phase change energy.
2Ease of operation
If conventional temperature therapy devices are used, then temperature therapy can be applied, but the devices require external cooling or heating sources which makes them inconvenient and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an integrated power system with an rechargeable battery and power management circuitry that enables the device to generate and regulate its own thermal output. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external heating sources or refrigeration equipment, making the device portable and convenient for use in various locations while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to provide both heating and cooling therapy functions using an integrated system that can switch between different thermal modes. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into one universal unit, improving convenience while managing complexity through shared components and control mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional temperature therapy devices are used, then temperature therapy can be applied, but the devices cannot be made in smaller form factors for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes phase change materials with specifically selected melting points and latent heat values that allow effective therapy delivery in a compact form. By changing the physical state parameters of the thermal energy storage medium, the device achieves reliable cooling performance in a smaller volume compared to conventional ice packs, while the integrated heating element provides additional therapeutic options without significantly increasing size.
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
Enables efficient, portable, and convenient application of temperature therapy by maintaining effective contact with the body surface, reducing power consumption, and increasing battery life, while allowing for rapid transitions between hot and cold therapy modes.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature therapy device including a mounting plate, a phase change material coupled to the mounting plate, and a cover are disclosed.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible material can include spandex, lycra, and/or other suitable flexible materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for applying compressive therapy is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the device has a top layer and a bottom layer adapted to contact a body surface of a user. The device further includes a compressive element disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, where the compressive element is configured such that, upon activation of the compressive element: (i) a compressive force is applied to the body surface and (ii) the compressive element curves to more closely conform to the bottom layer.