Leg care apparatus and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot bath devices face challenges such as high heat loss, complexity in user control, safety concerns due to heating elements, rigidity issues leading to damage, and limited functionality, making them inconvenient to use and store.
Innovation Solution
A leg care apparatus with a main body, action space adjustment modules, and proximity sensors that automatically open and close the inlet to accommodate user legs, providing safe and convenient operation, storage, and multiple usage options, including radiant heating, conduction, and convection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heating element is provided inside a control space for radiant heating, then foot bath function is improved, but user safety is threatened
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is extracted from the control space and relocated to a separate heating chamber. This spatial separation removes the harmful heating element from direct contact with the user's leg while maintaining the foot bath function through heat transfer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat transfer medium (air or water) acts as an intermediary between the heating element and the user's leg. The heating element heats the medium, which then transfers heat to the leg, eliminating direct exposure to the heating element and improving safety.
2Strength
If the control space is blocked by a plate for structural support, then device rigidity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plate structure is made dynamic by introducing actuators that can move the plate between blocked and opened positions. This allows the structure to maintain rigidity when needed while enabling easy access to the control space during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of opening/closing the control space is replaced with an automated actuator system controlled by sensors and a control unit, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate heavy plates.
3Ease of operation
If the device structure is made flexible for easy movement and storage, then ease of operation is improved, but device strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable modules that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows flexible storage and transport while maintaining structural strength when modules are connected during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible materials and thin-walled structures are used in non-critical areas to enable easy movement and storage, while reinforced structures maintain strength in load-bearing areas.
4Device complexity
If manual manipulation is required to insert the user's leg into the action space, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service by automatically detecting when a user approaches and opening the control space without manual intervention. Sensors detect user presence and trigger automated opening/closing sequences, making the device serve itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical manipulation is replaced with sensor-based detection and automated actuator control, allowing the system to automatically open and close the control space based on user presence.
5Use of energy by moving object
If water is used for foot bath, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but heat loss increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Water is extracted from the foot bath system, replacing it with air-based heating. This eliminates the heat loss associated with heating and maintaining water temperature while still providing effective foot warming through radiant and convective heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer medium is changed from water to air, altering the thermal parameters of the system. Air heating reduces heat loss to the environment and simplifies the device structure by eliminating water storage and circulation systems.
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 apparatus ensures safe and efficient temperature control, easy operation, and versatile use, reducing the risk of injury and damage while improving user convenience and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one proximity sensor configured to sense a user's access
Implementation Method 2
a foot bath device in which a heating element is provided inside a control space, and the foot bath is performed by using radiant heating using the heating element
Implementation Method 3
a conduction heating element configured to apply heat to a user's leg in a conduction manner
Implementation Method 4
a convection heating element configured to apply heat to a user's leg in a convection manner
Data Source
AI summary
A leg care apparatus includes a main body configured to provide an action space in which a leg is accommodated, an action space adjustment module configured to adjust a size of an inlet of the action space, at least one proximity sensor configured to sense a user's access, and a controller configured to control the action space adjustment module in response to at least one sensing signal.