Liquid Circulation Heat Transfer Device for Rapid Temperature Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rapid contrast temperature therapy (RCT) systems are unsatisfactory in achieving sharp temperature contrast in a short time, suffer from temperature distribution variations, are bulky and limited to indoor use, and consume excessive energy due to low energy conversion ratios in semiconductor thermoelectric modules.

Innovation Solution

A heat transfer device and system with a novel design featuring two liquid circulation loops, one for cold and one for hot temperatures, allowing fast switching between temperatures, and a control unit to manage the switching, reducing switching time and energy consumption, and incorporating ergonomic design and pneumatic modules for improved heat exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If semiconductor thermoelectric modules are used for temperature control, then temperature regulation function is achieved, but energy conversion ratio is low and energy consumption is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidenergy conversion ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces semiconductor thermoelectric modules with a liquid circulation system consisting of pumps, heat exchange chambers, and temperature control units. This substitution uses fluid dynamics and thermal convection instead of solid-state thermoelectric effects, achieving higher energy efficiency and better temperature control performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a hydraulic system with liquid circulation loops to transfer thermal energy. The circulation system uses pumps to move temperature control liquid through heat exchange chambers, utilizing fluid flow and thermal conduction to achieve efficient heating and cooling with improved energy conversion ratio

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If rapid temperature switching is implemented, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but switching time of existing systems is too long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature control system into separate circulation loops for hot and cold temperatures, each with independent heat exchange chambers and control mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each temperature path and enables rapid switching between temperatures without waiting for system equilibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-heats and pre-cools temperature control liquid in separate chambers before it reaches the treatment area. By preparing both hot and cold liquid in advance in各自的 heat exchange chambers, the system can immediately switch to either temperature without delay, reducing switching time while maintaining treatment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If wearable design is implemented, then portability and outdoor use are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single wearable unit, combining temperature control loops, pumping systems, battery power, and control electronics into one compact device. This merging reduces the need for external equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining portability and outdoor usability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device is designed to perform multiple functions: temperature control, fluid circulation, power management, and user interface operations, all within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and accessories, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enhancing portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system achieves rapid temperature switching between 5° C. and 40° C. within 10 seconds, improving treatment effectiveness, reducing energy consumption, and enabling portable, outdoor use with rechargeable batteries.

Implementation Method 1

transporting a first liquid... transporting a second liquid... carrying a first liquid... carrying a second liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

Heat transfer device for applying a varying temperature to a portion of an animate body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250090370A1Heat Transfer Device and System

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIV

AI summary

A heat transfer device for applying a varying temperature to a portion of an animate body comprises a liquid conduit. The liquid conduit is liquidly connectable to an external first liquid source to establish a first circulation loop for transporting a first liquid. The liquid conduit is liquidly connectable to an external second liquid source to establish a second circulation loop for transporting a second liquid. The second liquid has a higher temperature than the first liquid. The liquid conduit is operably switchable between the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop for achieving the varying temperature applied to the portion of the animate body.