Microwave Heatable Composite Material for Flexible Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating pads, such as hot water bottles and electric heating pads, are cumbersome, inefficient in heat retention, and pose safety hazards, while microwaveable pads face issues like leakage, bulkiness, and discomfort due to stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A microwave heatable composite material comprising a heat-resistant moldable base, microwave heatable material, and phase change material, which can be molded into flexible articles for therapeutic use, incorporating weight-reducing materials for comfort and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gel-filled heating pads are used, then microwave heating convenience is improved, but leakage and overheating risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible outer shell made of fabric or flexible plastic that encloses the heating material. This shell prevents leakage while allowing the pad to remain flexible and comfortable for microwave heating applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple materials including heat-resistant moldable base material, microwave heatable material, and phase change material in a composite structure. This composite approach allows the pad to achieve both convenient microwave heating and reliable heat control without gel leakage or overheating.
2Ease of operation
If bead-filled or seed-filled heating pads are used, then microwave heating convenience is improved, but bulkiness and stiffness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible outer shell that conforms to the body, eliminating bulkiness. The shell is made from flexible materials that allow the pad to be thin and comfortable while maintaining its microwave heating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses phase change material that changes physical state based on temperature. This allows the heating pad to maintain a compact, non-bulky form while providing effective heat storage and release during microwave heating, eliminating the need for bulky bead or seed fillers.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If hot water bottles are used, then heat retention is improved, but cumbersome operation and frequent refilling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-heating system where the phase change material automatically absorbs and releases heat during microwave heating. The pad heats itself without requiring external water filling or refilling, eliminating cumbersome operation while maintaining extended heat retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates phase change material that undergoes phase transitions to store and release heat. This allows the heating pad to maintain heat over extended periods without requiring refilling, as the phase change material continuously regulates temperature through its phase transitions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If electric heating pads are used, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but electrical safety hazards and encumbrance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical heating system with a microwave heating system. Instead of using resistive heating elements that pose electrical hazards, the pad uses microwave heatable material that generates heat through microwave radiation, eliminating electrical safety concerns while maintaining heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a self-heating system where the microwave heatable material and phase change material work together to generate and regulate heat without external electrical power. The pad heats itself through microwave exposure, eliminating the need for electrical wiring and power sources, thus removing safety hazards.
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 provides a convenient, efficient, and safe heating solution that maintains heat for extended periods, is lightweight, and comfortable to use, avoiding the drawbacks of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
microwave heatable material dispersed in the heat resistant moldable base material
Implementation Method 2
a phase change material dispersed in the heat resistant moldable base material
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave heatable composite material that comprises: a heat resistant moldable base material; a microwave heatable material dispersed in the heat resistant moldable base material; and a phase change material dispersed in the heat resistant moldable base material. The mixture of the microwave heatable material, heat resistant moldable base material, and phase change material provide a basic or core microwave heatable article layer to which one or more additional controlled heat releasing and/or heat transfer blocking layers can be combined to enhance and optimize heat therapy. In addition, the microwave heatable articles of the present invention can be used for cold therapy by lowering their temperatures in a freezer of similar cold environment.