Mobile Cold Therapy Device with Segmented Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold therapy devices are either limited in duration, difficult to control temperature, and not suitable for ambulation, as they are either bulky, require AC power, or lack circulating water for consistent temperature.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, mobile cold therapy device with a thermally-insulated tank, circulating cold therapy liquid, and a pad with air bladders for massage, powered by a battery pack and controlled by digital electronics, allowing hands-free ambulation and remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional ice packs or gel packs are used for cold therapy, then the user can receive cold therapy, but the duration of cold is limited and temperature control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools a large reservoir of water in an insulated container before the therapy session. This preliminary cooling action allows the circulated water to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the therapy duration without requiring continuous external cooling intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump continuously circulates the pre-cooled water from the reservoir through the therapeutic element and back to the reservoir, maintaining continuous cooling action. This circulation ensures consistent temperature delivery throughout the extended therapy period.
2Temperature
If conventional electronic cold therapy devices are used, then temperature control is improved, but the devices are heavy and bulky requiring AC power
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heavy water reservoir from the wearable therapeutic element. The reservoir containing the bulk of the water weight is worn on the waist or back, while the lightweight therapeutic element with the pump and control electronics is worn on or near the injured area, distributing the weight burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a small electric pump to circulate water through flexible tubing connecting the reservoir to the therapeutic element. This hydraulic approach replaces the need for heavy internal water storage in the wearable element, significantly reducing its weight while maintaining temperature control capability.
3Temperature
If ice packs are applied to maintain constant temperature, then cooling effect is provided, but the user must shake or massage the pack which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The pump continuously circulates the pre-cooled water from the reservoir through the therapeutic element and back to the reservoir, maintaining continuous cooling action. This circulation ensures consistent temperature delivery throughout the extended therapy period without requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically maintains constant temperature through the continuous circulation of pre-cooled water, eliminating the need for the user to manually shake or massage the pack. The pump and circulation system perform the temperature maintenance function autonomously.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a large amount of water is used in the tank, then prolonged therapy is enabled, but the device becomes heavier and bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heavy water reservoir from the wearable therapeutic element. The reservoir containing the bulk of the water weight is worn on the waist or back, while the lightweight therapeutic element with the pump and control electronics is worn on or near the injured area, distributing the weight burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-cools a large reservoir of water in an insulated container before the therapy session. This preliminary cooling action allows the circulated water to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the therapy duration without requiring continuous external cooling intervention.
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 prolonged, consistent cold therapy while allowing users to move freely, with the ability to monitor and control treatment sessions remotely, enhancing edema reduction and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a container including a thermally-insulated tank and a cold therapy liquid disposed in the tank
Implementation Method 2
one or more liquid pumps disposed proximate or inside the container to circulate the liquid; tubing interconnecting the liquid pump to the liquid bladder
Implementation Method 3
a cold therapy pad worn on the user's body, wherein the pad includes a thermal conduction surface engaging the user's body
Implementation Method 4
a second air bladder overlying and contiguous with the liquid bladder such that when inflated applies a compressive pressure on the liquid bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile, self-contained cold therapy device having a container including an internal liquid or ice water tank, air and water pumps for driving air and water to a cold therapy pad with internal air and water bladders, wherein the pad is worn on an injured region of a user. The device includes an electronic controller for controlling air and water flow to and from the bladders, and a holder for supporting the container and worn on the user's body for portable, hands-free mobility while receiving cold therapy. Nipples are incorporated into a thermal conduction surface of the pad and reciprocated into the user's injured region by an air bladder to further reduce edema.