Modular Shoulder Cryotherapy System with Replaceable Cooling Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryotherapy methods for shoulder applications, such as ice packs and cooled fluid systems, face issues like frost burns, limited heat absorption, and cumbersome replacement processes, which restrict patient mobility and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A modular shoulder cooling system using replaceable bags of frozen cooling medium that freeze between 5°C and 20°C, allowing for easy exchange and minimizing tissue damage, integrated with a retention panel and strap system for secure placement without disrupting existing shoulder stabilizing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional ice packs are used for cryotherapy, then heat absorption capability is improved, but risk of frost burn increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the freezing point parameter of the cooling medium from 0°C (conventional ice) to between 5°C and 20°C (non-aqueous cooling medium). This parameter change allows the cooling medium to absorb significant heat through phase change while maintaining a temperature that does not cause frost burn to patient tissue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gel packs are used for cryotherapy, then frost burn risk is reduced, but heat absorption capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition (freezing and melting) of a non-aqueous cooling medium that occurs between 5°C and 20°C. During the phase change from solid to liquid, the cooling medium absorbs considerable heat energy, providing effective cryotherapy while avoiding the temperature-related frost burn risks associated with conventional ice packs.
3Temperature
If ice packs or gel packs are used for cryotherapy, then cooling effect is achieved, but ease of replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cryotherapy system into separable components: a reusable retention panel with hook material and replaceable cooling packs with loop material. This segmentation allows the cooling packs to be independently removed and replaced without disturbing the retention panel or other shoulder stabilizing components, significantly improving ease of replacement.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If cooled circulating fluid systems are used for cryotherapy, then frost burn risk is avoided, but patient mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulky cooling unit and fluid circulation system from the patient-side application. Instead, it uses self-contained cooling packs that can be freely positioned on the patient's shoulder without connection to external equipment, thereby avoiding restrictions on patient mobility while still providing effective cryotherapy.
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 effectively applies cryotherapy by allowing easy replacement of cooling packs, reducing frost burn risks, and maintaining patient mobility while ensuring consistent cooling efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The preferred cooling medium is one that freezes between about 5 degrees Celsius and about 20 degrees Celsius. Such a medium can absorb considerable heat via the phase change from a solid to a liquid.
Implementation Method 2
Each cold pack also has a second side intended to face the inward facing surface of the retention panel. This second side includes one or more hook panels configured to engage the loop material on the inward facing surface of the retention panel.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular shoulder cooling system. A retention panel is affixed over the shoulder. The retention panel is hald in position by a pair of straps attached to a belt around the user's waist. At least a portion of the inward facing surface of the retention panel is covered in loop material. Bags containing cooling medium are furnished. These are referred to as “cold packs.” Each cold pack has a first side with a soft, tactilly pleasing surface. This first surface is intended to face the user. Each cold pack also has a second side intented to face the inward facing surface of the retention panel. This second side includes one or more hook panels configured to engage the loop material on the inward facing surface of the retention panel. The user can attach a cold pack or packs to the rentention panel by pressing the hook panels on each cold pack against the loop material on the retention panel. Thus, no pockets are required.