Modular Therapy Apparatus with Removable Covers for Sanitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heat transfer therapy apparatuses for animate bodies face issues such as uncontrollable temperature changes, uneven compression, and difficulties in sanitation due to permanent hook and loop fasteners, which lead to reduced effectiveness and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular therapy apparatus comprising a heat transfer device and a pouch with removable modular members, featuring a hook and loop fastener system with non-stretch loop material for secure and adjustable fit, allowing for easy cleaning and replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional ice packs and elastic wraps are used for heat transfer therapy, then cooling and compression can be provided, but the temperature and pressure become uncontrollable and uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor the temperature of the heat exchange fluid and adjust the cooling/heating rate accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent and controllable temperature application to the body part, eliminating the uncontrollable temperature changes inherent in traditional ice packs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical ice pack system with an active thermodynamic system using controlled heat exchange fluid circulation. This substitution enables precise temperature control through pump-driven fluid flow and thermal exchange, rather than relying on melting ice which provides uncontrolled temperature variation.
2Stress or pressure
If elastic wraps are used to provide compression, then compression therapy can be delivered, but the pressure varies considerably even when applied by experienced individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors and control systems that continuously monitor the compression pressure applied to the body part and adjust the inflatable bladder pressure accordingly. This feedback ensures consistent and controllable compression therapy, eliminating the variability inherent in manual elastic wrap application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive elastic wrap system with an active pneumatic system using inflatable bladders controlled by pressure regulation mechanisms. This substitution enables precise and consistent compression pressure through controlled gas inflation, rather than relying on variable elastic tension from manual wrapping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If permanent hook and loop fasteners are attached to the therapy component, then the component can be applied to various body sizes, but the fasteners wear out and the entire component must be scrapped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the therapy component into separable modules: a reusable main body containing the heat exchange and compression systems, and removable covers with fasteners that can be replaced independently. This segmentation allows only the worn fastener covers to be discarded while retaining the valuable therapeutic components, reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables selective discarding of only the consumable fastener covers while recovering and reusing the main therapy component. This partial discarding approach maintains adaptability across body sizes while minimizing overall waste and component replacement costs.
4Ease of manufacture
If RF welding is used to attach the heat exchanger, then assembly can be automated, but the component cannot be machine washed making sanitation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the heat exchanger into a non-washable RF-welded core component and a removable washable cover. This segmentation allows the core to maintain automated manufacturing benefits while the cover provides machine-washable sanitation capability, solving the contradiction between manufacturing efficiency and hygiene requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a removable cover as an intermediary between the user/environment and the RF-welded heat exchanger. This cover can be machine washed for sanitation while the core component retains its automated manufacturing advantages, mediating between the conflicting requirements of automation and sanitation.
5Shape
If the gas pressure bladder is made compliant to apply compression, then the bladder can conform to the body part, but the bladder balloons excessively reducing edema inhibition ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions of the gas pressure bladder: reinforced sections with lower compliance in critical compression areas to prevent ballooning, and more compliant sections in non-critical areas to maintain body conformity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between conformality and compression effectiveness.
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 modular design enhances the effectiveness of heat transfer therapy by providing consistent and adjustable compression, improving sanitation, and reducing waste and costs through the ability to replace worn-out parts without discarding the entire apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer device adapted to transfer heat between the device and the at least a portion of an animate body
Implementation Method 2
transfer heat between the device and the at least a portion of an animate body
Implementation Method 3
the hook and loop portions fastened to one another to secure the second modular member with the first modular member positioned therein
Data Source
AI summary
A modular therapy system for treatment of at least a portion of an animate body is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first modular member and a second modular member. The first modular member comprises a heat transfer device adapted to transfer heat between the device and the portion of the animate body. The second modular member includes a pouch adapted to receive the first modular member. The second modular member can be wrapped around the animate body portion with the first modular member positioned therein. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a third modular member having a pouch adapted to receive the first modular member. The third modular member is configured for wrapping to a different sized animate body or different portion of the body than the second modular member. The third modular member may have a different shape or size than the second modular member. In various embodiments, the second and third modular members are sleeves selected from among a plurality of differently configured sleeves. Methods of making and using the system are also disclosed.