Multi-Zone Thermal Device with Peltier Units for Adaptive Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal devices for body heating and cooling lack versatility and precision in controlling thermal zones and do not efficiently adapt to varying user conditions, such as different body parts or activities, often requiring manual adjustment and lacking autonomous operation.
Innovation Solution
A thermal device with multiple semiconductor-based thermal units and advanced electronics that can switch between heating and cooling modes, controlled by user input or pre-programmed profiles, and equipped with sensors to adjust power delivery based on user status and environmental conditions, allowing for automatic operation and customizable thermal therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple semiconductor-based thermal units are used to provide heating and cooling functions, then the versatility and therapeutic efficacy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent thermal units, each comprising semiconductor elements sandwiched between first and second substrates. Each thermal unit can be independently controlled to provide heating or cooling to specific body zones, enabling versatile thermal therapy while maintaining modular device architecture that manages complexity through functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
Each thermal unit is designed with dual functionality to provide both heating and cooling modes by controlling the direction of current flow through the semiconductor elements. This multi-functionality allows a single device to deliver diverse thermal therapies (heating, cooling, or alternating modes) across multiple body zones, enhancing versatility without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function
2Ease of operation
If pre-programmed thermal profiles and wireless communication are implemented for automatic operation, then the ease of operation and user experience are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes pre-programmed thermal profiles stored in memory that define predetermined heating and cooling sequences, temperatures, and durations for different therapeutic scenarios. These profiles are prepared in advance and can be automatically executed when selected by the user, eliminating the need for manual real-time adjustment of thermal parameters and simplifying operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors that detect user status and environmental conditions, feeding this information back to the control electronics. The system automatically adjusts power delivery to thermal units based on this feedback, enabling adaptive thermal therapy that responds to changing conditions without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation
3Measurement precision
If sensors and adaptive control are used to adjust power delivery based on user conditions, then the therapeutic precision and efficacy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that autonomously monitor user conditions (such as skin temperature, body composition, or environmental parameters) and automatically adjust the power delivery to thermal units based on detected parameters. This self-service capability enables precise, adaptive thermal control tailored to individual user needs without requiring complex manual assessment or intervention, improving therapeutic precision while managing control system complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
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 device provides precise and adaptive thermal management, enhancing pain relief and comfort by automatically adjusting heating and cooling based on user activity and body location, improving therapeutic efficacy and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
Each thermal unit comprises a plurality of semiconductor elements sandwiched between a first thermal unit substrate and a second thermal unit substrate. Each thermal unit is configured to heat a user's body in response to receiving current in a first direction. Each thermal unit is configured to cool a user's body in response to receiving current in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
Implementation Method 2
The first thermal unit substrate is configured to exchange heat with a user. The third thermal unit substrate is configured to exchange heat with the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal device includes a first thermal unit, a second thermal unit, and device electronics. The first thermal unit includes a first plurality of semiconductor elements sandwiched between first and second thermal unit substrates. The first thermal unit substrate exchanges heat with a user. The second thermal unit includes a second plurality of semiconductor elements sandwiched between third and fourth thermal unit substrates. The third thermal unit substrate exchanges heat with the user. The device electronics are coupled to the first thermal unit and the second thermal unit. The device electronics operate the first thermal unit in a heating state in which the first thermal unit transfers heat to the user via the first thermal unit substrate. The device electronics operate the second thermal unit in a cooling state in which the second thermal unit removes heat from the user via the third thermal unit substrate.