Multizone Torso Wrap with Adjustable Heating Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat and compression devices for treating back and shoulder pain are limited in that they can only target one region of the body at a time, failing to provide simultaneous relief for multiple ailing areas.
Innovation Solution
A multizone heat wrap system that includes adjustable wraps for the lower torso, shoulder, and optionally additional regions, equipped with heating elements and compression capabilities, allowing for simultaneous heat treatment of multiple torso zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single heat wrap device is used to treat one specific region, then the device structure remains simple, but it cannot provide simultaneous treatment for multiple ailing areas
Solution Approach 1:
The heat wrap device is divided into multiple independent heating zones (first heating zone for lower back, second heating zone for upper back/shoulder) that can be positioned at different locations on the torso. Each zone contains its own heating element and can be independently controlled, allowing simultaneous treatment of multiple regions while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The single heat wrap device is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating adjustable straps and multiple heating zones that can be positioned to treat various torso regions. The device can simultaneously provide heat therapy to the lower back, upper back, and shoulders, making it a universal solution for multiple pain conditions rather than requiring separate devices for each region
2Productivity
If multiple separate heat wrap devices are used to treat different regions simultaneously, then all ailing areas can be treated at once, but the overall system complexity and number of devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heating zones that would traditionally require separate devices are merged into a single integrated heat wrap device. The first heating zone targets the lower back while the second heating zone targets the upper back and shoulder regions. Both zones are incorporated into one wearable device with a unified control system, providing comprehensive torso treatment without requiring multiple separate devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-position heating zones are used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different pain locations along the spine
Solution Approach 1:
The heat wrap device incorporates adjustable straps (including shoulder straps with length adjusters) that allow the heating zones to be dynamically repositioned along the torso. Users can adjust the position of the second heating zone to target different upper back and shoulder regions depending on where pain is located, making the device adaptable to various pain locations while maintaining a relatively simple adjustment mechanism
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 effective and adjustable heat therapy for multiple pain regions simultaneously, providing comprehensive relief for conditions like low back and shoulder pain without the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes a lower torso wrap adapted to hold one or more heating elements for placement against at least a part of a wearer's lower torso region and for supplying heat to that part of the wearer's lower torso region when worn
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a unitary, multizone, torso wrap, heat treatment system. Embodiments disclose two or more wraps for simultaneously or selectively heating two or more zones of a torso. The invention also discloses novel structures and methods for adjusting the specific locations of one or more heat wraps on a person's torso.