Peltier Eye Pad Temperature Control with Negative Pressure Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature control devices for eye and philtrum pads lack secure fastening mechanisms that do not cause pressure points, restrict movement, or maintain suction effectively, and often require additional mechanical means, while also not efficiently distributing the heating or cooling effect.

Innovation Solution

The eye pad design incorporates a negative pressure generating element with a passage that creates a suction force through elastic deformation, and a temperature control device using a Peltier element with thermally coupled receptacles and a fixing device for secure and even heating or cooling, along with a pad kit that includes multiple pads for simultaneous treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical retaining means are used to secure the eye pad, then fastening reliability is improved, but device complexity and user comfort deteriorate due to pressure points and restricted movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical retaining means (clips, straps, adhesives) with a negative pressure suction system. The suction element creates a vacuum that holds the eye pad to the skin through atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for mechanical components while maintaining secure fastening and improving comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a pneumatic principle by using negative pressure (vacuum) to secure the eye pad. The suction element generates a pressure differential that holds the pad in place without mechanical restraint, achieving both simplicity and reliability through fluid pressure dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If the passage opening is made larger on the first side, then ease of operation and wearing comfort are improved, but suction force effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearing comfortVSAvoidsuction force effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by having different opening sizes at different locations of the passage. The first side (skin contact side) has a larger opening for comfort and ease of application, while the second side has a smaller opening to maintain effective suction force. This spatial variation in geometry optimizes both comfort and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If multiple slots and holes are used in the passage, then suction force distribution and wearing comfort are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearing comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the passage into multiple slots and holes rather than using a single large opening. This segmentation distributes the suction force across multiple points, improving comfort by preventing concentrated pressure and enhancing airflow. The segmented structure can be manufactured using standard molding techniques without requiring extreme precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the negative pressure generating element extends into the passage, then suction force generation is improved, but device complexity and potential discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction force generationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the negative pressure generating element with the passage structure. The element extends into the passage to create the vacuum effect while being integrated into the overall pad design, eliminating the need for separate, complex fastening mechanisms. This integration achieves effective suction generation without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides secure, comfortable, and effective temperature control with improved blood circulation and prolonged heating/cooling effects, preventing uncontrolled falling and allowing for easy use without mechanical retaining means, while ensuring safe and even temperature distribution across the skin.

Implementation Method 1

the negative pressure generating element is at least partially elastic and is configured to provide a suction force in the passage through the eye pad body as a result of elastic deformation of the negative pressure generating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a temperature control device for eye pads and/or philtrum pads comprises a Peltier element, at least one receptacle for supporting an eye pad or philtrum pad, each of the at least one receptacle being thermally coupled to a warm side or a cold side of the Peltier element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240238115A1Temperature control device for face patches
Publication Date: 2024.07.18 AUROX GMBH
  • US20240238115A1 patent drawing
  • US20240238115A1 patent drawing
  • US20240238115A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A temperature control device for face pads. The temperature control device comprises a Peltier element, at least one receptacle for supporting an eye pad, wherein each of the at least one receptacle is thermally coupled to a warm side or a cold side of the Peltier element, and a fixing device which is thermally decoupled from the Peltier element and which fastens the at least one receptacle to the warm side or the cold side in a form-fitting and/or force-locking manner.