Phase Change Cooling Article for Body Contours

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling methods for humans and animals face challenges such as logistical issues, lack of control over cooling intensity, potential skin and nerve damage, high costs, ecological concerns, and unpleasant odors, particularly with ice packs and volatile compounds.

Innovation Solution

A cooling article comprising a thermally conductive layer, a heat absorbing layer with a phase change material having a phase change temperature greater than 0°C, and an insulating layer, configured as a sleeve or blanket that can be conformable to body parts, using a phase change material embedded in thermally conductive substrates like gels or ceramics, and optionally reinforced with fibers for support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If ice packs or volatile cooling products are used, then cooling effect is achieved, but skin and nerve damage may occur due to too aggressive cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectVSAvoidskin and nerve damage

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the phase change temperature parameter of the cooling material from sub-zero (ice packs) to greater than 0°C, which fundamentally alters the cooling mechanism to provide gentle cooling without causing skin or nerve damage while still achieving effective temperature reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a phase change material as an intermediary between the cooling source and the subject's body, which absorbs heat through phase change at a controlled temperature, preventing direct contact between extreme cold and the body while maintaining effective cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If running water or ice water is used for cooling, then cooling effect is achieved, but logistical challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectVSAvoidlogistical challenges

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling article is designed as a self-contained unit with phase change material that automatically absorbs heat from the body through phase change without requiring external water supply or complex cooling systems, eliminating logistical challenges associated with running water or ice water

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition of the cooling material (from solid to liquid or vice versa) to provide continuous cooling effect without requiring external water or energy input, making the cooling system portable and logistically simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Temperature

If single-use products with volatile compounds are used, then cooling effect is achieved, but cost and ecological issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectVSAvoidcost and ecological impact

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The phase change material can be reused and recharged multiple times as the phase change process is reversible, eliminating the need for single-use products and reducing both cost and ecological impact associated with disposable cooling items

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces volatile chemical compounds with a physical phase change material that provides cooling through phase transition, eliminating the need for harmful volatile substances and their associated environmental and cost issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides controlled and efficient cooling without damaging skin or nerves, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution with improved cooling capacity and adaptability to body contours, reducing the risk of overheating in animals and humans.

Implementation Method 1

a heat absorbing layer comprising a phase change material having a phase change temperature greater than 0° C.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

a heat absorbing layer comprising a phase change material having a phase change temperature greater than 0° C.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 3

a thermally conductive layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240008451A1Cooling article and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2024.01.11 ACHIEVE EQUINE LLC

AI summary

A cooling article includes thermally conductive material and heat absorbing material comprising a phase change material having a phase change temperature greater than 0° C. The cooling article may be used to cool a subject or the limb of a subject. A cooling article may include passive cooling material and reinforcing fibers configured to support the passive cooling layer, where the cooling article is configured to conform to a portion of a subject's body. The cooling article may be a sheet, a blanket, or a sleeve. A method of cooling a subject includes cooling the cooling article to a temperature below the phase change temperature; and applying the cooling article to the subject.