Portable system and device for cold therapy with optional heat and compression therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold therapy systems using semiconductors for cooling suffer from limited temperature controllability, excessive power consumption, and decreased cooling efficiency due to ambient temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A portable system for cold therapy incorporating a compressor, condenser, fan, and heat exchanger, which circulates refrigerant to achieve efficient cooling, while also allowing for optional heat and compression therapy, enhancing user experience and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If semiconductor is used for cooling, then cooling function is achieved, but temperature controllability is limited and cooling effect decreases when ambient temperature exceeds specific range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cooling mechanism from semiconductor-based to compression-based refrigeration system. The compression system uses refrigerant phase changes and compression cycles that are not dependent on ambient temperature ranges, allowing effective cooling across varying environmental conditions. The system includes compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve to control refrigerant state and achieve stable cooling effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the semiconductor cooling mechanism with a mechanical compression-based refrigeration system. The compression system uses mechanical compression of refrigerant gas followed by phase change in condenser and evaporator, providing superior temperature control and ambient temperature independence compared to semiconductor cooling.
2Temperature
If semiconductor is used for cooling with water tube connection, then cooling is achieved, but power consumption becomes excessively large and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of refrigerant (gas to liquid in condenser, liquid to gas in evaporator) to achieve cooling effect. This phase change mechanism is more energy-efficient than semiconductor cooling, as it leverages the latent heat of vaporization and condensation rather than requiring continuous electrical power input to maintain temperature differential.
3Temperature
If semiconductor is used for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but device size becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transitions of refrigerant to achieve efficient cooling with compact components. The compression refrigeration system achieves higher cooling capacity per unit volume compared to semiconductor cooling, allowing for more compact device design while maintaining effective cooling performance.
4Temperature
If conventional cold therapy device structure is used, then basic cooling function is provided, but functionality is limited and adaptability to diverse scenarios is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional cold therapy device that combines compression refrigeration cooling with additional therapeutic functions. The system can provide both cold therapy and hot therapy modes, and includes compression functionality for enhanced therapeutic effect. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to diverse treatment scenarios and patient needs.
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 system achieves excellent cooling effects with high efficiency, stability, and low power consumption, capable of reducing the surface temperature of a body wrap to 5°C within 10 minutes, and offering versatile therapy options including cold compression, hot compression, and massage.
Implementation Method 1
the compressor has an air inlet connected to the heat exchanger through a first tube
Implementation Method 2
the condenser is connected to an air outlet of the compressor through a third tube
Implementation Method 3
the heat exchanger is placed inside or underneath the reservoir, and is in direct or indirect contact with liquid in the reservoir to cool the liquid
Implementation Method 4
the fan has a working surface facing the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A portable system for cold therapy with optional heat and compression therapy is disclosed, including a cooling mechanism, a reservoir, and a control assembly. The cooling mechanism includes a compressor, a condenser, a fan, and a heat exchanger. The compressor has an air inlet connected to the heat exchanger through a first tube. The heat exchanger is connected to the condenser through a second tube. The condenser is connected to an air outlet of the compressor through a third tube. The first tube and the second tube are connected by fluid, and the second tube and the third tube are connected by fluid. The fan has a working surface facing the condenser. The liquid in the reservoir flows into the heat exchanger and then flows into the first body wrap, and then can flow into the heat exchanger or flow back into the reservoir.