Portable Cold Therapy System with Semiconductor Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold therapy systems have inefficient cooling mechanisms, high power consumption, large size, and limited functionality, making them unsuitable for portable use and diverse therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable system for cold therapy with optional heat and compression therapy, incorporating a heating and cooling mechanism that includes a heat exchanger and a semiconductor refrigeration assembly, along with a control assembly and a reservoir, allowing for efficient cooling and heating with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional cooling mechanism is used, then the cooling function is provided, but the cooling speed is slow and the cooling effect is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a semiconductor refrigeration assembly with a heat exchanger into an integrated heating and cooling mechanism. The semiconductor refrigeration assembly directly contacts the heat exchanger to rapidly cool the liquid, while the heat exchanger efficiently transfers heat. This merged system achieves both fast cooling speed and reliable cooling effect, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating and cooling mechanism is designed to provide multiple functions: rapid cooling via the semiconductor refrigeration assembly, heating via the heat exchanger, and compression via the liquid circulation system. This multi-functional design allows the device to adapt to diverse therapeutic scenarios, improving overall system reliability while maintaining fast response times.
2Reliability
If a conventional cooling system is used, then the cooling function is provided, but the power consumption is too large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical compression cooling systems with a semiconductor refrigeration assembly that uses electrical direct current to generate cooling effects through the Peltier effect. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reduces power consumption, and maintains reliable cooling function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly adjusts the direction of current flowing through the semiconductor refrigeration assembly to control cooling and heating modes. By changing electrical parameters (current direction and magnitude) rather than using mechanical adjustments, the system achieves efficient energy utilization while maintaining reliable thermal control functions.
3Reliability
If a conventional cooling system is used, then the cooling function is provided, but the size is large and it is difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor refrigeration assembly is nested within or directly contacts the heat exchanger, creating a compact integrated structure. The liquid circulation system is designed with efficient routing that minimizes space. This nested arrangement maintains all necessary cooling functions while significantly reducing the overall device size and weight for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from conventional cooling systems, retaining only the essential elements: semiconductor refrigeration assembly, heat exchanger, and liquid circulation system. This extraction of essential components reduces device size while preserving reliable cooling function, enabling portable use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional therapy device is used, then basic therapy function is provided, but the functionality is limited and inconvenient for diverse scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple therapeutic functions into a single system: cold therapy via the semiconductor refrigeration assembly, heat therapy via the heat exchanger, and compression therapy via the liquid circulation system. The control assembly统一管理 these functions, providing adaptability to diverse scenarios without excessive complexity. This universal design resolves the contradiction between versatility and manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly dynamically adjusts the direction of current through the semiconductor refrigeration assembly to switch between cooling and heating modes. The liquid circulation system dynamically adjusts flow rates to provide varying compression levels. This dynamic control enables versatile functionality while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized control.
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 rapid cooling and heating rates, with a cooling capacity of about 45 watts and a heating capacity of about 48 watts, while maintaining a compact, lightweight design suitable for portable use and versatile therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
the direction of current flowing through the semiconductor refrigeration assembly is controlled through the control assembly so that the first contact surface of the semiconductor refrigeration assembly is cooled or heated, so that the heat exchanger has a cooling or heating effect
Implementation Method 2
the liquid in the reservoir flows into the heat exchanger for cooling or heating through the liquid outlet of the reservoir and then flows into the body wrap
Data Source
AI summary
A portable system for cold therapy with optional heat and compression therapy is disclosed, including a heating and cooling mechanism, a reservoir, and a control assembly. The heating and cooling mechanism comprises a heat exchanger and a semiconductor refrigeration assembly, and the control assembly is electrically connected to the semiconductor refrigeration assembly. The heat exchanger and the semiconductor refrigeration assembly are placed outside the reservoir, respectively. The first contact surface of the semiconductor refrigeration assembly is in contact with the heat exchanger. The liquid in the reservoir flows into the heat exchanger and then flows into the body wrap, and then can flow into the heat exchanger or flow back into the reservoir