Portable Cryotherapy Plate Using Expanded Gas for Muscle Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muscle recovery devices, such as boots and socks, require external means for cooling and lack precision in targeting specific muscle areas, leading to insufficient thermal shock and delayed recovery due to non-portability.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, portable device using a pressurized fluid container with a thermally conductive plate and heat exchanger radiator, controlled by a regulator to provide precise temperature control and thermal shock without external means, suitable for muscle recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cryotherapy is used for muscle recovery, then muscle recovery efficiency is improved, but portability and immediate use are worsened due to requirement of external cooling equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the support device itself by integrating a cooling element (gel pack, Peltier element, or refrigerant system) directly into the device structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate external cooling equipment, making the device portable and suitable for immediate use while maintaining effective cryotherapy cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-contained with its own cooling mechanism, whether through phase-change materials (gel packs), electric Peltier elements, or refrigerant systems. This self-service approach allows the device to provide cryotherapy without requiring external cooling infrastructure, enabling immediate post-exercise use and enhancing portability.
2Area of stationary object
If cryotherapy is applied to large muscle groups, then cooling coverage is improved, but precision in targeting specific areas is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple independent cooling zones or adjustable cooling elements that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the user to target specific muscle groups or areas within a larger device footprint, providing both extensive coverage capability and precise targeting when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features variable cooling intensity across different zones, with some areas providing intense localized cooling for targeted therapy while other areas provide gentler cooling for broader coverage. This local quality variation enables the device to adapt to different treatment needs within a single application.
3Temperature
If rapid cooling is applied to create thermal shock, then muscle recovery effect is improved, but risk of skin damage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor the temperature at the skin interface. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the cooling intensity to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while preventing temperatures that could cause skin damage, enabling safe rapid cooling when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses intermediate cooling layers (such as gel packs or thermal management materials) between the intense cooling source and the skin. This cushioning approach allows the delivery of high-intensity cooling to achieve thermal shock effects while the intermediate layer prevents direct skin contact with extreme temperatures, reducing damage risk.
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 efficient, portable muscle recovery with precise temperature control, reducing muscle pain and edema without external equipment, and allowing immediate post-exercise use.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion of the fluid causes significant cooling of the gas escaping from the regulator
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger radiator positioned in the path of the expanded gas exiting the fluid regulator
Implementation Method 3
a plate of thermally conductive material configured to rest on the user's skin
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a portable, standalone device (10) for muscle recovery by means of cryotherapy, which device comprises: - a container (11) of pressurised fluid; - a pressure reducer (12) for the pressurised fluid, the reducer being fluidically connected to the container and provided with an outlet (20) for expanded gas; - a plate (13) made of thermally conductive material, which is designed to bear against the user's skin and is provided with a heat exchange radiator (14) positioned in the path of the expanded gas exiting the fluid pressure reducer.