Portable temperature controlled device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating and cooling devices are bulky, heavy, and require a fixed power supply, lacking portability and maneuverability, and there is a need for a compact, portable device that can efficiently manage heat dissipation while providing versatile thermal therapy.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld temperature-controlled device with a thermoelectric element using the Peltier Effect, ergonomic design, and adjustable straps for body attachment, featuring a controllable temperature element, heat sink, fan, and efficient air flow system to facilitate heating and cooling therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bulky heating and cooling devices are used to provide fast and efficient heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device portability and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a controllable temperature element (Peltier device) for heat generation/absorption, a heat sink for heat dissipation, and a fan for active cooling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical heating elements (such as resistive heating coils or steam systems) with a Peltier device, which uses electrothermal conversion to directly generate heat or cold based on electrical current direction. This substitution significantly reduces device weight and complexity while maintaining effective heat transfer capability.
2Reliability
If continuous power supply is used to ensure stable operation, then operational stability is improved, but device portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a rechargeable battery with dynamic power management that adapts power consumption based on operational needs. The system can switch between different power modes and includes power-saving features that maintain stable operation while extending battery life, enabling portable use without continuous power supply.
3Volume of moving object
If compact size is reduced to improve portability, then device portability is improved, but heat dissipation management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink is integrated within the housing structure, with the fan mounted directly on the heat sink assembly. This nested arrangement allows the cooling system to be compact while maintaining effective heat dissipation, as the components work together in a tightly integrated configuration that maximizes thermal management efficiency within limited space.
4Productivity
If fixed position operation is used to ensure stable heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal applicability to treat various body parts through direct contact application. The compact, self-contained design with integrated power supply and thermal management enables the device to be moved and applied to different locations on the body while maintaining effective heat transfer, combining portability with therapeutic efficacy.
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 device provides efficient heating and cooling therapy with rapid temperature changes, ensuring compact size, portability, and versatility for use on different body parts, while effectively managing heat dissipation and maintaining user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature-controlled device can include a thermoelectric element to transfer heating and cooling to the user's body. In a typical implementation, the thermoelectric element is a device that utilizes the Peltier Effect, having one side of which cools while the other side heats.
Implementation Method 2
a fan disposed on the heat sink and configured to direct heat away from the heat sink
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink disposed on the first surface of the controllable temperature element
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held portable temperature-controlled device includes a cylindrical housing comprising an air inlet and an air outlet in fluid communication with each other. A fan can be located within the cylindrical housing, and a heat sink can be disposed adjacent to the fan. The hand-held portable temperature-controlled device can also include a controllable temperature element configured to generate heating and cooling. The hand-held portable temperature-controlled device can also include a heat spreader disposed adjacent to the controllable temperature element and configured to contact a face of a user. A top surface of the heat spreader can be oriented at a non-zero angle relative to a bottom surface of the heat spreader.