Removable Coolant Heat Exchange Assembly for Mobile Cold Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold therapy devices are bulky, require frequent ice replenishment, and can cause excessive temperature drops due to the limitations of ice water, making them impractical for mobile use and cost-effective thermoregulation.
Innovation Solution
A cold therapy apparatus with a removable coolant heat exchange unit that allows for the separation of a coolant tank with a heat exchanger to be chilled externally, providing a thermal reserve that can be reused, and a thermal fluid circuit with a pump and umbilical tube assembly for efficient heat transfer from the body to the coolant, preventing freezing with additives like isopropyl alcohol or propylene glycol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice water mixture is used for cold therapy, then cooling effect is achieved, but excessive temperature drop and bulk are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by using a refrigerated chamber to cool the coolant to specific temperatures (e.g., 20°F to 40°F) rather than using ice water at 32°F, allowing precise control over the cooling effect to avoid excessive temperature drops while maintaining effective therapy
2Temperature
If ice water mixture is used for cold therapy, then cooling effect is achieved, but substantial bulk and frequent ice replenishment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cooling function into a separate refrigerated chamber that can be stored and transported independently from the therapy application device, allowing the coolant to be replenished without moving the entire therapy system and reducing the bulk that must be carried
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerated chamber is prepared in advance by cooling the coolant to the desired temperature and storing it in the insulated container, so that when therapy is needed, the pre-cooled coolant is already ready for use, eliminating the need for frequent ice replenishment during therapy sessions
3Ease of operation
If ice chest system is used for mobile cold therapy, then mobility is achieved, but size and bulk of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a compact portable therapy unit with integrated coolant reservoir and a separate refrigerated chamber that can be stored elsewhere, allowing the main therapy device to remain small and mobile while the cooling function is prepared separately in advance
4Loss of energy
If water portion of ice water mixture is circulated, then heat transfer is achieved, but risk of excessive temperature drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by using a refrigerated chamber to cool the coolant to specific temperatures (e.g., 20°F to 40°F) rather than using ice water at 32°F, allowing precise control over the cooling effect to avoid excessive temperature drops while maintaining effective therapy
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the coolant temperature and adjust the refrigeration cycle accordingly, providing feedback control to maintain the coolant within the optimal temperature range and prevent excessive cooling
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 solution enables a compact, cost-effective, and efficient cold therapy system that allows for mobility and reduces the need for frequent ice replenishment, providing controlled temperature management without the mess of disposing of melted ice, while maintaining effective heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger fluidly couples to a thermal fluid inlet coupler and a thermal fluid outlet coupler... to circulate the thermal fluid through it, and thereby transfer heat from the thermal fluid to the coolant
Implementation Method 2
transfer heat from the thermal fluid to the coolant
Implementation Method 3
The control unit includes a pump that is fluidly coupled to circulate the thermal fluid from a supply coupler, through the umbilical tube assembly and the thermal body wrap
Implementation Method 4
which can be re-coupled with the cold therapy apparatus to serve as its thermal reserve during cold therapy... placed in a cold environment for a period of time to remove heat from its coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A cold therapy apparatus includes a thermal body wrap with umbilical to a control unit with pump for circulating a thermal fluid to remove heat from a body. A coolant heat exchange assembly includes a coolant tank that is filled with a coolant and has a heat exchanger inside that is immersed in the coolant. The heat exchanger is coupled to the control unit to circulate the thermal fluid through the thermal body wrap. The coolant heat exchange assembly is removed from the control unit and placed in a cold environment to chill the coolant, and is then re-coupled during cold therapy. The process is repeated form extended therapy periods.