Rotating Therapeutic Ceramic Unit With Internal Heating Element

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermo-therapeutic apparatuses face inefficiencies in heat transfer due to the spacing between the rotating ceramic unit and the non-rotating heating element, leading to reduced thermal therapy effectiveness and increased friction, which wears out the apparatus components.

Innovation Solution

A thermo-therapeutic apparatus design where the heating unit is inserted within the ceramic unit, allowing direct contact and rotation together, with a power supply unit providing current through electrode members and a transmission member to ensure stable and efficient heat transfer, minimizing heat loss and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the heating element is spaced apart from the ceramic unit to allow rotation, then the ceramic unit can rotate freely, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation freedomVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is inserted inside the ceramic unit, with the heating element nested within the inner space of the ceramic unit. This nested configuration allows the heating element to rotate together with the ceramic unit while maintaining intimate thermal contact, resolving the contradiction between rotation freedom and heat transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element and ceramic unit are merged into a single rotating assembly where the heating element is positioned inside the ceramic unit. This merging allows both components to rotate together as one unit, eliminating the spacing problem while maintaining rotational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the heating element is non-rotating and spaced apart, then the ceramic unit can rotate, but thermal therapy effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidthermal therapy effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is nested inside the ceramic unit's inner space, allowing both to rotate together. This ensures the heating element remains in consistent thermal contact with the ceramic unit throughout rotation, maintaining reliable thermal therapy effectiveness while preserving rotation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element transitions from a static, non-rotating component to a dynamic, rotating component that moves together with the ceramic unit. This dynamic configuration ensures continuous effective thermal contact during rotation, improving thermal therapy reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If the heating unit rotates together with the ceramic unit, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but power supply stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A brushless DC motor is introduced as an intermediary component to drive the heating unit and ceramic unit. This motor provides rotational motion while maintaining stable electrical connection through its rotor-stator configuration, enabling both efficient heat transfer and stable power supply during rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical contact-based power transmission is replaced with a brushless DC motor system that uses electromagnetic fields for power transmission. This substitution eliminates wear and contact instability, providing reliable power supply while maintaining rotation and heat transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration enhances thermal therapy effectiveness by direct heat transfer, reduces power consumption, and maintains operational stability by ensuring continuous current supply even during rotation.

Implementation Method 1

a heating unit having a heating element which is inserted in the inner space to directly heat the ceramic unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a heating surface in thermal contact with an inner circumferential surface of the ceramic unit may be provided around the heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240041694A1Thermotherapy device

Publication Date: 2024.02.08 CERAGEM CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a thermo-therapeutic apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a thermo-therapeutic apparatus in which a heating unit for heating a ceramic unit can be supplied with a current from a power supply unit even in a state where the heating unit rotates together with the ceramic unit. To this end, the thermo-therapeutic apparatus comprises: a ceramic unit having an inner space formed therein; a heating unit having a heating element which is inserted in the inner space to directly heat the ceramic unit; a power supply unit supplying a current to the heating unit; and a support supporting the ceramic unit, wherein the heating unit can rotate relative to the power supply unit so as to allow the heating unit to rotate together with the ceramic unit.