Segmented Thermal Compress with Frangible Welds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal compresses are not adaptable in size, shape, or thickness, lack flexibility to conform to body curvatures, and often cause discomfort due to premature material degradation and limited breathability, making them unsuitable for complex body areas and uncomfortable to use.
Innovation Solution
A thermal compress article composed of superimposed and welded tiles with a frangible line made of weakening welds and junction points, allowing for easy separation without tearing, and featuring a double-thickness sheet to reduce frost and increase comfort, strength, and absorbency, which can be activated with an aqueous medium to provide cooling by conduction or convection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a network of interconnected waterproof pockets is used to contain cooling liquid, then the compress can provide cooling function, but the flexibility is limited and it cannot conform to the curves of body areas
Solution Approach 1:
The compress is divided into multiple detachable tiles that can be separated along frangible lines. Each tile contains cooling gel in independent compartments, allowing the compress to be configured in different shapes and sizes to conform to various body areas while maintaining cooling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The compress transitions from a fixed network structure to a dynamic configuration where tiles can be detached and repositioned. The frangible lines enable easy separation, and the flexible support material allows the tiles to be arranged to match different body contours.
2Strength
If sealed plastic-type polymer is used for prolonged contact, then the structure is intact, but optimal cooling is not ensured and skin breathability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the compress have different properties: the support structure uses intact sealed polymer for strength, while the areas in contact with skin use permeable material to allow breathability. The cooling gel compartments are sealed for structural integrity but can be configured to provide optimal cooling contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Permeable material is used in the compress to allow skin breathability while maintaining structural integrity. This porous material enables air and moisture vapor transmission, preventing skin maceration and improving comfort during prolonged use.
3Ease of operation
If a frangible line with weakening welds is used to allow separation, then tiles can be detached easily, but unintentional tearing may occur during separation attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible line is segmented into discrete weakening welds spaced at intervals, creating controlled separation points. This segmentation allows the compress to be separated into individual tiles or groups of tiles without compromising the integrity of the remaining portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The weakening welds are pre-positioned along the frangible line to absorb and distribute separation forces. This beforehand preparation ensures that when separation is attempted, the force is directed to the predetermined weak points rather than causing unpredictable tearing.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If double-thickness sheet is used to reduce frost and increase comfort, then user comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two sheets are merged together to form a double-thickness structure. This combining of layers provides frost protection and enhanced comfort while using standard manufacturing techniques for joining layers, keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-thickness sheet creates a composite structure with improved thermal properties. The layered construction provides insulation against frost while maintaining flexibility, and the composite structure can be manufactured using conventional lamination or bonding techniques.
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 provides a flexible, reusable, and comfortable thermal compress that can adapt to various body shapes, maintain integrity during separation, and enhance user comfort by reducing frost and delaying gel migration, while ensuring effective heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
each said interior compartment including at least one aqueous medium absorbent material or a filling material
Implementation Method 2
The activation is followed by a cooling, freezing or deep-freezing step
Implementation Method 3
provide cooling by conduction or convection
Implementation Method 4
provide cooling by conduction or convection
Implementation Method 5
the welding is carried out ultrasonically, thermally or by any type of welding known to those skilled in the art
Implementation Method 6
the welding is carried out ultrasonically, thermally or by any type of welding known to those skilled in the art
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
The present invention concerns an article (I) consisting of at least two sheets stacked and welded to define a paving comprising at least three tiles (2), each tile (2) comprising at least three three sides and three vertices, said tiles (2) being deployed in at least two spatial directions defining a plane, said tiles (2) being adjacent and connected to each other by at least one of the sides of same, said tiles (2) comprising at least one compartment (3) including at least a material absorbent to an aqueous medium or a filler material, said tiles (2) being closed and connected to each other by at least one weld, said weld being produced by ultrasound, heat or any other type of weld known to a person skilled in the art, characterised in that the weld consists of a frangible line (8) constituted by a series of weakening welds (6) and junction points (7) or a pre-cut bordered to either side with a mix weld (5), said mix weld being broadened close to the vertex of each tile (2) such that the corner of the tiles (2) is reinforced by an enlarged weld surface area; the present invention also concerns a method for producing said article, and a device for implementing the production method. The article according to the invention can be used as a cooling thermal compress.