Separable Compression and Thermal Therapy Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for thermal and compression therapy are cumbersome, requiring patients to choose between a single device that combines both therapies or separate devices, leading to issues with size, weight, mobility, and the inability to track therapy sessions accurately, and lack of remote control access.

Innovation Solution

The device is physically separated into a thermal therapy section and an air compressor section, allowing for independent or combined use, with a docking system for power and control transfer, and a removable remote control for convenient operation, along with data storage to track therapy sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single inseparable device combines both compression and thermal therapy, then therapy functionality is integrated, but device size and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate but compatible units: a compression unit and a thermal unit. Each unit can function independently or be combined via a docking station, allowing patients to choose based on therapy needs while reducing individual unit weight and overall system bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single inseparable device combines both compression and thermal therapy, then therapy functionality is integrated, but device portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy functionalityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If two separate devices are used for compression and thermal therapy, then device portability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A docking station is provided that allows the compression unit and thermal unit to connect and function together as an integrated system. The docking station consolidates control features and allows the units to be charged and operated together, reducing the complexity of managing two completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If two separate devices are used for compression and thermal therapy, then device portability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidtherapy consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Device complexity

If control panel is fixed to the device, then device structure is simplified, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of remote access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcontrol access

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A removable remote control unit is provided that acts as an intermediary between the patient and the device controls. The remote can be detached from the device and used to control therapy parameters, allowing patients to adjust settings without reaching the fixed control panel on the device body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design enhances patient mobility, reduces the burden of carrying heavy devices, allows for accurate tracking of therapy sessions, and provides convenient control access, ensuring consistent treatment adherence.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal transfer system for heating and/or cooling a liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a thermal transfer system for heating and/or cooling a liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

a pump for pumping the liquid from the device to a wrap worn by a patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 4

an air compressor for pumping a gas into a wrap worn by a patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8979915B2Separable system for applying compression and thermal treatment

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 PULSAR SCI

AI summary

The invention relates to a separable device for the application of compression and thermal therapy to a patient. A first section includes a reservoir, liquid pump and a thermal exchange system for the application of thermal therapy as well as a dock. The second section of the device includes an air compressor and at least one controller for the application of compression therapy and can be operated independently from the first section. Additionally, the second section may be engaged with a dock of the first section.