Shoulder Thermal Therapy Device with Symmetric TEC Array

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temperature therapy devices are often bulky and ineffective in providing targeted heating and cooling therapy to specific body parts, such as the shoulder, due to their generic shape and lack of specific element disposition.

Innovation Solution

A device specifically designed for the shoulder, featuring a support layer aligned with the collarbone and temperature modulation devices mounted in a symmetrical pattern, which can provide both heat and cooling therapy, as well as optional vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional generic-shaped heating or cooling pads or blankets are used, then they can be used on different body parts, but they are not effective in providing targeted therapy to specific body parts like the shoulder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different body partsVSAvoidtherapy effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device features temperature modulation devices arranged in a symmetrical pattern about a central axis, with specific disposition to match the anatomical structure of the shoulder. The support layer includes a central axis that can be aligned with the collarbone, and temperature modulation devices are positioned at specific locations including a first temperature modulation device and a second temperature modulation device disposed substantially symmetrically about the central axis, providing localized and targeted thermal therapy to different regions of the shoulder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If devices use ice and/or cold water for cooling therapy, then cooling effect is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling therapy capabilityVSAvoiddevice bulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces traditional mechanical cooling methods (ice and cold water) with thermoelectric cooling devices (TECs). The temperature modulation devices include cooling elements such as thermoelectric cooling devices that can be controlled to provide cooling therapy without requiring bulky ice packs or water reservoirs. The controller controls the temperature of the temperature modulation devices to provide cooling effect when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional devices are designed for specific body parts, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes less versatile and more specialized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy effectivenessVSAvoidmulti-body part applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with a symmetrical pattern of temperature modulation devices about a central axis, allowing it to be effectively applied to either the left or right shoulder. The support layer with central axis alignment and symmetrically disposed temperature modulation devices provides universal applicability to both shoulders while maintaining targeted therapy effectiveness. The device can provide both heating and cooling therapy functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Temperature

If cooling elements like ice are used, then cooling therapy is provided, but the duration of use is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling therapyVSAvoidusage duration

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces consumable cooling methods (ice that melts) with electrically powered thermoelectric cooling devices. The temperature modulation devices include cooling elements such as thermoelectric cooling devices that can operate continuously as long as electrical power is supplied, significantly extending the duration of cooling therapy beyond the limited duration of ice-based cooling.

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

The device effectively delivers targeted thermal therapy to the shoulder, enhancing healing, reducing pain and inflammation, and improving mobility, while being more compact and user-friendly than conventional devices.

Implementation Method 1

One or more of the set of cooling elements may include a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric cooling: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first set of heating elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

a second, different set of cooling elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250107923A1Device for providing heating and cooling therapy to a shoulder

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 HYPERICE IP SUBCO LLC

AI summary

A wearable system or apparatus for applying thermal therapy to a shoulder includes a number of temperature modulation devices arranged in a selected pattern. The pattern can be selected such that when the wearable system or apparatus is disposed over a shoulder, the temperature modulation devices can be symmetrically disposed over the front and the back of the shoulder. In some examples, the temperature modulation devices can provide heat and/or a cooling effect to the shoulder region.