Water-vapor-generating heating tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional warming devices fail to effectively prolong the duration of the warming effect of capsaicin and reduce the time required for the onset of the warming effect.
Innovation Solution
A steam-generative warming device combining capsaicin or its analog with an excess amount of menthol in a specific ratio, where capsaicin is present in direct contact with the skin and menthol is separate, generating steam through oxidation of an oxidizable metal, achieving a moderate warming effect with reduced irritation and prolonged duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If capsaicin is used in conventional warming devices, then warming effect is achieved, but duration of warming effect is insufficient and onset time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines capsaicin and menthol into a single adhesive layer that contacts the skin, creating a unified warming system. The capsaicin provides sustained warming while menthol accelerates onset and reduces irritation, achieving both prolonged duration and rapid onset simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer uses a composite formulation containing capsaicin, menthol, and polyethylene glycol together. This composite material allows menthol to penetrate quickly for rapid onset while capsaicin provides long-lasting warming, resolving the contradiction between onset time and duration
2Temperature
If capsaicin is applied to skin, then warming effect is produced, but sensation of irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Menthol acts as an intermediary substance between the skin and capsaicin. It provides initial cooling sensation that masks the irritating effect of capsaicin, while still allowing capsaicin to deliver its warming effect. This mediator approach reduces irritation without sacrificing warming benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the concentration parameters by using a specific ratio of capsaicin to menthol (1:300 to 1:20000 by mass). This parameter optimization ensures menthol dominates the sensory experience, providing warming effect while minimizing irritation sensation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If menthol is combined with capsaicin in excess amount, then irritation is reduced, but warming effect becomes moderate rather than strong
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the mass ratio parameter of capsaicin to menthol within the range of 1:300 to 1:20000. This parameter setting allows menthol to reduce irritation while the steam generation component maintains strong warming effect, resolving the contradiction between irritation reduction and warming intensity
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 provides a long-lasting moderate warming effect with rapid onset and increased skin temperature elevation, affecting not only the applied area but also other parts of the body, while minimizing irritation.
Implementation Method 1
heat generation by the oxidation of an oxidizable metal
Implementation Method 2
emitting the water present in the system as steam
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A steam-generative warming device 10 having a steam generating element 30 that releases steam in association with heat generation accompanying the oxidation of an oxidizable metal. The steam generative warming device 10 contains a capsaicin analog and a menthol in a capsaicin analog/menthol mass ratio of 1/300 to 1/20000. It is preferred that the capsaicin analog be present in an element adapted to be brought into direct contact with the user's skin and the menthol be present in an element adapted not to be brought into contact with the user's skin.