Thermoelectric Cooling Compression Device for Rapid Thermal Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal treatment devices for acute injuries and post-surgery are limited by their inability to efficiently control temperature, require significant energy, and lack portability, making it difficult for patients to maintain consistent treatment protocols, leading to prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A portable medical device that utilizes a thermoelectric cooler/module (TEM) with a direct thermal conductive substrate and compression system, controlled by a miniaturized microprocessor and touch-screen interface, allowing for precise temperature and pressure management, and optional TENS and massage treatments, ensuring adherence to recommended therapy protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If circulating cooled water systems are used for thermal treatment, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid reservoir and pumping system from the therapeutic device, eliminating the need for complex circulation infrastructure. The TEM device operates directly with solid-state cooling, removing the disturbing parts (fluid reservoir, pump, tubing) while retaining the essential cooling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fluid circulation system with a solid-state thermoelectric cooling system. The TEM device uses electrical current to directly generate cooling effects without mechanical pumps or fluid circulation, substituting a simpler electrical system for a complex mechanical one.
2Area of stationary object
If fluid reservoir and pumping system are used, then thermal treatment coverage is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fluid reservoir and pumping system that made previous devices non-portable and difficult to operate. The extracted TEM device is self-contained and battery-operated, enabling portability while maintaining treatment coverage through direct application to the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The TEM device is self-contained with an integrated battery and control system, requiring no external fluid supply or power source. The device serves itself by generating its own cooling effect through the thermoelectric module, eliminating the need for complex external infrastructure.
3Quantity of substance
If large mass of fluid is used for temperature control, then thermal treatment capacity is improved, but response time and temperature control precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the large mass of fluid from the system, replacing it with a lightweight TEM device. This elimination of fluid mass dramatically reduces the time required to heat or cool the treatment area, as there is no large thermal mass to overcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state from liquid fluid to solid-state thermoelectric material. This parameter change enables rapid temperature adjustments by controlling electrical current to the TEM, achieving precise temperature control without the thermal inertia of large fluid volumes.
4Temperature
If refrigeration units with compressors and evaporators are used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical refrigeration system (compressor, evaporator, condenser) with a solid-state thermoelectric cooling system. The TEM device uses electrical current to directly generate cooling effects without mechanical moving parts, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for refrigerants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex refrigeration infrastructure (compressor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant) from the therapeutic device. The remaining TEM device achieves cooling effectiveness through solid-state thermoelectric effects, eliminating the energy-intensive mechanical refrigeration cycle.
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 efficient and controlled thermal treatment, ensuring consistent application of heat or cold directly to the targeted area, reducing recovery time by enabling precise temperature control and adherence to treatment schedules, even in non-clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
A portable medical device that utilizes a thermoelectric cooler/module (TEM) with a direct thermal conductive substrate
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer apparatus 220
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods directed to the art of therapeutic thermal compression are provided. A therapeutic device capable of providing various therapeutic stimuli, including thermal energy transfer and applied pressure. The therapeutic device has a heating/cooling system, a temperature moderating system, a compression system, and a control system which controls the amount of pressure applied, the degree of temperature applied, and the duration of each application of therapeutic stimuli.