Temperature Modulation Assembly for Portable Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature therapy devices have limitations such as limited reusability, require pre-cooling or pre-heating, and are inconvenient for users, disrupting rest and recovery, and are difficult to make in smaller form factors and transport effectively.
Innovation Solution
A temperature modulation assembly with a heat spreader, heatsink, fan, and thermoelectric cooler, coupled with a multi-layer retention mechanism for a compact and portable temperature therapy device that provides both hot and cold therapy with rapid transitions, allowing for efficient temperature regulation and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional temperature therapy devices (ice packs, heating pads) are used, then temperature therapy function is provided, but the devices require pre-cooling or pre-heating, have limited reusability, and disrupt user rest and recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary cooling or heating of the therapy medium before actual use through the Peltier device and heating element, allowing the system to be ready for immediate application without requiring external pre-cooling or pre-heating steps
Solution Approach 2:
The device is self-regulating with automatic temperature control through sensors and control circuits that manage the Peltier device and heating element, eliminating the need for user intervention in temperature preparation and enabling continuous reuse without decommissioning
2Reliability
If conventional temperature therapy devices are made larger for effective therapy, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but portability and transportability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device concentrates the therapy function in a localized applicator head that contacts the body, while the control and power components are minimized and integrated, allowing effective localized therapy without requiring large overall device size
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator components are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with the therapy medium container fitting inside the applicator housing, creating a compact portable form factor while maintaining adequate therapy surface area when deployed
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional temperature therapy devices are used, then temperature therapy is provided, but the devices have limited duration of usefulness before becoming ineffective and requiring decommissioning
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains continuous useful action through automatic temperature regulation that prevents the therapy medium from becoming ineffective, with the control circuit continuously monitoring and adjusting the Peltier device and heating element to sustain therapeutic temperatures throughout the treatment session
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically changes operating parameters including current to the Peltier device and heating element power based on real-time temperature sensor feedback, allowing adaptation to maintain effectiveness throughout extended use without requiring decommissioning
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 enables efficient temperature modulation for enhanced recovery by providing a compact, portable, and user-friendly temperature therapy device that effectively manages temperature transitions, improving usability and recovery outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a Peltier device positioned between the first and second spacers
Implementation Method 2
a heatsink and a fan coupled to a top portion of the spacer, wherein the heatsink is disposed between the top portion of the spacer and the fan
Implementation Method 3
a heatsink and a fan coupled to a top portion of the spacer, wherein the heatsink is disposed between the top portion of the spacer and the fan
Implementation Method 4
a first adhesive material disposed between the Peltier device and the heat spreader
Implementation Method 5
a second adhesive material, such as thermal grease, disposed between the Peltier device and the mounting plate
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature modulation assembly and a multi-layer retention mechanism for such a temperature therapy device are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a temperature modulation assembly for a temperature therapy device has a heat spreader and a mounting plate coupled to a bottom portion of a spacer, wherein the heat spreader is disposed between the mounting plate and the spacer. The temperature modulation assembly has a heatsink and a fan coupled to a top portion of the spacer, wherein the heatsink is disposed between the top portion of the spacer and the fan. The temperature modulation assembly further includes a heating and/or cooling device disposed within a central opening of the spacer, wherein the heating and/or cooling device is located between the heatsink and the heat spreader.