Therapy Boot Gel Pack Pockets for Targeted Cold Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapy boots for ankle or lower leg injuries or surgery are cumbersome and lack a simple mechanism for applying targeted cold therapy under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A therapy boot with pockets for gel packs and an inflatable chamber that provides targeted compression and cold therapy by pressing the gel packs against the ankle or lower leg upon inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art boots or sleeves are used for cold therapy, then cold treatment can be applied to the ankle or lower leg, but the devices are cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into distinct functional sections: a hard outer shell for structural support, a wrap for compression, and separate pockets for gel packs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Gel packs are pre-positioned in pockets within the boot structure before the boot is worn. The wrap is pre-configured with openings that align with the pockets, allowing gel packs to be easily inserted through the openings and positioned against the ankle or lower leg without complex assembly steps during use.
2Reliability
If prior art boots or sleeves are used for cold therapy, then thermal treatment can be provided, but they do not apply targeted cold treatment under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The boot provides localized cold therapy through discrete pockets positioned at specific locations (anterior, posterior, and/or lateral aspects of the ankle). Each pocket contains a gel pack that can be independently positioned against the targeted area, allowing precise local treatment rather than diffuse thermal application.
Solution Approach 2:
An inflatable chamber is integrated into the wrap structure, allowing pressurization with air or fluid to apply targeted compression force. This pneumatic mechanism presses the gel packs firmly against the ankle or lower leg, ensuring effective thermal transfer and targeted treatment without requiring manual compression or complex mechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If openings are provided in the boot for ice packs, then ice packs can be inserted, but no pressure mechanism is provided to apply targeted compression
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap serves as an intermediary layer between the gel packs and the patient's body. It features openings that facilitate easy gel pack insertion while also containing the inflatable chamber that provides compression. This intermediary structure combines the functions of compression application and gel pack positioning without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable chamber within the wrap uses pneumatic pressure to apply targeted compression to the gel packs. When inflated, it firmly presses the gel packs against the ankle or lower leg through the wrap, ensuring reliable thermal contact and compression effectiveness while maintaining simple operation for gel pack insertion.
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
Enables easy application of heat or cold therapy with targeted compression, enhancing recovery by providing a simple and effective treatment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
Upon pressurization of the inflatable chamber, the respective gel pack is configured to be pressed against at least one of the lower leg and the ankle
Implementation Method 2
A respective gel pack may be adapted to be inserted into the at least one pocket through the opening to provide heat or cold to at least one of the lower leg and the ankle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a therapy boot for treatment of the ankle or lower leg. The therapy boot comprises a hard outer shell with an open anterior portion, a base portion, a posterior portion, and two oppositely disposed side portions extending from the base portion and connected to the posterior portion. At least one pocket with an opening may be provided in the hard outer shell. An inflatable chamber may be disposed on an inside of the at least one pocket. A respective gel pack may be adapted to be inserted into the at least one pocket through the opening to provide heat or cold to at least one of the lower leg and the ankle. Upon pressurization of the inflatable chamber, the respective gel pack is configured to be pressed against at least one of the lower leg and the ankle.