Thermal Insert with Conductive Gel for Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal devices for muscle and joint pain relief, such as heating and cooling patches, often require external power sources, are non-reusable, or have inadequate thermal conductivity, leading to inefficient heat transfer and discomfort due to loose powder formulations or fabric barriers.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insert with a thermally conductive component and a breathable, porous pocket for a thermally active composition, which can be worn in a garment, providing efficient heat or cold delivery and a massaging sensation through a thermally conductive component with raised surfaces, enhancing thermal conductivity and user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If electrical heating elements are used to provide heat for longer than 4 hours, then the duration of action is improved, but the device complexity increases due to power source requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable chemical heating packets containing exothermic chemical formulations (such as iron powder oxidization) that can be replaced after use. These packets provide heat for 6-12 hours without requiring batteries, electrical outlets, or complex power management systems. The entire thermal unit is designed as a single-use component that is discarded after depletion, eliminating all electrical subsystems while achieving extended duration of action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gel inserts are manually re-heated or cooled, then the device reusability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to active user participation required
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical heating packets are self-activating and self-regulating. Once activated by exposure to air (through breaking a seal or removing a tab), the exothermic reaction proceeds automatically without requiring user intervention for heating or cooling. The chemical formulation naturally maintains temperature and duration, eliminating the need for users to manually reheat, refrigerate, or control the thermal output.
3Ease of manufacture
If loose powder formulations are used in thermal devices, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the thermal conductivity deteriorates leading to inefficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where exothermic chemical formulations (such as iron powder, salt, water, and activator combinations) are enclosed within a flexible, thermally conductive gel matrix or pouch. This gel medium provides superior thermal contact with the skin compared to loose powders, ensuring efficient heat transfer. The composite design maintains the simplicity of chemical formulations while dramatically improving thermal performance through the gel's conformability and conductivity.
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 thermal insert offers long-lasting, portable, and wearable pain relief with improved thermal conductivity and massage, increasing blood flow and user compliance, while minimizing user effort and avoiding combustible materials.
Implementation Method 1
chemical formulations, such as iron powder formulations, that oxidize when exposed to air
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive component, wherein the thermally conductive component has a portion of its surface raised above a plane of the thermally active component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, and a disposable thermal device having one or more thermally conductive components that extend from a surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold or vibrations from disposable or reusable devices to targeted sections of the user's body.