Thermal Massage Device Rapid Mode Switching via Segmented Peltier Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal massage devices are inefficient due to slow switching between cooling and heating modes, limiting their effectiveness in providing contrast therapy.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates thermo-conductive plates connected to Peltier elements, air fans, and a control module that allows for rapid temperature changes by directing air through radiators, enabling fast cooling and heating, and can be remotely controlled with a flexible base for optimal body contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional thermal elements are used, then the device structure is simple, but the switching speed between cooling and heating modes is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speed between thermal modesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent thermal elements, each capable of rapid temperature switching. Each element includes a Peltier element, thermo-conductive plate, and integrated air fan system, allowing individual control and rapid response without affecting other parts of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Air fans are integrated directly into each thermal element to force air through thermo-conductive radiators, enabling rapid heat extraction during cooling mode. This pneumatic system allows fast switching between heating and cooling by simply reversing the thermal element's operation while maintaining forced air flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If rapid temperature switching is implemented, then thermal massage effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal treatment effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device implements periodic alternation between heating and cooling modes, creating contrast therapy sequences. The controller manages rhythmic switching between thermal states, allowing efficient use of energy by alternating actions rather than maintaining continuous high-energy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system recovers thermal energy by switching thermal elements between heating and cooling functions. Air fans continue to circulate air through radiators regardless of mode, allowing rapid heat dissipation when switching from heating to cooling, thereby recovering the air flow infrastructure for both modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple thermal elements are used for contrast therapy, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal treatment versatilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each thermal element is designed as a universal module capable of both heating and cooling operations. The same physical infrastructure (air fans, radiators, housing) serves both thermal modes, allowing multiple body parts to be treated with different thermal regimens simultaneously without requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration enables rapid switching between thermal modes, enhancing the effectiveness of thermal massage by allowing simultaneous heating and cooling of different body parts, thereby improving the overall treatment experience.

Implementation Method 1

Each element includes a thermo-conductive plate connected to a Peltier element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

The elements' air fans are positioned in such a way that the air is directed through the thermos-conductive radiators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

Each element includes a thermo-conductive plate connected to a Peltier element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230233395A1Device for applying a temperature effect to the human body

Publication Date: 2023.07.27 OSIPOV ILIA VIKTOROVICH

AI summary

The proposed device for a thermal treatment of a human user includes contact elements (plates) for contacts with a user's body connected to thermal sources electrically coupled to a power module and to a control module configured for thermal massage of the user's body. The thermal elements are located on the common base. Each element includes a thermo-conductive plate connected to a Peltier element. The elements have apertures for outward air flow and air fans connected to the power module and to the controller module. The elements' air fans are positioned in such a way that the air is directed through the thermos-conductive radiators in the direction to the apertures. A thermo-conductive plate of each of the thermal elements is connected to the thermos-conductive radiator. The Peltier elements are connected to the power module and to the controller module.