Thermal Transfer Apparatus with Segmented Protrusions for Body Conformability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing an ice pack that can effectively alleviate swelling and pain across various body parts and for different patients is challenging due to the varying sizes and shapes of body regions.
Innovation Solution
A thermal transfer apparatus with a container having protrusions of different lengths and a dual thermal transfer media system, where the first media has a lower freezing point than the second, allowing for efficient heat absorption and conformability to body parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single uniform ice pack design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot effectively conform to various body parts of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The ice pack is divided into multiple protrusions of different lengths extending from the container wall, creating distinct zones that can conform to different body part geometries. Each protrusion acts as an independent segment that can adapt to specific contours, resolving the contradiction between uniform manufacturing and varied conformability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ice pack are designed with different protrusion lengths to provide localized adaptability. The varying protrusion lengths create zones optimized for different body part sizes and shapes, allowing a single device to serve multiple anatomical regions effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single thermal transfer media is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot provide optimized temperature management for different body parts
Solution Approach 1:
Different thermal transfer media are placed in different protrusions based on their freezing points. This creates localized thermal zones where each body part contact point receives optimized cooling appropriate to its specific needs, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and temperature management versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes different freezing point parameters for different thermal transfer media. By selecting media with varying freezing points, the ice pack can provide different temperature profiles in different regions, enabling adapted temperature management across various body parts while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long protrusions are used throughout, then conformability to larger body parts is improved, but the ice pack cannot effectively adapt to smaller body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are segmented into different length categories rather than using a uniform length. This segmentation allows the ice pack to present appropriate contact surfaces for different body part sizes, improving both adaptability and user comfort by preventing excessive pressure on smaller areas while maintaining contact on larger areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice pack employs asymmetric protrusion lengths rather than symmetric uniform dimensions. This asymmetry enables the device to naturally adapt to the varying geometries of different body parts, providing optimal conformability and comfort across diverse anatomical regions without requiring multiple different ice packs.
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 apparatus efficiently absorbs heat and conforms to body parts, providing effective temperature management for pain relief and swelling reduction across diverse anatomical areas.
Implementation Method 1
A first thermal transfer media is positioned within the first enclosed cavity... The first thermal transfer media has a first freezing point lower than a second freezing point of the second thermal transfer media
Implementation Method 2
A second thermal transfer media is positioned within each second enclosed cavity... The first thermal transfer media has a first freezing point lower than a second freezing point of the second thermal transfer media
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal transfer apparatus and a method of use thereof are provided. The thermal transfer apparatus comprises a first container comprising a first wall, and a second wall connected to the first wall at ends of each wall, thereby defining a first enclosed cavity. At least four protrusions extend from the first wall into the first enclosed cavity towards the second wall and each protrusion comprising a third wall defining a second enclosed cavity. At least four protrusions comprise at least two short protrusions and at least two long protrusions. The short protrusions extend a first distance from the first wall into the first enclosed cavity towards the second wall, and are positioned intermediate two or more of the long protrusions. The long protrusions extend a second distance from the first wall into the first enclosed cavity towards the second wall. The second distance is greater than the first distance.