Vacuum Appendage Chamber for Vasodilation and Thermal Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for thermoregulation and thermal energy application face challenges in effectively inducing whole-body heating to increase microvascular circulation, particularly for treating conditions like pain, inflammation, and neurological maladies, due to issues such as size incompatibility, leakage, and increased manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A robust apparatus comprising an appendage chamber, thermal exchange member, pressure platform, tubular sleeve, vacuum source, and programmable controller, which accommodates different hand sizes, maintains vasodilation, and controls heating or cooling to increase systemic circulation, alleviating symptoms associated with various medical conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a strap is used to secure the hand on the heat exchange element, then the hand is held in place, but the strap may cause vasoconstriction in large hands due to excessive pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidvasoconstriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the vacuum pressure applied to the hand based on detected hand size, transitioning from a static strap pressure approach to a dynamic, adaptive pressure control system that prevents vasoconstriction while maintaining secure hand positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum pressure parameter is adjusted based on hand size detection, changing the physical parameter of applied pressure to accommodate different hand sizes and prevent harmful vasoconstriction effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If multiple energy elements are used to deliver thermal energy to different portions of the appendage, then thermal coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal coverageVSAvoidnumber of energy elements

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate energy elements are merged into a single flexible energy element that can conform to and deliver thermal energy across multiple portions of the appendage, reducing component count while maintaining comprehensive thermal coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible energy element can bend and conform to the contours of the appendage, allowing a single element to provide thermal coverage across multiple surfaces and regions that would otherwise require multiple rigid elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Use of energy by moving object

If the hand is pressed hard against the heat exchange element, then heat transfer is improved, but vasoconstriction occurs in large hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidvasoconstriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from hand size detection to automatically adjust the vacuum pressure level, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes heat transfer while preventing vasoconstriction based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects hand size and self-adjusts the vacuum pressure without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself by optimizing its own operating parameters based on the specific user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively increases whole-body circulation, promoting wound healing, alleviating neurological and endocrine-related symptoms, and enhancing hormone regulation by maintaining vasodilation and controlled thermal exchange, thereby addressing the limitations of previous systems.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum source configured to create a vacuum in the appendage chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a heating or cooling source configured to heat or cool the thermal exchange member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The thermal exchange member may be disposed within the lower portion and may be configured to contact a palm of the hand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9066781B2Methods and apparatus for therapeutic application of thermal energy

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 AVACEN

AI summary

Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a human condition by providing an appendage chamber having a thermal exchange member. A vacuum may be applied to the appendage chamber to maintain vasodilation of an appendage when placed within the appendage chamber. The appendage may be heated or cooled at the thermal exchange member for therapeutic application of thermal energy to treat a number of circulatory, neurological, lymphatic, or endocrinal maladies.