Wearable Extremity Temperature Control with Thermoelectric Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for temperature control of human extremities often cause discomfort and pain due to direct application of cold or hot surfaces on the skin, and they fail to effectively monitor and adjust extremity temperatures to maintain optimal body and brain temperature across various environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wearable article equipped with temperature sensors and temperature modification devices, such as thermoelectric devices, that monitor extremity temperatures and automatically adjust them by generating heat or cooling, while minimizing discomfort through perpendicular motion and gentle indentation to inhibit painful sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct application of cold or hot surfaces is used on skin for temperature control, then temperature modification effectiveness is improved, but user comfort and pain levels deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (gel or fluid) between the thermal therapy device and the skin. This intermediary medium transfers thermal energy more gradually and uniformly, reducing the direct thermal shock to skin receptors that causes pain. The gel acts as a buffer that mediates the thermal interaction, allowing effective temperature modification while minimizing discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic cycles of thermal application followed by rest periods. The processor controls the thermal device to alternate between active heating/cooling phases and inactive phases, preventing continuous over-stimulation of thermal receptors. This periodic action allows tissue to adapt and reduces cumulative discomfort while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If manual monitoring and adjustment of extremity temperature is performed, then simplicity of device is improved, but response time and temperature regulation precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor extremity temperature and feed this information back to a processor. The processor automatically adjusts the thermal device output based on the sensed temperature, creating a closed-loop feedback system. This ensures precise temperature regulation without requiring manual intervention, maintaining both simplicity for the user and high precision for temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation through automated sensor-processing-device control loops. The temperature sensors detect current extremity temperature, the processor determines the appropriate thermal response, and the thermal device automatically adjusts its output accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual monitoring and adjustment while maintaining high temperature regulation precision.
3Speed
If strong thermal stimuli are applied to extremities for temperature control, then temperature modification speed is improved, but user comfort and pain inhibition effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic thermal stimulation cycles with controlled duration and intensity. Rather than applying continuous strong thermal stimuli, the system delivers pulses of thermal energy followed by rest periods. This periodic approach maintains temperature modification speed by repeatedly applying therapeutic doses while allowing tissue to recover between pulses, thereby inhibiting pain receptor adaptation and reducing overall discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts thermal stimulus parameters based on real-time temperature feedback and user response. The processor modulates the intensity, duration, and frequency of thermal application to optimize the balance between treatment effectiveness and comfort. This dynamic control allows rapid temperature modification when needed while reducing stimulus strength when approaching target temperatures or when pain thresholds are approached.
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 solution effectively maintains optimal body and brain temperature by monitoring and adjusting extremity temperatures, reducing discomfort and pain, and optimizing thermal regulation in diverse environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
temperature modification devices, such as thermoelectric devices, that monitor extremity temperatures and automatically adjust them by generating heat or cooling
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature sensor, positioned on or in the wearable article body to measure a temperature of a human extremity
Data Source
AI summary
Temperature of the extremities is a significant factor in temperature control of the body due to the presence of thermal receptors in the extremities. The brain uses signals from these thermal receptors as an indication of environmental conditions, and responds accordingly. Thermal monitoring of extremities and adjustment of extremity temperature are valuable in controlling body temperature, leading to a more optimum body temperature in an array of environmental conditions. Devices, such as a wearable article, and an apparatus to monitor the temperature of extremities, adjust the temperature of the extremities in response to the monitored temperature.