Wearable Thermoelectric Therapy System with Rapid Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold and hot therapy devices are limited by their need for external heating or cooling sources, are not portable, and often require inconvenient preparation, disrupting rest and prolonging recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A wearable cooling and heating system with a retention mechanism, temperature modulation subsystem, and control module that provides portable, temperature-controlled hot and cold therapy independently, using a single temperature modulation subsystem capable of rapid transitions between heat and cold modes, powered by a rechargeable supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cold and hot therapy devices use external heating or cooling sources, then temperature therapy can be provided, but the devices are not portable and require inconvenient preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating element, cooling element, and power supply into a single integrated wearable device. The heating and cooling elements are positioned in thermal communication with the body, while the power supply is integrated into the device structure, eliminating the need for external systems and enabling portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs both heating and cooling functions using a single integrated system. The same wearable device can switch between providing thermal heat therapy and thermal cold therapy, eliminating the need for separate devices and external equipment for each function.
2Loss of time
If conventional therapy devices require preparation time, then external systems can be set up, but rest is disrupted and recovery time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-charged with energy stored in the power supply, allowing it to provide immediate heating or cooling therapy without requiring external power sources or preparation. The device can be quickly applied to the body and begin therapy instantly, eliminating setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device contains its own integrated power supply and control systems, making it self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external power sources, water supplies, or other external systems. The device can be independently activated and used immediately upon application to the body.
3Device complexity
If a single temperature modulation subsystem is used for both heating and cooling, then device complexity is reduced, but rapid transitions between modes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses controllable elements that can dynamically switch between heating and cooling modes. The heating and cooling elements are designed to be independently controllable, allowing rapid transition between modes by simply changing which element is activated, achieving fast mode switching with a single integrated subsystem.
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
Enables continuous, precisely managed hot and cold therapy application without external systems, improving injury healing and recovery by allowing easy, expedited, and controlled temperature treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermoelectric panel having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, the first thermoelectric panel generating a low temperature at the first surface when a voltage is applied across the first thermoelectric panel
Implementation Method 2
a second thermoelectric panel having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, the second thermoelectric panel generating a high temperature at the first surface when a voltage is applied across the second thermoelectric panel
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink in direct contact with the second surface of the first thermoelectric panel and the second surface of the second thermoelectric panel
Implementation Method 4
a fan arranged proximal to the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable cooling and heating system for placement at a body region of a user, including a retention mechanism defining an internal side, and an external side; a temperature modulation subsystem, coupled to the retention mechanism, including a temperature-controllable substrate arranged at the internal side of the retention mechanism, a shield, defining a shield cavity, the shield arranged at the external side of the retention mechanism and coupled to the temperature-controllable substrate, and a heat exchanger in thermal contact with the temperature-controllable substrate and arranged within the shield cavity; a control module, retained by the retention mechanism, communicatively coupled to the temperature modulation subsystem, wherein the temperature modulation subsystem is operable between a cooling mode and a heating mode by the control module, wherein the cooling mode includes generating a low temperature at the temperature-controllable substrate, and wherein the heating mode includes generating a high temperature at the temperature-controllable substrate.