Wearable Heating Elements With Wireless Therapy Profile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices lack flexibility and adaptability in delivering targeted heat therapy for various body conditions, such as muscle soreness, joint pain, and pelvic pain, and do not effectively integrate with external computing devices for personalized control.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with multiple heating elements and device electronics that can be controlled manually or via an external computing device, allowing for customizable heating profiles and sensor-driven adjustments to deliver targeted heat therapy based on user input and detected conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heating devices use fixed heating patterns, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different body conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device transitions from static fixed heating patterns to dynamic adjustable heating patterns. Users can modify heating parameters (temperature, duration, intensity) in real-time based on their specific body conditions, allowing the device to adapt dynamically to different muscle groups, pain levels, and therapeutic needs without requiring complex hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables parameter changes by allowing users to adjust heating profiles through software controls on external computing devices. Heating parameters such as temperature, power delivery, and treatment duration can be modified without changing the physical device structure, achieving adaptability through software-based parameter adjustment
2Ease of operation
If heating devices lack external device integration, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation for personalized control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computing device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) that serves as a mediator between the user and the heating device. This intermediary provides a user-friendly interface for creating and controlling heating profiles, making the device easy to operate for personalized control while isolating the heating device itself from complex control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or manual control systems with electronic/software-based control through external computing devices. Instead of requiring physical dials, switches, or buttons on the heating device, users interact with touchscreen interfaces and software applications, substituting mechanical control with digital control for enhanced ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating devices use single heating element, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to targeted body areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is segmented into multiple independent heating elements that can be individually controlled. Each heating element can be targeted at specific body areas (e.g., upper back, lower back, shoulders), allowing users to apply heat to multiple distinct regions simultaneously or selectively, achieving targeted therapy without requiring a completely separate device for each area
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 personalized and adaptive heat therapy by allowing users to create, modify, and store heating profiles, and integrates with external devices for real-time adjustments, enhancing therapeutic efficacy for muscle, joint, and pelvic pain relief.
Implementation Method 1
The heating unit is configured to deliver heat to a user's body. The heating unit comprises a substrate and a heating element supported by the substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes a heating unit and device electronics. The heating unit is configured to deliver heat to a user's body. The heating unit includes a substrate and a heating element supported by the substrate. The device electronics are coupled to the heating element and are configured to store a first heating profile that includes data indicating how power should be delivered to the heating element over a first period of time. The device electronics are configured to deliver power to the heating element according to the first heating profile. The device electronics are configured to wirelessly receive a second heating profile from an external computing device. The second heating profile includes data indicating how power should be delivered to the heating element over a second period of time. The device electronics are configured to deliver power to the heating element according to the second heating profile.