Development of a Matrix-based Heating and Cooling Therapy Pad to Relieve Muscle Injury-Induced Body Pain

Abstract

Injury to the muscles and body occurs when a force is applied to a portion of the body that is greater than what the body can structurally withstand. Physicians recommend hot and cold therapy to relax, soothe, and reduce swelling. Most existing pain treatment techniques are either cold or warm, but not both, and they do not apply uniform pressure to the various body areas.In this study, the TRIZ technique was used to construct a matrix-based electric heating and cooling pad that combines the advantages of a heating and cooling therapies in a single device and can apply uniform pressure to muscles. The pad created for this investigation is made of segmented silicone cubes in the shape of a matrix filled with water. It can be heated up using a standard electrical supply and can be cooled down after being kept in the refrigerator. Due to high specific heat, the system can retain temperature for a long time. The IPR has filed for the “Matrix-Based Electric Heating & Cooling Pad” device with application number 356960-001. Currently, the product is undergoing testing and will soon be released on the market.