Product Development of Therapy Pad for Health-care Purpose

Abstract

A device supporting both cold and hot therapies has been proposed for soothing body pain or injuries. The cold therapy aims to reduce bleeding at around 10°C - 15°C within 20 minutes. The hot therapy helps to bring more blood to inflected areas at around 38°C - 45°C within 20 minutes as well. The cold therapy function is achieved by thermoelectric cooler (TEC) with effective area of 100 cm2 and the hot therapy function is achieved by metal ceramic heater (MCH) with the same effective area of 100 cm2. The surface temperature distribution of metal plate is uneven with 3°C - 5°C difference. The treatment temperature can be varied from 0°C - 50°C and treatment time can be chosen from 0 - 60 minutes by control buttons. Desired temperature is then monitored by temperature sensor and is maintained with the help of micro-controller unit (MCU) as well as control circuit within preset time. Treatment information is shown on the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).