MECHANICALLY BISTABLE THERMAL DEVICES

摘要

Mechanically bistable thermal devices and methods of utilizing the same. The mechanically bistable thermal devices include a mechanically bistable element and a thermal element. The mechanically bistable element is configured to be selectively transitioned between a straight conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an elongate shape, and a wrapped conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an arcuate shape and is configured to at least partially encircle an encircled form. The thermal element is configured to exchange thermal energy with the encircled form when in thermal contact with the encircled form and includes a thermal material that includes a fluid and/or a granular solid. The methods include activating the thermal element and transitioning the mechanically bistable element from the straight conformation to the wrapped conformation to at least partially encircle the encircled form with the mechanically bistable device.

主权项

1. A thermal therapy device, comprising:
a mechanically bistable element configured to be selectively transitioned between a straight conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an elongate shape, and a wrapped conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an arcuate shape and is configured to at least partially encircle a human body part; a thermal element configured to transfer thermal energy with the human body part when the thermal element is in thermal contact with the human body part; and an actuator configured to initiate a chemical interaction within the thermal element, wherein the chemical interaction includes at least one of a phase change, a chemical dissolution, a chemical mixing, and a chemical reaction, and further wherein the thermal therapy device is configured to initiate the chemical interaction when the mechanically bistable element transitions from the straight conformation to the wrapped conformation.