GB2640675A - Thermoelectric cooling device for enhanced human exercise performance - Google Patents

Abstract

A handheld device for cooling the palms of hands, preferably using thermoelectric cooling technology, a temperature control mechanism to target 10-15 degrees Celsius, and an integrated battery, and/or in a halo-shape, including two units with concave surfaces for targeting glabrous tissue (e.g. palms/fingers). The handheld device may be transferred to clothing sleeves for whole-body temperature regulation. The Halo system may incorporate smart technology and Bluetooth (RTM) for remote control via a mobile app and integration with health platforms for data analytics. The device is also designed to facilitate research in thermoregulation during movement.

Description

Handheld cooling device This invention relates to a handheld cooling device designed for enhancing human exercise performance.

During human physical activity, a rise in body temperature naturally occurs, a process to which the human body is inherently attuned. This thermoregulatory response involves mechanisms such as sweating and vasodilation of dermal capillaries, facilitating heat dissipation. However, prolonged exertion can push the body to its thermal tolerance limit, resulting in performance decline and eventual cessation to prevent overheating. Elevated temperatures also impair enzyme function and restrict energy production processes. Introducing a device specifically engineered to efficiently cool the body and mitigate the central perception of heat and discomfort would significantly enhance exercise performance, providing an ergogenic advantage.

The indication of the invention provided above is rooted in scientific research, including studies by Kwon etal. (2010), Grahn et al. (2012), and Grahn et al. (2005), demonstrating enhancements in strength and aerobic capacities. Additional research, such as that by O'Brien et al. (2021), has further substantiated the ergogenic effects of cooling. Notably, the focus of this research has been on palm cooling, leveraging its unique arterio-venous anastomoses (AVA's) and high blood circulation rate for rapid temperature modulation, typically within the range of 10-15°C.

However, existing devices used in research and those currently available on the market exhibit limitations, which the proposed Handheld device seeks to overcome. Most palm cooling products utilise cold water as a cooling medium, either through attachment to a chiller unit or as standalone devices filled with chilled water. These products often suffer from slow cooling speeds and struggle to maintain consistent temperatures, hindering user-friendliness.

Recognising the need for product development to achieve a gold standard user experience, the Handheld device aims to address these constraints. It is designed to be standalone, not reliant on external chiller units, and ergonomically optimised for ease of use.

Employing thermoelectric cooling technology, specifically Peltier technology, the Handheld device promises the fastest means to achieve target cold temperatures, ensuring effective palm cooling with precise temperature control. Additionally, incorporating battery capacity enables prolonged standalone operation. The handheld design allows users to move freely, enabling palm cooling even during physical activity-a feature not explored in existing research due to the limitations of chiller-connected devices or their lack of ergonomic design for such applications.

Furthermore, the Handheld device is versatile, designed not only for palm cooling during exercise but also for general thermoregulation. It can be integrated into clothing sleeves, providing a cooling interface to various body parts. This versatility is supported by research, such as that by Kishore et al. (2019), which has demonstrated significant reductions in body temperature-up to 8.2°C-by applying thermoelectric cooling devices directly to the skin.

The Halo Perform: The Halo Perform uses Thermoelectric Peltier Cooling, as it attends to best user experience for speed to get to desired temperature, temperature control, and with internal batteries a prolonged duration of use to uphold standalone use and use for exercise in transit (running). The device will be in the shape of a Halo (figure 1) and be made up of 4 parts (figure 2). The Halo will consist of two handhelds (ref 1), as it will cool the body quicker, than using just one, and the Handheld devices will be shaped to cover the whole of the palm when held to optimise cooling.

The top section of the Halo will be the housing of the electrical components (ref 2), will have the Digital display clearly visible for the user to see temperature (ref 3), battery power etc. USB port will be on the top half of the halo also (ref 4).

The bottom section of the Halo (ref 5) will be assisting with heat loss from the handhelds whilst being used whilst stationed in the Halo Perform.

The Halo Perform will have Bluetooth capabilities and have smart tech, which will sync up to an App. The App will allow for control of the device, provide setting adjustments, mode selections. Additionally, there will be training protocols for users to select, and performance will be stored via user agreement.

A further alternative flatter shape for the handheld would allowfor better fitting in to specifically designed sleeves in clothing items, to facilitate the function of thermoregulation on human skin contact. Considering its intended use in sports, headbands, scrumcaps, helmets, wristbands, and gloves would be most suitable. Consideration of contact sports may also lead to further development of cooling device clothing integration, and best location on the body.

The Halo Perform unit will securely communicate with paired mobile devices via wireless connectivity protocols (Bluetooth Low Energy / Bluetooth 4.0). The Halo companion application on the paired mobile device will allow user customisation, usage protocols and device management and support. Using web connectivity from the mobile device, users will be able to access the Halo Perform Platform where they will be able to augment data with existing health data platforms (via Google Health Connect and Apple Health) for further insight, securely management their account and engage with the Halo user ecosystem.

Claims (6)

1. Claims: 1. A handheld cooling device comprisingthermoelectric cooling technology, designed for efficient palm cooling during physical activity, wherein said device achieves rapid cooling to target temperatures between 10-15°C, providing precise temperature control and facilitating prolonged standalone operation through integrated battery capacity.
2. 2. The standalone feature of claim 1 enables research opportunities for "in transit" cooling applications, facilitating scientific exploration in the field of thermoregulation during movement.
3. 3. A uniquely designed Halo-shaped handheld device, comprising two units with concave surfaces optimised for comprehensive palm cooling, effectively targeting the entire glabrous tissue area.
4. 4. Both handheld devices of claim 3 possess transferabilityto clothing sleeves, serving as cooling devices in direct contact with human skin for whole-body temperature regulation.
5. 5. The Halo system of claims 3 and 4 incorporates smart technology and Bluetooth capability, enabling remote control via a dedicated mobile application when detached from the Halo structure.
6. 6. The secure connectivity of claim 5 allows paired mobile devices to manage the handheld units remotely, integrate with health platforms, and provide data analytics for insights into cooling effectiveness and exercise performance.