Heating Pad

Product under Design Registration

Product under Patent

Overview

ThermoPulse, is a device that focuses on providing effective pain relief to the lower back area, which is a common area of discomfort for many people in the age range of of 35 to 50 years. The device being portable and easy to use, allows users to take it with them and use it as needed throughout the day. The use of heat and vibrations are popular methods for pain relief and have been shown to be effective in reducing lower back pain. The device is designed to deliver these therapies in a safe and controlled manner to avoid any potential risks or side effects. It should also be aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to use, making it an attractive option for individuals in the target age group.

My Role

In a team of 5 members, i was responsible for conducting market research to identify the needs and preferences of the target market, as well as research on the effectiveness of various heat and vibration therapies for lower back pain and preparing and conducting the Survey questionnaire to understand consumers' pain points and preferences. I contributed in ideation sessions to brainstorm and generate new ideas for the design and creating mockups. Additionally, i designed the app by ensuring that it is user-friendly and compatible with various devices. Hence i played a crucial role in ensuring that the final product meets the requirements set forth in the design brief and offers a unique value proposition to the target audience.

Challenges

Designing a device that is both effective and safe: The device should be designed to provide effective pain relief without causing any harm to the user
Ergonomic design: The device should be designed to fit comfortably on the lower back and stay in place during use
Heat and vibration delivery: The device should deliver heat and vibration therapy together in a safe and effective manner.

ThermoPulse- A Two In One body pain relieving device

Lower back pain is a prevalent health condition, affecting millions worldwide. A device that delivers heat and vibration therapy, specifically designed for individuals between 35 to 50 years old, can effectively address mechanical lower back pain. This non-invasive and affordable treatment option can enhance the quality of life for those who suffer from lower back pain.

ABOUT BODY PAIN

ANATOMY OF SPINE

After doing the research on what body pain is , lower back is found to be the most commonly affected region. The muscles that are primarily responsible for lower back pain include the Iliopsoas, Quadratus Luborum, the Gluteals, and the multifidus muscles

Iliopsoas Muscle – the hidden prankster

Quadratus Lumborum – The side bender

Gluteal Muscles

Multifidus muscles

THERMOTHERAPY AND CRYOTHERAPY

Methods of Treating Body Pain

Heat therapy was as a good option over other pain relieving device due to these primary reasons:

Non Invasive Method
Affordable
Convenient

HOW CAN HEAT THERAPY BE PROVIDED

Manage pain by applying localized heat to the affected area.
Dilating blood vessels by increasing blood flow to the targeted tissue.
Types- Electric, Chemical, and Hot Water Bottles
Stimulate sensation in the skin
Increase the flexibility of soft tissues surrounding the injured area
Portable, heat may be applied as per need, at home, at work, or while traveling.

INTERVIEW WITH PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Most patients complain of pain in the lumbar region of the spine and cervical. On average, 15-24 patients with ages between 30-45 years, including gym and job goers and football players, are seen in a day for lower back pain. Vibration is a technique of massage therapy. Massage and heat therapy can be given together, but heat should be provided for at least 5 minutes before vibration. Heat reduces muscle stiffness/tightness and breaks down lactic acid, while vibrations help the lactic acid to go into the bloodstream. There are no significant complaints related to the use of heating pads, but patients may experience an increase in pain intensity if used for more than 20 minutes. Excessive use of heating pads can lead to loss of superficial sensation, burns, dryness, irritation, and soft tissue injury. Short wave diathermy is a technology that is not currently available in India

Name- Mahima Verma
Age- 33 years
Occupation- Physiotherapy Consultant
Place- London, UK

The physiotherapist recommends that heat and vibrations can be given to patients, but not at the same time. The therapy should begin with heat for 15 minutes, followed by vibrations as per the doctor's advice.

PROBLEM FACED BY USERS WHILE USING HEATING PAD

Skin Burns

Repeated Adjusting

Maintenance

Loss of Sensation

Chances of Short Circuit or fire

Harmful electromagnetic field (EMFs)

Overusage

Use of a cover

Temperature regulation

DESIGN BRIEF

To design a device that targets the age group of 35 to 50 years and provides relief to mechanical lower back pain by providing heat and vibrations

EXISTING PRODUCTS IN THE MARKET

TENS 2.0

Wireless portable Tens for instant pain relief

Delivers proven electrical stimulation to correct the source of the pain

NeuroMD Corrective Therapy Device® for Back Pain

IDEATIONS

THERMOPULSE

This device comes with 2 heating features and 2 vibrating features. You can customize your heat, vibration and timer settings with a mobile application.

Peel of the sticker and stick the device on your lower back. It sticks on to your body with the help of an adhesive which is safe to be used on the body.

NOVELTY IN THE DESIGN:

Currently, heating pads are manually controlled with a regulator, and providing a mobile application to control temperature and vibrations would be a useful option.

A survey was conducted to determine whether such an app would be useful or not

SURVEY

A questionnaire was prepared on Google Forms with questions covering the usability and the need for an app to control the settings of heating pads. 17 out of 24 responses were recorded

After the analysis, a Mobile Application has been designed for operating the device
The app is helpful in controlling and customizing the settings, Data tracking etc.