Spa including thermoelectric module for providing localized cooling

Abstract

The present invention provides a spa comprising a spa area for a spa user and a thermoelectric module providing localized cooling for the spa user in the spa area, wherein the spa includes a spa wall and the thermoelectric module is substantially in contact with an outside surface of the spa wall adjacent to the spa area. The thermoelectric module is disposed substantially behind the back of the user when the user is in the spa area such that the thermoelectric module is maintains the spa user's torso at a lower temperature than that of the user's extremities.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to spas, hot tubs and pools (hereinafter “spas”), and more particularly to a spa including a thermoelectric module for raising or lowering the temperature within a localized, single-user, area within the spa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spas characteristically employ hot water, air jets and/or water jets as a therapeutic medium. On occasion, the use of heat presents a problem for a particular spa user. For example, some spa users require warmth for therapy but cannot withstand the heat over their entire body, particularly the trunk region. Overheating of the trunk region can cause excess pressure to be placed on the operation of the heart and total vascular system. However, most spa users do not want to put only an arm or leg in the spa. Additionally, exposure to temperature extremes when repeatedly going into and out of the spa can result in overstressing the immune system. Other spa users may require a cooler spa operating temperature but have a localized area of heat, again for therapeutic purposes.

The constant interplay between finding an optimal therapeutic temperature for a user while not overheating the torso region is compounded exponentially when multiple spa users are involved. Some users may want or need to have a hotter or cooler personal environment than other users, and merely raising or lowering the overall spa operating temperature will not necessarily satisfy this conflict.

Some spas include a seat that elevates the user's heart out of the water. However, the user may still feel over-heated and be forced to get out of the spa to solve the problem. Additionally, leaving the spa results in an interruption of the beneficial hydrotherapy. Moreover, the constant fluctuations in body temperature associated with going into and out of the spa may be detrimental to the spa user.

In view of the above, there exists a need for a spa featuring the ability to raise lower the temperature within a localized, single user, area within the spa.

There also exists a need for a spa adapted to keep a user's torso cooler than the user's extremities by moderating the temperature locally.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spa featuring the ability to lower the temperature within a localized, single user, area within the spa.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a spa adapted to keep a user's torso cooler than the user's extremities by moderating the temperature locally.

The present invention provides a spa including a thermoelectric module that allows a user the ability to lower the temperature within a localized area within the spa, for example to keep the user's torso cooler than the extremities by moderating the torso temperature locally. By way of example, the user may experience a drop in temperature in a localized region of about 2-6 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on positioning of the user's body with respect to the thermoelectric module.

One aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa area for a spa user and a thermoelectric module providing localized cooling for the spa user in the spa area, wherein the spa includes a spa wall and the thermoelectric module is substantially in contact with an outside surface of the spa wall adjacent to the spa area. The thermoelectric module is disposed substantially behind the back of the user when the user is in the spa area such that the thermoelectric module is maintains the spa user's torso at a lower temperature than that of the user's extremities. Alternatively, the thermoelectric module may be employed to heat or cool other areas of the spa user's body, such as the forearm, wrist, foot, leg, or other area of the spa user's body. According to the invention, the thermoelectric module also provides localized heating for the spa user in the spa area. Additionally, the spa area may be provided with one or more buttons for activating the thermoelectric module and for switching thermoelectric module between heating and cooling modes.

Another aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa area for a spa user and a thermoelectric module providing localized cooling for the spa user in the spa area, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises a thermally conductive plate for contacting the spa, a thermally conductive block for housing an electrical switch, a Peltier device in thermal communication with the thermally conductive block and the thermally conductive plate, a heatsink and a ventilation device. The electrical switch is designed to switch the Peltier device between a cooling device and a heating device by reversing the current in the device.

A further aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa area for a spa user and a thermoelectric module providing localized cooling for the spa user in the spa area, wherein the thermoelectric module is employed to cool a water bladder containing water and the cooled water is delivered to a localized area of the spa. The thermoelectric module may include either a thermally conductive plate that is substantially in contact with the water bladder or an external coil that is in thermal communication with the water within the water bladder. The module may further comprise a pump for moving the cooled water through a hose to a predetermined area within the spa, wherein a distal end of the hose is provided with a nozzle for controlling the direction and intensity of the water flow out of the hose.

Yet another aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa wall, a plurality of spa areas for spa users and a plurality of thermoelectric modules that provide localized cooling for spa users in the spa areas, such that each spa area includes a corresponding thermoelectric module. Each thermoelectric module is substantially in contact with an outside surface of the spa wall adjacent to a spa area, and each spa area is provided with one or more buttons for activating the corresponding thermoelectric module and for switching between heating and cooling modes.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from review of the following detailed description of the invention, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a schematic representation of a thermoelectric module for cooling or heating an object;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred thermoelectric module for cooling or heating a localized area of a spa, in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a preferred spa including thermoelectric modules for providing localized cooling and/or heating functionality, in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred spa of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a thermoelectric module being used to cool a water bladder so that the cooled water may be delivered to a localized area of a spa, in accordance with the principles of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative spa including thermoelectric modules for providing localized cooling and/or heating functionality, in accordance with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

Peltier devices are small solid-state devices that function as both heaters and coolers. Such devices are from a family of solid-state devices known as thermoelectric modules. A typical unit is a few millimeters thick by a few millimeters to a few centimeters square that comprises a sandwich formed by two ceramic plates with an array of small Bismuth Telluride Bi₂Te₃ cubes (“couples”) in between. When a DC current is applied, heat is moved from one side of the Peltier device to the other, whereby the heat may be removed with a heatsink. The “cold” side is commonly used to cool electronic devices such as microprocessors or photodetectors. When the current is reversed, the device makes an excellent heater.

Thermoelectric modules employ appropriately doped semiconductor materials (e.g., Bismuth Telluride) that have been suitably doped to provide individual blocks or elements having distinct “N” and “P” characteristics. Other suitable thermoelectric materials include Lead Telluride (PbTe), Silicon Germanium (SiGe), and Bismuth-Antimony (Bi—Sb) alloys. Bismuth Telluride-based thermoelectric modules are designed primarily for cooling or combined cooling and heating applications, wherein electrical power creates a temperature difference across the module. Since thermoelectric modules are solid-state components, they have no moving parts to wear out, and are considered to be highly reliable components.

Thermoelectric modules such as Peltier devices are not meant to serve larger applications such as room air conditioners. Rather, they are best suited for smaller cooling applications, although they may be suitable for applications as large as portable picnic-type coolers. Peltier devices may be stacked to achieve lower temperatures. In certain applications, Peltier devices are not very efficient and can draw amps of power. However, this disadvantage is more than offset by a number of Peltier device advantages, including, but not limited to: (1) having no moving parts; (2) having no Freon refrigerant; (3) producing substantially no noise; (4) producing substantially no vibration; (5) having a very small size; (6) having a relatively long life; and (7) being capable of precision temperature control.

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a schematic representation of a thermoelectric module 102 comprising a Peltier device that may be employed to cool or heat an object 104. The thermoelectric module 102 includes a plurality of semiconductor pellets 106, wherein adjacent pellets 106 are of opposite semiconductor type. In other words, every other pellet 106a is P-type semiconductor material, while the intervening pellets 106b are N-type semiconductor material. Adjacent pellets 106 are connected by electrically conductive members 108 to form a series circuit, the ends of which are connected to the terminals of a DC voltage source 110. The electrically conductive members 108 contact an electrically insulating substrate panel 112, which contacts the object 104 to be cooled. Similarly, the electrically conductive members 108 contact an electrically insulating substrate panel 114, which contacts a heat sink 116. A ventilation device such as a fan can be utilized to remove heat from the heat sink 116.

When current from the DC voltage source 110 flows from one of the conductive strips 108 into a P-type pellet 106a or from an N-type pellet 106b into one of the conductive strips 108, heat is given off into the surroundings. When current from the voltage source 110 flows from one of the P-type pellets 106a into one of the conductive strips 108 or from one of the conductive strips 108 into an N-type pellet 106b, heat is absorbed from the surroundings. Thus, the thermoelectric module 102 absorbs heat from its surroundings through the first substrate panel 112 and releases heat to its surroundings through the second substrate panel 114.

Since the first substrate panel 112 of the Peltier device 102 is contacting a localized area of the object 104, the semiconductor pellets 106 absorb heat from the object 104, thereby cooling the object 104. Likewise, since the second substrate panel 114 is contacting the heat sink 116, the semiconductor pellets 106 transfer heat to the heat sink. As depicted in FIG. 1, the current flows in a clockwise path from the positive terminal of the voltage source 110, through the Peltier device 102, and to the negative terminal of the voltage source 110. If the voltage source 110 is reversed so that the current flows in a counterclockwise path, heat would be absorbed through the second substrate panel 114 and released through the first substrate panel 112, thereby heating the localized area of the object 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, a preferred thermoelectric module 140 for cooling or heating a localized area of a spa comprises a thermally conductive plate 144 for contacting the spa, an insulating material 148 having a cutout 152, a thermally conductive block 156 for housing an electrical switch 158, a Peltier device 162 in thermal communication with the block 156 and the plate 144, an insulating gasket 166 dimensioned to fit within the cutout 152, a heatsink 170 and a ventilation device 174. By way of example, the thermally conductive plate 144 may comprise a 3 mm Aluminum plate that may be pre-cut to any shape and size. A suitable material for the insulating material 148 comprises polystyrene foam. The Peltier device 162 may comprise any conventional solid-state Peltier device that preferably functions as both a localized cooler and heater for a spa. An electrical switch 158 is provided for switching the Peltier device 162 between a cooling device and a heating device by reversing the current within the device.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the thermally conductive block 156 includes threaded apertures (not shown) for receiving threaded screws 186 for attachment of the plate 144 to one side of the block 156. The Peltier device 162 is disposed on the opposite side of the block 156, and is connected to a DC voltage source via wires 190. A heatsink compound 192 may be applied to both sides of thermally conductive block, as well as to an inner surface 196 of the thermally conductive plate 144. The insulating gasket 166 includes a cutout 194 dimensioned to receive the Peltier device 162. A suitable material for the insulating gasket 166 comprises high density foam. The heatsink 170 and ventilation device 174 are attached to the thermally conductive block 156 by way of threaded screws 198 that are received by corresponding threaded apertures 202 within the block 156. The ventilation device 174 may comprise a 12V fan including a finger guard 206 that is attached to the ventilation device 174 and heatsink 170 by way of fasteners 210. According to some embodiments of the invention, the heat generated by the Peltier device may be routed into the spa system for improved energy efficiency.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spa 220 includes a thermoelectric modules 140, such as described with respect to FIG. 2, for providing localized cooling and/or heating functionality. In particular, each thermoelectric module 140a, 140b, 140c, 140e is attached to the spa 220 adjacent to a corresponding spa area such as a seat 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d such that the module functions as a localized cooler or heater for a user in the corresponding spa area. In the illustrated embodiment, the spa 220 comprises a wall 224 including an internal wall 228 and an external wall 236. Each thermoelectric module 140a, 140b, 140c, 140e is preferably attached to an outside surface 232 of the internal wall 228, wherein the external wall 236 may be removed in part for the installation of the thermoelectric modules 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d. In the illustrated embodiment, the spa wall 224 is depicted as being circular. However, as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the spa wall 226 may comprise any other shape (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the thermoelectric module 140a may be disposed substantially behind the back of a user that is seated in seat 224a of the spa 220, such that the thermoelectric module 140a functions as either a heater or cooler depending on the individual requirements or desires of the user. The thermoelectric module 140a may be disposed adjacent to areas of the user's body other than the back (e.g., the forearm, wrist, foot or leg), without departing from the scope of the invention. Each spa area location may be provided with one or more buttons 238 in electrical communication with the switch 158 (FIG. 2) for activating the thermoelectric module 140 and for switching the thermoelectric module 140 between heating and cooling modes. The thermoelectric module 140 is disposed such that the thermally conductive plate 144 substantially abuts the outside surface 232 of the internal wall 228 of the spa 220. The thermally conductive plate 144 may be contoured to substantially match the contour of the internal wall 228.

In accordance with the invention, a spa that features one or more thermoelectric modules 140 described herein allows users the ability to lower temperatures within localized areas within the spa. For example, a thermoelectric module 140 may be employed to keep a user's torso cooler than the user's extremities by moderating the torso temperature locally. According to some embodiments of the invention, the user may experience a drop in temperature in a localized region of about 2-6 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the positioning of the user's body with respect to the thermoelectric module. In this manner, a thermoelectric module 140 may be used to protect the user's torso and body core temperature from overheating. Conversely, a thermoelectric module 140 may be used to heat a localized area of a spa. Advantageously, the thermoelectric module 140 is highly energy efficient and virtually silent, and experiences substantially no condensation in the operable temperature range.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a thermoelectric module 140 may be employed to cool or heat a water bladder 240, so that the cooled or heated water may be delivered to a localized area of a spa 244. Suitable materials for the water bladder 240 comprise poly vinyl carbonate (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). The thermoelectric module 140 may be attached to the water bladder 240 using an adhesive such as glue. As described above with respect to FIG. 2, the thermoelectric module 140 comprises a thermally conductive plate 144 for contacting the water bladder 240, a Peltier device 162 in thermal communication with the plate 144, a heatsink 170 and a ventilation device 174. According to some embodiments of the invention, the water bladder 240 may comprise a cool pillow or collar for an individual spa user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermoelectric module 140 is attached to the water bladder 240 such that the thermally conductive plate 144 is in contact with the water bladder 240. In operation, the thermally conductive plate 144 is employed to either cool or heat water (or other fluid) within the water bladder 240. According to another embodiment of the invention, the thermoelectric module 140 may include an external coil instead of the thermally conductive plate 144 that is in thermal communication with the Peltier device 162, wherein the external coil is provided in direct contact with the water or other fluid within the water bladder 240. Once the fluid within the water bladder 240 reaches a desired temperature, the water may be transferred using a pump 250 to move fluid through one or more hoses 254 to one or more predetermined area within the spa 244.

Referring to FIG. 6, the spa 244 comprises a plurality of spa areas 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d, wherein each spa area is provided with buttons 264a, 264b, 264c, 264d for activating localized water delivery and for switching between cooling or heating capabilities. In particular, thermoelectric module 140′ is employed for cooling or heating a water bladder 240′ for providing cooled or heated water for spa areas 260a, 260b, whereas thermoelectric module 140″ is employed for cooling or heating water bladder 240″ for providing cooled or heated water for spa areas 260c, 260d. In this manner, a spa user in spa area 260a may press a button 264a such that cooled or heated water is delivered to a localized spa area 260a. For example, thermoelectric module 140′ may be employed to cool off the water in the bladder 240′, and then the cool water may be transferred to an area of the spa 244 that is behind the trunk region of a user. Additionally, the thermoelectric module 140′ may be employed to heat the water in the bladder 240′, and then the hot water may be transferred to an area of the spa 244 for treatment of a predetermined body area of a user.

With further reference to FIG. 6, hoses 254a, 254b, 254c, 254d may extend through a wall 270 of the spa 244 so that each hose corresponds to an individual spa area 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d. A distal end of each hose 254a, 254b, 254c, 254d may be provided with a nozzle 274a, 274b, 274c, 274d for controlling the direction and intensity of the water flow out of the corresponding hose 254a, 254b, 254c, 254d. Advantageously, the thermoelectric modules 140′, 140″ permit spa to lower temperatures within localized areas within the spa 244. In this manner, the thermoelectric modules 140′, 140″ may be used to protect a user's torso and body core temperature from overheating. Additionally, the thermoelectric modules 140′, 140″ may be used to heat a localized area of a spa. According to some embodiments of the invention, the water bladder 240 described hereinabove may comprise a reservoir disposed with the spa wall 270 in fluid communication with the nozzles 274a, 274b, 274c, 274d.

Thus, it is seen that a spa including a thermoelectric module for providing localized cooling is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the various embodiments and preferred embodiments, which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well.

Claims

1. A spa, comprising:

a spa area for a spa user; and

a thermoelectric module providing localized cooling for the spa user located in the spa area.

2. The spa of claim 1, wherein:

the spa includes a spa wall; and

the thermoelectric module is substantially in contact with an outside surface of the spa wall adjacent to the spa area.

3. The spa of claim 2, wherein the thermoelectric module is contoured to substantially match a contour the outside surface of the spa wall.

4. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module is disposed substantially behind a back of the user when the user is in the spa area.

5. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module is employed to cool the spa user's forearm, wrist, foot or leg when the user is in the spa area.

6. The spa of claim 5, wherein the thermoelectric module is designed to maintain the spa user's torso at a lower temperature than that of the spa user's extremities.

7. The spa of claim 6, wherein a difference in temperature between the user's torso and the user's extremities is between 2 degrees Fahrenheit and 6 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module also provides localized heating for the spa user in the spa area.

9. The spa of claim 8, wherein the spa area is provided with one or more buttons for activating the thermoelectric module and for switching thermoelectric module between heating and cooling modes.

10. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises a Peltier device.

11. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises:

a thermally conductive plate for contacting the spa;

a thermally conductive block for housing an electrical switch;

a Peltier device in thermal communication with the thermally conductive block and the thermally conductive plate;

a heatsink; and

a ventilation device.

12. The spa of claim 11, wherein the electrical switch is designed to switch the Peltier device between a cooling device and a heating device by reversing the current in the device.

13. The spa of claim 11, wherein the thermoelectric module is employed to cool a water bladder containing water such that cooled water is delivered to the spa area.

14. The spa of claim 13, wherein the thermoelectric module includes a thermally conductive plate substantially in contact with the water bladder.

15. The spa of claim 13, wherein the thermoelectric module includes an external coil in thermal communication with the water within the water bladder.

16. The spa of claim 13, further comprising a pump for moving the cooled water through a hose to a predetermined area within the spa.

17. The spa of claim 16, wherein a distal end of the hose is provided with a nozzle for controlling the direction and intensity of the water flow out of the hose.

18. A spa, comprising:

a spa wall;

a plurality of spa areas for spa users within the spa wall; and

a plurality of thermoelectric modules that provide localized cooling for spa users in the spa areas, such that each spa area includes a corresponding thermoelectric module.

19. The spa of claim 18, wherein each thermoelectric module is substantially in contact with an outside surface of the spa wall adjacent to a spa area.

20. The spa of claim 19, wherein each spa area is provided with one or more buttons for activating the corresponding thermoelectric module and for switching between heating and cooling modes.

21. The spa of claim 19, wherein each thermoelectric module comprises:

a thermally conductive plate for contacting the spa;

a thermally conductive block for housing an electrical switch;

a Peltier device in thermal communication with the thermally conductive block and the thermally conductive plate;

a heatsink; and

a ventilation device.