For women going through the menopause, it can be difficult – and at times embarrassing – to cool down during a hot flush. But help could be at hand, in the form of a new smart watch, called the Aircon Watch
The watch has been designed by experts at Hong Kong-based Aircon Watch, and is based on the premise that changing the temperature of a patch of skin can in turn change the temperature of the whole body.
The strap of the watch contains a device that delivers pulses of heat and cold.
These pulses interfere with signals that the nervous system sends to the part of the brain that regulates temperature.
By confusing the nervous system, the watch is able to make small changes to body temperature.
On their Kickstarter page, the designers said: 'The secret is in the straps, it contains a small device that has within it our ClimaCon technology.
The strap of the watch contains a device that delivers pulses of heat and cold. These pulses interfere with signals that the nervous system sends to the part of the brain that regulates temperature
'This tiny device will fit on the inner wrist in an area where the nerves are closer to the skin surface so as to allow for maximum transfer of temperature.
'The watch can be used during any temperature, any season or any time zone.'
The designers based their design on a study by researchers at Stanford University in 2012 that looked at temperature regulation.
In the study, the researchers showed that a device called 'the glove' could lower the body's temperature by drawing blood to the surface of the palms and cooling the blood with cold water.
By confusing the nervous system, the watch is able to make small changes to body temperature
The watch itself features an OLED display and contains a 400-mAh battery that can provide four hours of cooling mode and eight hours of heating
The watch itself features an OLED display and contains a 400-mAh battery that can provide four hours of cooling or eight hours of heating.
The designers see it being used by a range of people, including office workers, athletes and women going through the menopause.
The designers said: 'One of the reasons why we developed this product was to help women during menopause.
The watch has been designed by experts at Hong Kong-based Airconwatch, and is based on the premise that changing the temperature of a patch of skin can in turn change the temperature of the whole body
The frame of the watch is made of an aluminium alloy, which the strap is made of silicone. Accessories that come with it include a magnetic charger and USB cable
'Menopause often has hot flashes which can be extremely annoying to the extent where it becomes painful.
'But what if you could get some relief from a small device that emits a soothing cool temperature.'
A Kickstarter campaign by Aircon Watch has already raised £62,000 ($84,000) from 1,011 backers.
The watch is expected to cost £55 ($75), although it is unclear when it will become available to purchase.
The designers see the watch being used by a range of people, including office workers, athletes and women going through the menopause
A Kickstarter campaign by Aircon Watch has already raised £62,000 ($84,000) from 1,011 backers. The watch is expected to cost £55 ($75)
