Medical device comprising cooling system and operation method thereof

Abstract

Provided are a medical device comprising a cooling system and an operation method thereof. A medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cooling can holder to which a cooling can is mounted; a refrigerant chamber in which a refrigerant is accommodated; a refrigerant delivery part for delivering the refrigerant toward a handpiece; one or more sensors which measure the pressure or the refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber; and a controller which outputs a gas discharge alarm or initiates a discharge operation of a gas discharge part on the basis of the measured value. According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, a refrigerant is delivered to an area to be treated during a skin treatment procedure, thereby alleviating pain accompanied by the procedure and preventing thermal injury to the area to be treated.

Description

Medical device including a cooling system and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical device including a cooling system, and more specifically, to a medical device capable of cooling a treatment site or a medical device during a medical procedure using energy such as high frequency, ultrasound, or laser, and a method of operating the same.

[0002]

[0003] Medical devices that perform skin treatment using energy such as high frequency, ultrasound, and lasers are being developed.

[0004] For example, representative medical devices for skin treatment include laser devices that perform procedures such as skin toning and freckle removal using Nd:YAG or long-pulse lasers, radiofrequency devices that induce collagen regeneration and skin reconstruction in the dermis using high-frequency electricity, and ultrasound devices that improve skin elasticity and provide a lifting effect using ultrasound.

[0005] However, energy-based medical devices can cause problems such as pain during procedures or inducing heat at the treatment site, leading to burns. Cooling the treatment site can be an effective solution to these issues. Cooling the treatment area dulls skin sensation, significantly reducing pain, and can also help prevent burns by alleviating heat at the site.

[0006]

[0007] The technical problem to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a medical device including a cooling system capable of alleviating pain associated with a procedure and preventing heat damage to a procedure site by delivering a refrigerant to a procedure site during a skin treatment procedure, and a method of operating the same.

[0008] Another technical problem to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a medical device including a cooling system capable of resolving the problem of refrigerant not being supplied smoothly due to excessive gas pressure in the refrigerant chamber, and a method of operating the same.

[0009] Another technical problem to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a medical device including a cooling system capable of automatically detecting when a cooling can is not installed or when the remaining amount in the cooling can is insufficient, and guiding the replacement of the cooling can, and a method of operating the same.

[0010] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0011]

[0012] A medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem may include a cooling can holder in which a cooling can is mounted, a refrigerant chamber in which a refrigerant introduced from the cooling can is received, a refrigerant delivery unit that delivers the refrigerant received in the refrigerant chamber toward a handpiece, one or more sensors that measure the pressure or refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber, and a control unit that outputs a gas discharge alarm or initiates a discharge operation of the gas discharge unit based on the measured value of the pressure or refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber.

[0013] A method of operation of a medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem may include: a step of checking a first pressure value of a cooling can; a step of checking a refrigerant level value of a refrigerant chamber if the first pressure value is greater than or equal to a first reference value and a second reference value; a step of checking a second pressure value of a refrigerant chamber if the refrigerant level value is lower than a third reference value; and a step of outputting a gas discharge alarm or initiating a discharge operation of a gas discharge unit if the refrigerant level value is lower than the third reference value and the second pressure value is higher than a fourth reference value.

[0014]

[0015] According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, by delivering a refrigerant to the treatment site during a skin treatment procedure, it is possible to alleviate pain associated with the procedure and prevent heat damage to the treatment site.

[0016] In addition, by configuring the cooling system as an embedded unit within the medical device, the overall system becomes simpler, and there is no longer a need to provide a cooling system separate from the medical device.

[0017] In addition, by providing a means to effectively detect and discharge the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber when it becomes excessive, the problem of the refrigerant not being supplied smoothly due to the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber can be resolved.

[0018] In addition, it automatically detects when a cooling can is not installed or if the remaining amount in the cooling can is insufficient, and provides guidance on replacing the cooling can, thereby enabling users to easily manage the cooling can.

[0019] In addition, the pressure drop in the cooling can can be compensated for through the cooling can heater, and the problem of the cooling can exploding due to excessive heating can be prevented by adjusting the heating time and interval.

[0020] In addition, by using a high-pressure protector that can operate independently of the gas discharge unit, the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber can be forcibly discharged when it rises rapidly, thereby preventing problems such as damage to the refrigerant chamber caused by excessive gas pressure.

[0021] The technical effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0022]

[0023] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a medical device including a cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the main components of a cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a drawing for further explaining the detailed configuration of the refrigerant chamber (150) and level sensor (170) shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are drawings for specifically explaining the problem when the pressure inside the refrigerant chamber (150) increases and the method of relieving gas at that time.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method for managing a cooling can of a medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method for managing pressure within a refrigerant chamber of a medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment that further specifies step S270 of FIG. 7.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation method related to the cooling function of a medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary computing device in which a method of operation of a medical device according to embodiments of the present invention is implemented.

[0032]

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided merely to complete the technical concept of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the technical concept of the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0034] It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions could obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. The terms used herein are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text.

[0036] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the present invention. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by such terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "joined" between each component.

[0037] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a medical device including a cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) shows the front part of the medical device (1000), and FIG. 1 (b) shows the rear part of the medical device (1000).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main body (10), a handpiece (20), and a tip (30).

[0040] The main body (10) generates energy for skin treatment, transmits the generated energy to a handpiece (20), and provides a user interface for overall control of the medical device (1000). To this end, the main body (10) may be equipped with an energy generation unit (11), a control unit (12), and a display (13).

[0041] The energy generating unit (11) can generate different energy depending on the type of medical device (1000). For example, if the medical device (1000) is a high-frequency device, the energy generating unit (11) can generate electrical energy. Or, if the medical device (1000) is a laser device, the energy generating unit (11) can generate laser light.

[0042] The control unit (12) controls the overall operation of the components (11, 13, 100) of the main body (10). For example, the control unit (12) can initiate or terminate the energy generation operation of the energy generation unit (11), the user interface display operation of the display (13), and / or the cooling operation of the cooling system (100).

[0043] The display (13) is a component that displays a user interface and may be an electronic display means such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), or OLED (Organic Emitting Diode).

[0044] Meanwhile, the main body (10) supplies a refrigerant to cool the treatment area during skin treatment, and can also supply a refrigerant for the purpose of cooling the handpiece (20) and tip (30) if they overheat during the treatment process. To this end, the main body (10) may further be equipped with a cooling system (100).

[0045] The specific configuration and operation of the cooling system (100) will be described in detail below in FIG. 2.

[0046] The handpiece (20) is configured to receive energy generated by the energy generating unit (11) and transmit it to the tip (30). The tip (30) is configured to output the energy transmitted from the handpiece (20) toward the skin.

[0047] The type of the handpiece (20) and tip (30) may vary depending on the type of medical device (1000). For example, if the medical device (1000) is an ultrasonic medical device, the handpiece (20) and tip (30) are an ultrasonic output handpiece and tip. In this case, the tip (30) may be equipped with a transducer for converting transmitted energy into ultrasound. As another example, if the medical device (1000) is a high-frequency medical device, the handpiece (20) and tip (30) are a high-frequency output handpiece and tip. In this case, the tip (30) may be equipped with one or more electrodes for irradiating high-frequency waves onto the skin.

[0048] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, two or more handpieces (20) and tips (30) may be provided. In this case, each handpiece (20a, 20b) and tip (30a, 30b) may be a different type of handpiece and tip. For example, the first handpiece (20a) and the first tip (30a) may be a handpiece and tip for ultrasonic output, and the second handpiece (20b) and the second tip (30b) may be a handpiece and tip for high-frequency output. As another example, the first handpiece (20a) and the first tip (30a) may be an invasive handpiece and tip that transmit high frequency in an invasive manner, and the second handpiece (20b) and the second tip (30b) may be a non-invasive handpiece and tip that transmit high frequency in a non-invasive manner.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the main components of a cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the cooling system (100) may include a cooling can holder (110), a heater (120), a refrigerant chamber (150), a water hammer arrester (151), a refrigerant transfer unit (181), a high-pressure protector (191), a gas discharge unit (192), and / or one or more sensors (130, 160, 170). Additionally, the cooling system (100) may further include a first valve (141), a first flow path (140), a second flow path (180), and / or a third flow path (190) for the movement of refrigerant.

[0050] A cooling can (1) is mounted on a cooling can holder (110). The cooling can (1) contains a fluid refrigerant inside a metallic casing and supplies the refrigerant for the operation of the cooling system (100).

[0051] The cooling can holder (110) may have a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 2 to stably accommodate the cooling can (1), but is not limited thereto. For example, the cooling can holder (110) may have various shapes such as a disk shape, a pipe shape, or a clamp shape.

[0052] The heater (120) is configured to heat the cooling can (1) mounted in the cooling can holder (110). For example, if the pressure inside the cooling can (1) is too low, the heater (120) can heat the cooling can (1) to increase the pressure inside the cooling can (1). This can help facilitate the transfer of refrigerant to the refrigerant chamber (150).

[0053] For example, if the pressure inside the cooling can (1) is lower than the pressure in the refrigerant chamber (150), due to the fluid flow characteristics from a high pressure area to a low pressure area, it is difficult for the refrigerant in the cooling can (1) to be transferred to the refrigerant chamber (150). At this time, if the cooling can (1) is heated through the heater (120), the pressure in the cooling can (1) can be raised above the pressure in the refrigerant chamber (150), and the transfer of the refrigerant can be made more easily.

[0054] In one embodiment, the heater (120) may have an annular or curved shape that at least partially surrounds the cooling can (1) or cooling can holder (110).

[0055] The first pressure sensor (130) is a sensor that measures the pressure of the cooling can (1). The pressure value of the cooling can (1) measured by the first pressure sensor (130) (hereinafter referred to as the "first pressure value") can be used to determine the presence or absence of the cooling can (1). For example, if the first pressure value measured by the first pressure sensor (130) is lower than the first reference value (or the NoCAN reference value), the control unit (12) may determine that the cooling can (1) is not mounted on the cooling can holder (110), or that even if the cooling can (1) is mounted, the refrigerant is depleted. In this case, the control unit (12) may output an alarm for mounting or replacing the cooling can (1). The alarm may be an alarm indicating that the cooling can is not mounted on the cooling can holder.

[0056] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may output the alarm by displaying the alarm on the display (13) or by providing voice guidance through a speaker provided in the main body (10).

[0057] Additionally, the first pressure value can be used to control the operation of the heater (120). For example, the first pressure value measured by the first pressure sensor (130) is transmitted to the control unit (12), and the control unit (12) can increase the pressure of the cooling can (1) by operating the heater (120) when the first pressure value is lower than the heating reference value (hereinafter referred to as the 'second reference value'). This can facilitate the transfer of refrigerant from the cooling can (1) to the refrigerant chamber (150).

[0058] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) monitors the pressure of the cooling can (1) (e.g., a first pressure value) or the temperature of the cooling can (1), and can operate the heater (120) until the pressure of the cooling can (1) reaches a predetermined pressure value or until the temperature of the cooling can (1) reaches a predetermined temperature value.

[0059] In one embodiment, when operating the heater (120) of the control unit (12), the operation of the heater (120) can be controlled such that the operating section of the heater (120) includes two or more heating sections and one or more stopping sections. This can help to heat the cooling can (1) more safely.

[0060] For example, if the heater (120) is heated continuously until it reaches a specific pressure or a specific temperature, the cooling can (1) may heat up too rapidly, which poses a risk of causing the cooling can (1) to explode. To avoid this risk, the control unit (12) can control the heater (120) so that when the heater (120) is operated, the heating section (i.e., the section where the heater heats) is repeated at a predetermined cycle, and a period section (i.e., the section where the heater does not heat) is placed between the heating sections. This helps to minimize the risk of the cooling can (1) exploding by causing the cooling can (1) to heat up gradually.

[0061] Meanwhile, when the cooling can (1) is mounted on the cooling can holder (110), the first valve (141) is opened and the refrigerant of the cooling can (1) is transferred to the refrigerant chamber (150) through the first flow path (140).

[0062] In one embodiment, the opening and closing of the first valve (141) can be electronically controlled by the control unit (12), and the first valve (141) may be a solenoid valve.

[0063] The refrigerant chamber (150) receives and stores the refrigerant introduced from the cooling can (1). The refrigerant stored in the refrigerant chamber (150) can be delivered to the handpiece (20) through the second flow path (180) and the refrigerant delivery section (181). The refrigerant delivered to the handpiece (20) can be used to irradiate the treatment area or to cool the components of the handpiece (20) or the tip (30).

[0064] In one embodiment, the refrigerant delivery unit (181) may include a second valve (not shown), and the control unit (12) may control the second valve to allow or block the delivery of refrigerant to the handpiece (20).

[0065] Meanwhile, one or more sensors (160, 170) may be provided to measure the pressure and refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber (150).

[0066] The second pressure sensor (160) measures the pressure of the refrigerant chamber (150). At this time, the pressure value measured by the second pressure sensor (160) (hereinafter referred to as the 'second pressure value') may represent the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber (150).

[0067] For example, if the refrigerant is stored in a gaseous state within the refrigerant chamber (150), the second pressure value may directly represent the pressure of the refrigerant in the gaseous state. As another example, if the refrigerant is stored in a liquid state within the refrigerant chamber (150), the second pressure value may represent the gas pressure of the portion that is not filled with refrigerant.

[0068] The level sensor (170) measures the liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant chamber (150). Accordingly, the level sensor (170) may be a configuration that functions effectively when the refrigerant is stored in a liquid state.

[0069] The second pressure value measured by the second pressure sensor (160) and / or the refrigerant level value measured by the level sensor (170) can be used to control the gas discharge of the refrigerant chamber (150). For example, if the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber (150) is high, it may be difficult for the refrigerant to flow in from the cooling can (1), and in particular, if the gas pressure becomes excessively high, there may be a risk that the refrigerant chamber (150) will explode. In this case, it is necessary to discharge the gas inside the refrigerant chamber (150) to the outside to lower the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber (150), and the second pressure value and / or the refrigerant level value can be used to control this. This will be described in more detail below in FIG. 4.

[0070] The water hammer arrestor (151) is a component for mitigating water hammer caused by refrigerant flow. The water hammer arrestor (151) can be attached to one side of the refrigerant chamber (150).

[0071] In one embodiment, the water hammer arrester (151) is provided with a spring inside and can absorb the impact applied to the refrigerant chamber (150) by the flow of refrigerant using the elastic energy of the spring.

[0072] The gas discharge section (192) is configured to discharge the gas of the refrigerant chamber (150) to the outside of the device. The gas discharge section (192) may include a third valve (not shown).

[0073] In one embodiment, the third valve may be a solenoid valve. The opening and closing of the third valve may be electronically controlled by a control unit (12). When the third valve is opened by the control unit (12), the gas inside the refrigerant chamber (150) is transferred to the gas discharge unit (192) via the third flow path (190) and discharged to the outside of the device through the opened third valve. On the other hand, when the third valve is closed by the control unit (12), the gas discharge from the refrigerant chamber (150) is also blocked.

[0074] The high-pressure protector (191) is configured to prevent an explosion caused by an excessive increase in gas pressure within the refrigerant chamber (150). When the gas pressure within the refrigerant chamber (150) rises above a certain level, the high-pressure protector (191) is destroyed, and the gas within the refrigerant chamber (150) is discharged through the destroyed portion. For example, the high-pressure protector (191) can function as a fuse that limits the upper limit of the gas pressure within the refrigerant chamber (150).

[0075] Since the high-pressure protector (191) is provided for safety reasons, it is configured to forcibly discharge gas from the refrigerant chamber (150) even when the discharge operation of the gas discharge unit (192) has not been initiated. To this end, the high-pressure protector (191) may be installed on the path of the third flow path (190).

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 2, a cooling system is provided that delivers a refrigerant from a cooling can (1) to a handpiece (20). The refrigerant delivered to the handpiece (20) is delivered to the treatment area to relieve pain in the patient and prevent heat damage to the treatment area.

[0077] In addition, since a means is provided to discharge the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber (150) to the outside when it becomes excessive, the problem of the refrigerant not being supplied smoothly due to the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber (150) can be resolved.

[0078] In addition, if the cooling can (1) is not installed or if the amount remaining in the cooling can (1) is insufficient, it is automatically detected and guidance is provided to replace the cooling can (1), thereby allowing the user to easily manage the cooling can.

[0079] In addition, the pressure drop of the cooling can (1) can be compensated for through the heater (120), and by adjusting the heating time and interval, the problem of the cooling can (1) exploding due to excessive heating can be prevented.

[0080] In addition, by forcibly discharging the gas pressure in the refrigerant chamber (150) when it becomes excessively high through the high-pressure protector (191) which can operate independently of the gas discharge unit (192), problems such as the refrigerant chamber (150) exploding due to gas pressure can be prevented in advance.

[0081] FIG. 3 is a drawing for further explaining the detailed configuration of the refrigerant chamber (150) and level sensor (170) illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, an embodiment is described in which the refrigerant level in the refrigerant chamber (150) is measured using the level sensor (170).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, the level sensor (170) is composed of one or more level sensors (171, 172, 173, 174), and the one or more level sensors (171, 172, 173, 174) correspond to different refrigerant levels of the refrigerant chamber (150). For example, the first level sensor (171) corresponds to the first refrigerant level (L1), the second level sensor (172) corresponds to the second refrigerant level (L2), the third level sensor (173) corresponds to the third refrigerant level (L3), and the fourth level sensor (174) corresponds to the fourth refrigerant level (L4).

[0083] In one embodiment, each of one or more level sensors (171, 172, 173, 174) can detect whether refrigerant is present at the corresponding refrigerant levels (L1, L2, L3, L4) as a binary value. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the surface of the refrigerant (W) is located between the first refrigerant level (L1) and the second refrigerant level (L2), the first level sensor (171) outputs a measurement value of 'on' because refrigerant is present at the first refrigerant level (L1). On the other hand, since refrigerant is not present at the other refrigerant levels (L2, L3, L4), the second level sensor (172), the third level sensor (173), and the fourth level sensor (174) all output a measurement value of 'off'.

[0084] The measurement values ​​of one or more level sensors (171, 172, 173, 174) are transmitted to the control unit (12), and the control unit (12) determines the refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber (150) based on this. At this time, the control unit (12) may determine any one of the values ​​that is greater than or equal to the level confirmed as "on" and less than the level confirmed as "off" as the current refrigerant level value of the refrigerant chamber (150). For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the control unit (12) may determine the first refrigerant level (L1) as the current refrigerant level value.

[0085] In one embodiment, when the measured values ​​of one or more level sensors (171, 172, 173, 174) are all off, the control unit (12) can determine that the current refrigerant level is 0 or below a reference value.

[0086] Meanwhile, the control unit (12) can display the remaining amount of refrigerant corresponding to the refrigerant level value of the refrigerant chamber (150) measured by one or more level sensors (171, 172, 173, 174) on the display (13).

[0087] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are drawings for specifically explaining the problem when the pressure inside the refrigerant chamber (150) increases and the method of gas discharge at that time. FIGS. 4 (a) is a drawing showing the refrigerant chamber (150) when the gas pressure (G) is within the normal range, and FIGS. 4 (b) is a drawing showing the refrigerant chamber (150) when the gas pressure (G) becomes too high.

[0088] In the example of FIG. 4 (a), since the gas pressure (G) is within the normal range, the refrigerant from the cooling can (1) can be introduced through the first flow path (140), and the refrigerant chamber (150) is filled with an appropriate level of refrigerant (W). The refrigerant in the refrigerant chamber (150) can be transferred to the handpiece (20) via the second flow path (180) under the control of the control unit (12) and used for cooling the treatment area, etc.

[0089] In the example of FIG. 4 (b), the gas pressure (G) is at a high pressure, and the pressure of the refrigerant chamber (150) becomes too high compared to the pressure of the cooling can (1), making it difficult for the refrigerant in the cooling can (1) to flow in. Consequently, the refrigerant in the refrigerant chamber (150) is gradually depleted, and the refrigerant required for cooling cannot be delivered to the handpiece (20).

[0090] Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to discharge the gas inside the refrigerant chamber (150) to lower the gas pressure (G). A detailed explanation regarding this will be continued with reference to FIG. 5.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit (12) measures the pressure (i.e., gas pressure) and refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber (150) through the second pressure sensor (160) and / or level sensor (170). Then, based on the measured values, it determines whether the gas discharge condition of the refrigerant chamber (150) has been achieved. Specific examples of the gas discharge condition of the refrigerant chamber (150) are described in detail below in FIG. 7 and below, so the description thereof is omitted here.

[0092] When the gas discharge condition of the refrigerant chamber (150) is achieved, the control unit (12) may output a gas discharge alarm to allow the user to directly start the gas discharge operation, or control the gas discharge unit (192) to automatically start the discharge operation of the gas discharge unit (192). Here, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the explanation will assume the case where the control unit (12) automatically starts the discharge operation of the gas discharge unit (192).

[0093] The control unit (12) controls the gas discharge unit (192) so that the third valve opens when the gas discharge condition of the refrigerant chamber (150) is achieved. As the third valve opens, the gas inside the refrigerant chamber (150) passes through the third flow path (190) to reach the gas discharge unit (192) and is discharged to the outside of the device. As the gas inside the refrigerant chamber (150) is discharged to the outside, the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber (150) gradually decreases, and when the gas pressure reaches a normal range, the refrigerant from the cooling can (1) flows in through the first flow path (140) and fills the refrigerant chamber (150) with refrigerant.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method for managing a cooling can of a medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation method described in the embodiment of FIG. 6 can be performed by the control unit (12) of FIG. 1. Therefore, if the performing entity is omitted in the following steps, it is assumed that the performing entity is the control unit (12). In the description of this embodiment, content identical to that described in FIG. 1 to 5 above may be omitted to avoid duplication of description.

[0095] In step S110, the cooling can is mounted in the cooling can holder.

[0096] In step S120, the first valve is opened. The opening or closing of the first valve can be electronically controlled by the control unit (12).

[0097] In step S130, the refrigerant in the cooling can moves to the refrigerant chamber through the first flow path.

[0098] In step S140, the first pressure value of the cooling can is measured through the first pressure sensor.

[0099] In step S150, it is checked whether the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the first reference value (e.g., the NoCan reference value). Here, the first reference value refers to a preset reference value used to determine whether a cooling can is installed or whether the refrigerant inside the cooling can is depleted.

[0100] If the first pressure value is less than the first reference value, this means that the cooling can is not installed or the refrigerant in the cooling can is depleted; therefore, the present embodiment proceeds to step S160, and a cooling can replacement alarm (i.e., NoCan alarm) is output through a display or speaker so that the user can replace the cooling can.

[0101] If the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the first reference value, this embodiment proceeds to step S170.

[0102] In step S170, it is checked whether the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the second reference value (e.g., heating reference value). Here, the second reference value refers to a preset reference value to trigger the operation of the heater.

[0103] If the first pressure value is less than the second reference value, it means that the pressure of the cooling can is low; therefore, the present embodiment proceeds to step S180, and the heater is operated to heat the cooling can, and accordingly, the pressure of the cooling can increases.

[0104] If the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the second reference value, it means that the pressure of the cooling can is within the appropriate range, so this embodiment is terminated without any further control.

[0105] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation for managing pressure within a refrigerant chamber of a medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method of operation described in the embodiment of FIG. 7 can be performed by the control unit (12) of FIG. 1. Therefore, if the performing entity is omitted in the following steps, it is assumed that the performing entity is the control unit (12). In the description of this embodiment, content identical to that described in FIG. 1 to 5 above may be omitted to avoid duplication of description.

[0106] In step S210, the second pressure value of the second pressure sensor and / or the refrigerant level value of the level sensor are measured.

[0107] In step S220, check whether the refrigerant level value (or level value) is greater than or equal to the third reference value (e.g., Low reference value).

[0108] Here, the third reference value is a preset reference water level value for determining the gas discharge conditions of the refrigerant chamber, and may be, for example, the first refrigerant water level (L1) of FIG. 3.

[0109] If the refrigerant level value is greater than or equal to the third reference value, this means that the refrigerant is present in the cooling chamber above a certain level, so this embodiment proceeds to step S230.

[0110] In step S230, based on the refrigerant level value, the remaining amount of refrigerant corresponding to the refrigerant level value is displayed on the display.

[0111] In step S240, the handpiece is operated to perform a skin treatment procedure, and the second valve is opened to cool the treatment area or the handpiece, etc.

[0112] In step S250, refrigerant is output to the handpiece through the second path according to a refrigerant output signal input from the control unit or the handpiece.

[0113] Meanwhile, returning to step S220, if the refrigerant level value is below the third reference value, this means that the refrigerant in the cooling chamber has been depleted; therefore, to determine whether the gas discharge condition is satisfied, this embodiment proceeds to step S260.

[0114] In step S260, check whether the second pressure value is greater than or equal to the fourth reference value (e.g., discharge reference value).

[0115] Here, the fourth reference value refers to a preset reference pressure value used to determine the gas discharge conditions of the refrigerant chamber.

[0116] If the second pressure value is greater than or equal to the fourth reference value, it can be presumed that the gas pressure inside the refrigerant chamber is too high, preventing refrigerant from flowing into the refrigerant chamber. In this case, the present embodiment proceeds to step S270, and under the control of the control unit, the gas inside the refrigerant chamber is discharged to the outside of the device, or a gas discharge alarm is output so that the user can directly initiate the gas discharge operation.

[0117] If the second pressure value is less than the fourth reference value, the cause of refrigerant depletion in the refrigerant chamber is not due to gas pressure, and in this case, the cause of refrigerant depletion can be presumed to be an insufficient amount of refrigerant remaining in the cooling can. Accordingly, the present embodiment proceeds to step S280, and a refrigerant shortage alarm or a cooling can replacement alarm can be output through a display or speaker so that the user can replace the cooling can.

[0118] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, a case was exemplified in which both i) a refrigerant level value is less than a third reference value and ii) a second pressure value is greater than or equal to a fourth reference value are required as gas discharge conditions of the refrigerant chamber, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0119] For example, the gas discharge condition of the refrigerant chamber may include only one condition where the second pressure value is greater than or equal to the fourth reference value. That is, if the second pressure value is higher than a certain level, it is considered that it may hinder the inflow of refrigerant, and gas discharge may be initiated regardless of the refrigerant level value.

[0120] In this case, the control unit receives a second pressure value from the second pressure sensor, and if the second pressure value is higher than the fourth reference value, it may output a gas discharge alarm or initiate a discharge operation of the gas discharge unit.

[0121] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment that further specifies step S270 of FIG. 7.

[0122] In step S271, a gas emission notification is displayed on the display.

[0123] In step S272, the third valve is opened to discharge gas. At this time, the first valve may be closed to prevent the refrigerant newly introduced from the cooling can from vaporizing and being discharged together through the third valve.

[0124] In step S273, the gas inside the refrigerant chamber is discharged to the outside of the device through the third Euro.

[0125] In step S274, it is checked whether the second pressure value drops below a predetermined value (e.g., a fourth reference value).

[0126] If the second pressure value does not drop below a predetermined value, it means the gas pressure in the refrigerant chamber has not been sufficiently lowered, so the process returns to step S273 and gas discharge continues.

[0127] When the second pressure value drops below a predetermined value, the gas pressure in the refrigerant chamber has been sufficiently lowered, so the process proceeds to step S275, the third valve is closed, and the gas discharge is stopped accordingly.

[0128] In step S276, the display indicates that the gas discharge has ended, and the first valve is reopened to supply refrigerant from the cooling can.

[0129] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation method related to a cooling function of a medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the operation method of FIG. 6 and the operation method of FIG. 7 are connected in succession. Accordingly, some steps of FIG. 9 may mean substantially the same as the steps of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in which case the description of each step may be replaced by the description of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, and the specific description thereof may be omitted here.

[0130] In step S301, the cooling can is mounted in the cooling can holder.

[0131] In step S302, the first valve is opened, and the refrigerant in the cooling can moves to the refrigerant chamber through the first path.

[0132] In step S303, the first pressure value of the first pressure sensor, the second pressure value of the second pressure sensor, and / or the refrigerant level value of the level sensor are confirmed.

[0133] In step S304, check whether the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the first reference value (e.g., the NoCan reference value).

[0134] If the first pressure value is less than the first reference value, proceed to step S305 to output a cooling can replacement alarm (i.e., NoCan alarm) through the display or speaker so that the user can replace the cooling can.

[0135] If the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the first reference value, proceed to step S306 to check if the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the second reference value (e.g., heating reference value).

[0136] If the first pressure value is less than the second reference value, this embodiment proceeds to step S307, and the control unit activates the heater to heat the cooling can.

[0137] If the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the second reference value, this embodiment proceeds to step S308.

[0138] In step S308, check whether the refrigerant level value (or level value) is greater than or equal to the third reference value (e.g., Low reference value).

[0139] If the refrigerant level value is greater than or equal to the third reference value, this embodiment proceeds to step S309, and the corresponding remaining amount of refrigerant is displayed on the display based on the refrigerant level value.

[0140] In step S310, the second valve is opened to cool the treatment site or handpiece, etc.

[0141] In step S311, refrigerant is output to the handpiece through the second path according to a refrigerant output signal input from the control unit or the handpiece.

[0142] Meanwhile, returning to step S308, if the refrigerant level value is less than the third reference value, this embodiment proceeds to step S312 to determine whether the gas discharge condition is satisfied.

[0143] In step S312, check whether the second pressure value is greater than or equal to the fourth reference value (e.g., discharge reference value).

[0144] If the second pressure value is greater than or equal to the fourth reference value, this embodiment proceeds to step S313 to discharge the gas inside the refrigerant chamber to the outside of the device or outputs a gas discharge alarm so that the user can directly initiate the gas discharge operation.

[0145] If the second pressure value is less than the fourth reference value, this embodiment proceeds to step S314, and outputs a refrigerant shortage alarm or a cooling can replacement alarm through a display or speaker so that the user can replace the cooling can.

[0146] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary computing device in which a method of operation of a cooling system according to embodiments of the present invention is implemented.

[0147] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, an exemplary computing device (500) in which the operation methods described in various embodiments of the present invention are implemented will be described. For example, the computing device (500) of FIG. 10 may be the medical device (1000) of FIG. 1.

[0148] FIG. 10 is an exemplary hardware configuration diagram showing a computing device (500).

[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a computing device (500) may include one or more processors (510), a bus (550), a communication interface (570), a memory (530) for loading a computer program (591) executed by the processor (510), and a storage (590) for storing the computer program (591). However, FIG. 10 only illustrates components related to embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0150] The processor (510) controls the overall operation of each component of the computing device (500). The processor (510) may be configured to include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or any form of processor well known in the art of the present invention. Additionally, the processor (510) may perform operations for at least one application or program for executing a method / operation according to various embodiments of the present invention. The computing device (500) may have one or more processors.

[0151] The memory (530) stores various data, commands and / or information. The memory (530) may load one or more programs (591) from storage (590) to execute methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present invention. Examples of the memory (530) may be RAM, but are not limited thereto.

[0152] The bus (550) provides communication functions between components of the computing device (500). The bus (550) can be implemented as various types of buses, such as an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus.

[0153] The communication interface (570) supports wired and wireless internet communication of the computing device (500). The communication interface (570) may also support various communication methods other than internet communication. To this end, the communication interface (570) may be configured to include a communication module well known in the technical field of the present invention.

[0154] Storage (590) may store one or more computer programs (591) non-temporarily. Storage (590) may be configured to include volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, or any form of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0155] The computer program (591) may include one or more instructions in which methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present invention are implemented.

[0156] For example, the computer program (591) may include instructions for performing operations such as checking a first pressure value of a cooling can, checking a refrigerant level value of a refrigerant chamber if the first pressure value is greater than or equal to a first reference value and a second reference value, checking a second pressure value of a refrigerant chamber if the refrigerant level value is lower than a third reference value, and outputting a gas discharge alarm or initiating a discharge operation of a gas discharge unit if the refrigerant level value is lower than the third reference value and the second pressure value is higher than a fourth reference value.

[0157] At this time, the operation of checking the first pressure value of the cooling can may include outputting an alarm indicating that the cooling can is not mounted in the cooling can holder if the first pressure value is lower than the first reference value, and operating a heater to heat the cooling can if the first pressure value is higher than the first reference value and lower than the second reference value.

[0158] In addition, the operation of checking the refrigerant level value of the refrigerant chamber may include, if the refrigerant level value is higher than the third reference value, an operation of displaying the remaining amount of refrigerant on a display based on the refrigerant level value.

[0159] Additionally, the operation of checking the second pressure value of the refrigerant chamber may include outputting a refrigerant shortage alarm or a cooling can replacement alarm if the refrigerant level value is lower than the third reference value and the second pressure value is lower than the fourth reference value.

[0160] Additionally, the operation of outputting the gas discharge alarm or initiating the discharge operation of the gas discharge unit may include the operation of displaying the gas discharge alarm on the display, the operation of closing the first valve connected to the cooling can and opening the third valve connected to the gas discharge unit, the operation of checking whether the pressure value of the refrigerant chamber is below a predetermined value when the gas inside the refrigerant chamber is discharged through the gas discharge unit, the operation of closing the third valve when the pressure value of the refrigerant chamber is confirmed to be below a predetermined value, and the operation of opening the first valve again.

[0161] When a computer program (591) is loaded into memory (530), the processor (510) can perform methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present invention by executing one or more of the instructions.

[0162] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the technical concept defined by the present invention.

[0163]

[0164] Explanation of symbols

[0165] 1000: Medical device 10: Main body

[0166] 11: Energy generation unit 12: Control unit

[0167] 20: Handpiece 30: Tip

[0168] 100: Cooling system 110: Cooling can holder

[0169] 120: Heater 130: First pressure sensor

[0170] 140: 1st Euro 141: 1st Valve

[0171] 150: Refrigerant chamber 151: Water hammer arrester

[0172] 160: Second pressure sensor 170: Level sensor

[0173] 180: Second Euro 181: Refrigerant transfer section

[0174] 190: 3rd Euro 191: High-pressure protector

[0175] 192: Gas exhaust unit 500: Computing device

Claims

1. A cooling can holder on which a cooling can is mounted; A refrigerant chamber receiving refrigerant introduced from the above cooling can; A refrigerant delivery unit that delivers the refrigerant contained in the refrigerant chamber toward the handpiece; One or more sensors for measuring the pressure or refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber; and A control unit comprising, based on a measured value of the pressure or refrigerant level of the above refrigerant chamber, outputting a gas discharge alarm or initiating a discharge operation of the gas discharge unit, Medical device.

2. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a first pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the cooling can, and The above control unit is, If the first pressure value of the cooling can measured by the first pressure sensor is lower than the first reference value, an alarm is output indicating that the cooling can is not mounted in the cooling can holder. Medical device.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above control unit is, If the first pressure value is higher than the first reference value and lower than the second reference value, a heater for heating the cooling can is activated. Medical device.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above heater is, Having an annular or curved shape that at least partially surrounds the above cooling can, Operated until the pressure of the cooling can reaches a predetermined pressure value, or until the temperature of the cooling can reaches a predetermined temperature value. Medical device.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above one or more sensors are, One or more level sensors for measuring the refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber; and It includes a second pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the refrigerant chamber, and The above control unit is, If the refrigerant level value of the refrigerant chamber measured by the one or more level sensors is lower than the third reference value and the second pressure value of the refrigerant chamber measured by the second pressure sensor is higher than the fourth reference value, output a gas discharge alarm or initiate a discharge operation of the gas discharge unit. Medical device.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above one or more level sensors are, It includes a plurality of level sensors corresponding to different refrigerant levels in the refrigerant chamber, respectively, and The above control unit is, Determining the refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber based on whether each of the plurality of level sensors is on or off, and determining that the refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber is lower than a third reference value when all of the plurality of level sensors are off. Medical device.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above one or more sensors are, It includes a second pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the refrigerant chamber, and The above control unit is, If the second pressure value of the refrigerant chamber measured by the second pressure sensor is higher than the fourth reference value, output a gas discharge alarm or initiate the discharge operation of the gas discharge unit. Medical device.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit is, If the refrigerant level value of the refrigerant chamber is lower than the third reference value and the second pressure value is lower than the fourth reference value, output a refrigerant shortage alarm or a cooling can replacement alarm. Medical device.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit is, Displaying the remaining amount of refrigerant on a display based on the refrigerant level of the refrigerant chamber measured by one or more level sensors. Medical device.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above gas discharge unit is, It is connected to the above refrigerant chamber through a third path, and A high-pressure protector is provided on the path of the third Euro above, which can forcibly discharge gas within the refrigerant chamber even when the discharge operation of the gas discharge part has not been initiated. Medical device.

11. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a water hammer arrester to mitigate water hammer caused by refrigerant flow, and The above water hammer arrestor is, coupled to one side of the above refrigerant chamber, Medical device.

12. A method of operating a medical device performed by a computing device, Step of checking the first pressure value of the cooling can; If the above first pressure value is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the second reference value, a step of checking the refrigerant level value of the refrigerant chamber; If the above refrigerant level value is lower than the third reference value, a step of checking the second pressure value of the refrigerant chamber; and If the refrigerant level value is lower than the third reference value and the second pressure value is higher than the fourth reference value, the method includes the step of outputting a gas discharge alarm or initiating a discharge operation of the gas discharge unit. Method of operation of a medical device.

13. In Paragraph 12, The step of checking the first pressure value of the cooling can above is, The method includes the step of outputting an alarm indicating that a cooling can is not mounted in the cooling can holder if the first pressure value is lower than the first reference value, and activating a heater to heat the cooling can if the first pressure value is higher than the first reference value and lower than the second reference value. Method of operation of a medical device.

14. In Paragraph 12, The step of checking the refrigerant level value of the refrigerant chamber above is, A step including displaying the remaining amount of refrigerant on a display based on the above refrigerant level value, Method of operation of a medical device.

15. In Paragraph 12, The step of checking the second pressure value of the refrigerant chamber is, The method includes the step of outputting a refrigerant shortage alarm or a cooling can replacement alarm if the refrigerant level value is lower than the third reference value and the second pressure value is lower than the fourth reference value. Method of operation of a medical device.

16. In Paragraph 12, The step of outputting the gas discharge alarm or initiating the discharge operation of the gas discharge unit is Step of displaying a gas emission alarm on the display; A step of closing the first valve connected to the cooling can and opening the third valve connected to the gas discharge part; A step of checking whether the pressure value of the refrigerant chamber is less than or equal to a predetermined value when the gas inside the refrigerant chamber is discharged through the gas discharge section; A step of closing the third valve when the pressure value of the refrigerant chamber is confirmed to be below a predetermined value; and A method comprising the step of reopening the first valve. Method of operation of a medical device.

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