Cryogenic Roller Applicator With Vacuum Insulation and U-Bend Feed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryotherapy devices are limited in their ability to safely, efficiently, and portably apply cryogenic liquids to sensitive areas like the eyelids, are restricted to small treatment sites, and require a separate cold source, limiting mobility and autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic applicator with a vessel for liquid nitrogen, a vacuum casing, and a rotating roller mechanism that supplies liquid nitrogen through capillaries to a porous roller, featuring vacuum insulation and a hydrogen absorber to maintain low pressure and minimize evaporation, allowing safe and efficient application without additional power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a balloon is used to apply cryogenic fluid to the tissue, then the applicator can be removed after treatment, but the balloon requires puncture with a needle which increases procedural complexity and potential for complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful puncture step by using a self-expanding foam material that fills the applicator cavity automatically when cryogenic fluid is introduced, eliminating the need for needle puncture to inflate a balloon while still achieving tissue expansion and contact
2Manufacturing precision
If a balloon is used to expand and contact the tissue, then uniform freezing can be achieved, but the balloon material may react with the cryogenic fluid or require special materials to prevent embolization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the filling material from liquid (balloon) to expanded foam, which eliminates the need for pressurized inflation and removes the risk of material embolization while maintaining uniform tissue contact and freezing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable self-expanding foam material that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex reusable balloon materials and reducing risks associated with material reuse and sterilization
3Reliability
If a needle is used to inject cryogenic fluid into a balloon, then the fluid can be contained and applied to tissue, but the needle puncture creates a pathway for potential embolization and increases procedural risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the needle puncture step entirely by using a self-expanding foam material that fills the applicator cavity automatically when cryogenic fluid is introduced through the applicator opening, eliminating the embolization risk associated with needle puncture while maintaining fluid containment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a self-expanding foam material as an intermediary that absorbs and contains the cryogenic fluid, eliminating the need for a punctured balloon while maintaining fluid containment and uniform tissue contact
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a lightweight, user-friendly, and versatile means to apply cryogenic fluid efficiently and safely to skin surfaces, including sensitive areas, with reduced evaporation losses and no need for a separate cold source, enhancing mobility and treatment area flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable applicator that is frozen with liquid nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
frozen with liquid nitrogen
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A portable cryogenic applicator includes a vessel for liquid nitrogen to deliver liquid nitrogen for treatment of skin surfaces using the rotating roller from porous biocompatible material. The cryogenic applicator includes a capillary U-bend to prevent spontaneous discharge of liquid nitrogen through the capillary system to the roller during filling or refilling the cryogenic applicator with liquid nitrogen. The cryogenic applicator also includes a vacuum valve that produce an insulating vacuum environment in a vacuum cavity to prevent heat transfer between the vessel for liquid nitrogen and a vacuum casing, which allows the external surface of the cryogenic applicator to be maintained at ambient temperature. The cryogenic applicator may include a control valve for regulating and maintaining the working pressure in the vessel for liquid nitrogen sufficient to deliver liquid nitrogen through the capillary system and the porous roller body to the surface skin of a patient.