Cryogenic Spray Device for Selective Melanocyte Destruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryotherapy devices for treating brown spots on the skin lack precision and control, leading to non-selective cell destruction, pain, and potential scarring, with existing devices failing to achieve a cyto-selective action effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a cryogenic fluid, such as difluoroethane, is designed to deliver a controlled temperature between -5°C and -12°C for 2 to 10 seconds, specifically targeting melanocytes while avoiding keratinocytes, using a solenoid valve and nozzle configuration to ensure precise and reproducible application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid nitrogen at -196°C is used for cryotherapy, then the hyperpigmented tissue is destroyed, but the temperature control is imprecise and non-selective cell destruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional liquid nitrogen (-196°C) to a controlled range of -5°C to -12°C. This parameter change enables selective destruction of melanocytes while preserving keratinocytes, achieving cyto-selective action. The controlled temperature range is maintained through a regulated cryogenic fluid delivery system with a solenoid valve and flow regulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control system with a microprocessor that receives feedback from temperature sensors and adjusts the solenoid valve operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise temperature control within the -5°C to -12°C range, preventing both under-treatment and over-treatment while maintaining reproducible results.
2Reliability
If conventional cryotherapy is applied, then hyperpigmented tissue is destroyed, but pain and scarring occur due to non-selective cell destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different temperature effects to different cell types within the same tissue area. By controlling the temperature to -5°C to -12°C, the treatment selectively affects melanocytes (causing their destruction) while leaving keratinocytes intact. This local quality differentiation eliminates pain and scarring associated with conventional non-selective cryotherapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional liquid nitrogen (-196°C) to a controlled range of -5°C to -12°C. This parameter change enables selective destruction of melanocytes while preserving keratinocytes, achieving cyto-selective action. The controlled temperature range is maintained through a regulated cryogenic fluid delivery system with a solenoid valve and flow regulator.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation of cryogenic gas cylinder is used, then treatment can be performed, but flow rate and duration cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of cryogenic gas cylinders with an electronically controlled solenoid valve system. The microprocessor-based control system automatically regulates the flow rate and duration of cryogenic fluid delivery, eliminating the imprecision of manual operation while maintaining ease of use through simple button activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the cryogenic fluid delivery without requiring manual intervention for flow rate and duration control. When the user activates the device, the microprocessor automatically opens the solenoid valve for the precise duration needed, then closes it automatically, providing self-regulating flow control.
4Reliability
If depigmenting agents are applied topically, then hyperpigmentation can be reduced, but treatment is lengthy and adherence is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single application of controlled cryotherapy instead of prolonged topical agent application. The brief cryogenic treatment (controlled duration via solenoid valve) produces immediate effects with results visible within two to three weeks, eliminating the need for lengthy daily treatment regimens required by topical depigmenting agents.
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 achieves selective destruction of melanocytes without damaging keratinocytes, providing immediate and effective results without pain or scarring, with the treated area showing significant improvement in hyperpigmentation within two to three weeks after a single application.
Implementation Method 1
A device utilizing a cryogenic fluid, such as difluoroethane, is designed to deliver a controlled temperature between -5°C and -12°C for 2 to 10 seconds, specifically targeting melanocytes while avoiding keratinocytes
Implementation Method 2
using a solenoid valve and nozzle configuration to ensure precise and reproducible application
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cosmetically treating dark spots on the skin, wherein said method is intended for eliminating at least one of said dark spots located in a region of the hand, the face, the limbs or the chest area of a person suffering from such skin hyperpigmentation, characterised in that said method includes a step of applying a spray of cryogenic fluid to said region, which brings the skin temperature to a temperature of between -4°C and -15°C for a consecutive application period of from 2 to 10 seconds, in order to selectively act on the melanocytes, and to a device for carrying out said method.