Cyclone Nozzle Local Anesthesia Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryotherapy devices using liquefied nitrogen are cumbersome, lead to thermal shock, and result in undesirable losses and difficulties in transportation, while previous alternatives like carbon dioxide may cause cold burns and inefficient cooling.
Innovation Solution
A device employing a cyclone nozzle with medical liquid carbonic acid for rapid tissue cooling, combined with a non-contact temperature sensor and controller to maintain target temperatures and prevent cold burns, and a laser pointer for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquefied nitrogen is used for cryotherapy, then cooling effect is achieved, but device weight increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working substance from liquefied nitrogen to pressurized carbon dioxide gas, altering the physical state and storage parameters. CO2 can be stored in lightweight pressurized cylinders rather than heavy insulated containers required for liquid nitrogen, achieving the same cooling effect through phase change while dramatically reducing device weight and improving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or replaceable pressurized CO2 cartridges instead of reusable liquid nitrogen storage systems. These lightweight cartridges can be easily replaced when depleted, eliminating the need for heavy, complex refrigeration systems while providing sufficient cooling for typical treatment durations.
2Temperature
If liquefied nitrogen is used, then cooling is achieved, but transportation and distribution become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from liquid nitrogen storage to pressurized CO2 gas cylinders, the patent transforms the physical properties to favor transportation. CO2 cylinders are lighter, require less insulation, and can be safely transported without the specialized handling requirements of liquid nitrogen, making the system much easier to distribute and operate in clinical settings.
3Temperature
If carbon dioxide is used for cooling, then cooling effect is achieved, but cold burns may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor the tissue temperature during cryotherapy. When the target temperature is reached or when dangerous cooling rates are detected, the system automatically regulates or stops CO2 delivery, preventing cold burns while maintaining effective therapeutic cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the CO2 flow rate and application duration based on real-time temperature feedback and pre-programmed safety parameters. This dynamic control allows the cooling intensity to be optimized for therapeutic effect while automatically reducing or stopping delivery before dangerous temperature levels are reached, eliminating the static, all-or-nothing approach of earlier systems.
4Loss of time
If rapid cooling is applied, then treatment time is reduced, but thermal shock and vessel expansion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed CO2 delivery patterns rather than continuous rapid cooling. The system applies cooling in controlled intervals with brief pauses, allowing tissue temperature to stabilize between pulses. This periodic approach maintains overall treatment efficiency while preventing the extreme thermal shock and neuroreflexive vessel expansion associated with continuous rapid cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time temperature monitoring provides feedback that regulates the cooling rate. The control system adjusts CO2 delivery to achieve the desired cooling speed while preventing excessive thermal shock, automatically modulating the flow to match the tissue's thermal tolerance and maintaining optimal cooling rates throughout the treatment.
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
Achieves reliable and efficient cooling with reduced risk of cold burns, allowing for faster treatment times and improved mobility and safety through precise temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
The device 1 has a cyclone nozzle 3 connected to the outlet opening 2, from which the coolant flows onto a site (not shown) to be treated on a body part (also not shown). The cyclone nozzle 3 has the advantage that the rotating gas achieves significantly faster cooling of the tissue
Implementation Method 2
The means 8 for tangentially introducing the refrigerant into the interior of the cylindrical segment 4 preferably comprise a gas cylinder, which allows for the mobility of the device. The tapering of the frustoconical segment 5 located downstream of the segment 4 causes an inward volume displacement and a build-up in the most downstream region 7 of the frustoconical segment 5.
Implementation Method 3
The device 1 further comprises means 10 for introducing compressed air into the space between the outer casing 9 and the cylindrical segment 4, wherein the cylindrical segment 4 is provided with at least one opening (11) to allow mixing of the compressed air and the refrigerant.
Implementation Method 4
The non-contact temperature sensor 13 can preferably be designed as a pyrometer or as an infrared temperature sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for local anesthesia with an outlet opening (2) through which refrigerant, in particular gas, is directed onto a site to be treated, wherein the device (1) has a cyclone nozzle (3) connected to the outlet opening (2), from which the refrigerant flows onto a site to be treated.