Disposable Laser Tip with Vacuum Seal and Safety Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser treatment devices lack effective measures for maintaining hygiene and ensuring safety, particularly in preventing misfires that could injure users or patients due to improper installation and potential cross-infection between patients.
Innovation Solution
A disposable hygiene shield insert for laser handpieces that includes a vacuum-compatible design with optical transparency, reflective surfaces, and safety interlocks to ensure proper installation and prevent laser activation unless the shield is correctly positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reusable laser handpiece is used on multiple patients, then device cost and productivity are improved, but hygiene and cross-infection risk deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The laser handpiece is divided into two segments: a reusable laser generator and a disposable tip assembly. The tip assembly including the hygiene shield is discarded after single use on one patient, while the laser generator is retained for use on subsequent patients. This segmentation eliminates cross-infection risk while maintaining device reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
A disposable hygiene shield is introduced as a single-use component that contacts the patient's skin. This disposable element is discarded after one patient to prevent cross-infection, while the main laser handpiece remains reusable for multiple patients.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposable tip is used for each patient, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hygiene shield, tip, and vacuum chamber are merged into a single integrated disposable assembly. This combination simplifies the disposable component structure and reduces the number of separate parts that need to be managed, while maintaining hygiene benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable tip assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a hygiene barrier, forms a vacuum seal, provides a laser transmission window, and contains the treatment cavity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.
3Reliability
If safety interlocks are added to prevent misfires, then safety is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety interlock system automatically detects whether the disposable tip is properly installed on the laser handpiece and prevents laser firing if the tip is missing or improperly attached. This self-service safety mechanism eliminates the need for manual safety checks and simplifies the control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the presence and proper installation of the disposable tip, providing feedback to the laser control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically enables or disables laser firing, creating a simple yet effective safety interlock mechanism.
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 solution provides a hygienic and safe laser treatment by ensuring proper installation and preventing misfires, while allowing for easy disposal and replacement of the hygiene shield between patients, thus addressing the need for hygiene and safety in laser skin treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum can be induced in the cavity while the tip is applied to a section (region) of skin
Implementation Method 2
The hand piece supports a projecting tip in which a cavity is formed
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a disposable insert for a laser handpiece providing a hygienic surface for applying monochromatic light to a patient. The disposable insert is configured for providing vacuum to a laser cavity and provides a measure of safety to the user by insuring that the laser will be inoperative in the absence of the insert.