Laser Skin-Treatment Handpiece With Cooling and Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handpieces for aesthetic and dermatological treatments using light radiation face challenges such as the need for multiple laser terminals due to different treatment requirements, inadequate cooling leading to high temperatures, and issues with condensation causing light beam distortion.
Innovation Solution
A handpiece design featuring a cooling body with a circulation chamber for cooling fluid surrounding the lateral surface, allowing optimal cooling of the epidermis and preventing condensation on the rear surface by maintaining a temperature gradient, combined with interchangeable optical assemblies for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling body is used to cool the epidermis during laser treatment, then the cooling effect is improved, but the temperature of the rear surface may drop below the dew point causing condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different temperature conditions to different parts of the cooling body: the front surface (in contact with epidermis) is cooled to provide therapeutic cooling, while the rear surface is heated to prevent condensation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by making each surface serve its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling body is divided into functionally distinct zones: a front portion for cooling the epidermis and a rear portion for preventing condensation. This segmentation allows independent control of temperature in each zone, enabling the cooling effect at the front while preventing condensation at the rear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser terminals are used to accommodate different treatment requirements, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handpiece is designed with a universal cooling body structure that can work with different laser terminals and optical assemblies. The cooling body serves multiple functions: cooling the epidermis, preventing condensation, and maintaining structural integrity across various treatment configurations, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adaptability by allowing interchangeable optical assemblies and terminals to be coupled with the same cooling body. This dynamic configuration capability permits the system to adapt to different treatment requirements without requiring permanent modifications to the cooling structure.
3Temperature
If the cooling body is cooled uniformly throughout, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but condensation occurs on the rear surface
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniform cooling, the patent implements non-uniform temperature distribution: the front surface is cooled effectively for epidermal cooling, while the rear surface is heated above the dew point to prevent condensation. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between cooling effectiveness and condensation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling body is segmented into functional zones with different temperature requirements. The front portion handles cooling effectiveness, while the rear portion handles condensation prevention through heating. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function without compromise.
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 handpiece provides effective cooling and reduces condensation-related beam distortion, ensuring consistent treatment quality and ease of use across various treatments while minimizing the need for multiple terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation chamber of a cooling fluid defined between the inner surface of the sleeve and at least one portion of the outer surface of the cooling body
Implementation Method 2
preventing condensation on the rear surface by maintaining a temperature gradient
Implementation Method 3
The handpiece provides effective cooling and reduces condensation-related beam distortion
Data Source
AI summary
The handpiece comprising a gripping structure, a seat for a interchangeable optical assembly and a cooling device of the epidermis. The cooling device comprises a cooling body of the epidermis adapted for a laser beam for treating the skin to pass through. The cooling body comprises a rear surface, an opposite front surface for contact with the epidermis, and a lateral surface extending from the front surface to the rear surface. The device further comprises a sleeve, in which the cooling body is housed. The sleeve comprises an inner surface at least partially surrounding the lateral surface of the cooling body. A circulation chamber of a cooling fluid is defined between the inner surface of the sleeve and the lateral surface of the cooling body.