Flexible Interface Sensors for Skin Cooling Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for reducing subcutaneous fat, such as liposuction and non-invasive treatments, are either invasive, ineffective, or pose safety risks due to temperature control issues at heat transfer interfaces during heat exchange with the skin.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device with a flexible sensing system that forms a heat transfer interface with the skin to selectively remove heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells while minimizing impact on non-lipid-rich cells, using a thermoelectric cooling unit and temperature sensors to monitor and control interface temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional heat exchange methods are used to reduce subcutaneous fat, then fat reduction effectiveness is improved, but skin safety deteriorates due to temperature control issues at heat transfer interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefat reduction effectivenessVSAvoidskin damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements temperature sensors that continuously monitor the interface temperature between the cooling device and skin, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust cooling parameters dynamically to maintain safe temperatures while achieving effective fat reduction, resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and skin safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional contact-based temperature measurement with infrared thermography to non-contactly measure skin temperature at the heat transfer interface. This substitution eliminates the need for physical temperature sensors that could interfere with heat transfer or cause skin irritation, while providing accurate temperature monitoring to prevent skin damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If invasive procedures like liposuction are used, then fat removal effectiveness is improved, but procedure complexity and risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefat removal effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses infrared thermography and optical detection systems to monitor treatment progress and tissue response, replacing invasive mechanical procedures with non-invasive optical measurement systems. This allows effective fat reduction through controlled thermal effects while eliminating the complexity and risks associated with surgical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional temperature sensors are used at heat transfer interface, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to sensor interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface temperature measurementVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical contact temperature sensors with infrared thermographic cameras that measure temperature remotely through optical detection. This substitution eliminates the thermal barrier created by sensor contact, maintaining full heat transfer efficiency between the cooling device and skin while providing accurate interface temperature measurement for safety control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables safe and effective non-invasive reduction of subcutaneous fat without piercing the skin, applicable to individuals with physical limitations, and reduces the risk of skin damage from excessive temperature fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanging member having a heat transfer surface configured to form a heat conducting interface with the subject's skin to remove heat from the lipid-rich cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a substantially flexible sensing device disposed in the interface between the heat exchanging member and the subject's skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentUS11986421B2Cooling devices with flexible sensors

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 ZELTIQ AESTHETICS INC

AI summary

A device for exchanging heat with a subject having skin is provided. The device includes a heat exchanging member having a heat transfer surface configured to form a heat conducting interface with the subject's skin. The device further includes a substantially flexible sensing device disposed in the interface between the heat exchanging member and the subject's skin. The sensing device is configured to measure a parameter of the interface without substantially impeding heat transfer between the heat exchanging member and the subject's skin.