Fractional Handpiece with Sensor-Controlled Pulse Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fractional laser treatment devices lack precise control over the spacing of ablation holes during skin treatment, leading to inconsistent results and potential re-treatment of areas.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a movement sensor and controller that adjusts the repetition rate of electromagnetic pulses based on the longitudinal speed or displacement of the handpiece, ensuring uniform spacing of ablation holes along the skin surface, and includes air and water nozzles for cooling and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the handpiece is moved manually during treatment, then the treatment area can be covered, but the spacing of ablation holes becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a movement sensor that detects the handpiece movement in real-time and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller then dynamically adjusts the pulse emission timing based on the detected movement, ensuring consistent ablation hole spacing regardless of manual movement variations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by automatically compensating for manual operation imprecision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical approach of manual handpiece movement with an integrated sensor-electronic control system. Instead of relying solely on the operator's manual control precision, the system uses electronic sensors to detect movement and electronically adjusts the pulse timing, substituting mechanical precision requirements with electronic control precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pulse repetition rate is fixed, then the device is simple to operate, but the ablation hole spacing cannot adapt to different movement speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed pulse repetition rate to a dynamic, variable repetition rate that automatically adjusts based on detected handpiece movement speed. The controller modulates the pulse emission frequency in real-time according to the movement sensor feedback, enabling the system to adapt to different operational speeds while maintaining consistent treatment parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement sensor provides continuous feedback about handpiece velocity to the controller, which then adjusts the pulse repetition rate accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation to varying movement speeds without requiring manual intervention or complex pre-programming, achieving versatility through simple sensor-driven control.
3Productivity
If laser pulses are emitted continuously, then treatment efficiency increases, but optical components may overheat or become contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed laser emission rather than continuous emission. The pulse train format allows for periodic intervals where no laser energy is emitted, providing cooling periods for optical components and opportunities for air/water spray to clear contaminants. This periodic action maintains high treatment efficiency while preventing thermal buildup and contamination accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air and water spray system operates in conjunction with the pulsed laser emission, providing preliminary cooling and cleaning actions during the intervals between laser pulses. This preliminary action prevents overheating and contamination before they become problematic, allowing sustained high-speed treatment without compromising optical component integrity.
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 enables reproducible and uniform spacing of ablation holes, promoting efficient skin rejuvenation with improved texture and tone, reducing the risk of re-treatment and enhancing treatment precision.
Implementation Method 1
A pulse emitter emits electromagnetic pulses, in particular laser pulses, toward the surface at a repetition rate for the pulses to produce ablation holes in the tissue
Implementation Method 2
One or more nozzles emit the water and the air in an air/water spray to moisturize and cool the target tissue prior to laser application
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A medical device includes a housing that is moved along a surface of a target tissue in a longitudinal direction. One or more supply lines conduct air and water to the housing. A pulse emitter emits electromagnetic pulses toward the surface at a repetition rate for the pulses to produce ablation holes in the tissue. The pulse emitter includes optical components and is configured to direct the air against the optical components to keep the optical components clean. One or more nozzles emit the water and the air in an air/water spray to moisturize and cool the target tissue prior to laser application.