Handheld Cryogen Controller for Precise Cryotherapy Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryomedical technologies face challenges in precisely controlling temperature and pressure of cryogens for effective applications beyond surgical therapies, such as anesthesia, pain relief, acne treatment, and skin pigmentation control, due to insufficient precision in temperature control and inefficient cooling means.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held cooling device with a cryogen temperature pressure controller that includes a holder tube, porous structure, and heater to control cryogen temperature and pressure, allowing precise temperature adjustment via the Joule-Thomson effect, and a valve system for regulated flow, enabling precise and prompt cooling of target regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cryomedical technology is used, then cooling function is provided, but temperature and pressure control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the phase transition of cryogen (liquid to gas) through pressure regulation. The cryogen reservoir maintains pressure within 1-760 mmHg to control the phase transition temperature, enabling precise temperature control (e.g., -50°C to -196°C) without complex heating/cooling systems. This resolves the contradiction by using physical parameter changes rather than active temperature control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical temperature control systems with a valve-based pressure control system. Instead of using motors, heaters, or coolers to regulate temperature, the system uses a valve to control cryogen flow rate and pressure, which naturally determines the temperature through phase transition physics. This simplifies the device structure while achieving precise temperature control.
2Manufacturing precision
If cryogen flow is not regulated, then simple device structure is maintained, but cooling precision and promptness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve as an intermediary component between the cryogen reservoir and the treatment area. The valve mediates the cryogen flow by regulating pressure and flow rate, enabling precise control of cooling intensity and duration. This single intermediary component achieves precise cooling control without requiring complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the cryogen's own phase transition properties to achieve precise cooling. The valve controls the rate at which liquid cryogen converts to gas, and this self-regulating phase transition process naturally provides the desired cooling effect without requiring external temperature control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If cryogen pressure is not controlled, then device simplicity is maintained, but stable cooling protocol cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control where the valve continuously adjusts cryogen flow based on real-time pressure conditions. The system maintains pressure within the 1-760 mmHg range by dynamically regulating valve opening, ensuring stable phase transition and consistent cooling protocol. This dynamic adjustment provides reliability without requiring complex feedback control systems.
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 device achieves precise temperature control and stable cooling protocols for various clinical effects, minimizing normal cell destruction and enabling effective treatments like cryoanesthesia and immune activation with controlled cooling protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the cryogen moving to the spraying unit
Implementation Method 2
a porous structure disposed inside the holder tube, the porous structure comprising a first end adjacent to the first end of the holder tube, a second end adjacent to the second end of the holder tube, and a body extending from the first end of the porous structure to the second end of the porous structure
Implementation Method 3
a first insulating member coupled to the first end of the holder tube and configured to thermally insulate the holder tube from the cryogen container and the valve
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a hand-held cooling device for supplying a cryogen to a target region for cryotherapy. The device can include a cryogen container configured to contain a first cryogen having a first temperature and a nozzle configured to spray a first modified cryogen to the target region, the first modified cryogen having a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The device can also include a cryogen temperature regulator configured to receive the first cryogen and output the first modified cryogen to the nozzle, the cryogen temperature regulator disposed closer to the nozzle than the cryogen container. The cryogen temperature regulator can include a holder tube, a porous structure disposed inside a holder tube and a heater disposed around the holder tube and heating the holder tube so as to increase the first temperature to the second temperature while the first cryogen passes through the porous structure.