Heater-Controlled Cryogen Pressure Stabilization for Cryotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic devices experience pressure fluctuations during treatment cycles, leading to inconsistent cryozone formation and suboptimal cryotherapy outcomes due to insufficient pressure stabilization and recovery.
Innovation Solution
The cryogenic device incorporates a heater to actively control the temperature of the cryogen cartridge, stabilizing pressure by applying targeted heater power based on flow rate and pressure data to maintain consistent cryogen flow and facilitate rapid pressure recovery between cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryogen flows through the needle probe during treatment cycle, then cryozone formation is achieved, but pressure within the cryogenic device fluctuates and destabilizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a pressure sensor that continuously monitors the pressure of the cryogen within the cryogenic device. The controller receives this pressure data and adjusts the flow rate of cryogen through the needle probe accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains stable pressure while ensuring consistent cryozone formation throughout the treatment cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the cryogen flow rate based on real-time pressure measurements. The controller modulates the flow rate to compensate for pressure fluctuations, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions during the treatment cycle and maintain optimal pressure stability for consistent therapeutic outcomes.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure fluctuates during treatment cycle, then cryogen flow varies, but cryozone formation becomes inconsistent and treatment outcomes suboptimize
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller about the actual pressure of the cryogen. The controller uses this information to adjust the flow rate dynamically, ensuring that pressure remains within a target range throughout the treatment cycle, thereby achieving precise and consistent cryozone formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of the cryogen based on pressure measurements. By adjusting the flow rate in response to pressure fluctuations, the system maintains optimal conditions for cryozone formation and prevents suboptimal treatment outcomes caused by pressure instability.
3Reliability
If heater power is applied to stabilize pressure, then pressure consistency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the pressure sensor to control the heater only when and where needed. The controller activates the heater to compensate for pressure drops during specific phases of the treatment cycle, rather than continuously heating, thereby stabilizing pressure while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater is activated periodically or intermittently based on the treatment cycle phases and pressure conditions. This periodic heating approach allows the system to maintain pressure stability during critical moments while avoiding continuous energy consumption, balancing reliability with energy efficiency.
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
This approach ensures consistent cryozone formation and optimal cryotherapy delivery by maintaining stable pressure within the device, allowing for precise and effective treatment cycles.
Implementation Method 1
applying the first target heater power during the first treatment cycle so as to heat the cryogen and stabilize pressure within the cryogenic device
Implementation Method 2
the needles may be cooled (e.g., by a flow of the cryogen), and the target tissue adjacent to the cooled needles may thereby be cooled by conduction
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for stabilizing pressure within a cryogenic device include receiving a flow rate value corresponding to an expected average mass flow rate of a cryogen through a needle probe of the cryogenic device during a cryotherapy treatment cycle; determining, based on the flow rate value, a target heater power to be applied to a heater associated with the cryogenic device for a treatment cycle, wherein the heater is configured to heat the cryogen; receiving an input for the treatment cycle; causing the cryogen to flow for a period of time toward the needle probe in response to the input; and apply the target heater power to the heater during the treatment cycle so as to heat the cryogen and stabilize pressure within the cryogenic device.