Modular Laser Handset Cooling Circuit Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser treatment systems have specific optical characteristics that are not easily adaptable, limiting flexibility and cost-effectiveness, as they are designed for specific treatment areas and cannot be used with alternative application techniques like vacuum tips.

Innovation Solution

A modular laser treatment apparatus with a primary handset and interchangeable auxiliary attachments, featuring a cooling circuit that can divert cooling fluid between a main loop and an auxiliary loop depending on the attachment connected, ensuring effective cooling and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a single laser treatment system is designed with specific optical characteristics for a specific treatment area, then the treatment precision and effectiveness are improved, but the adaptability to different treatment areas and techniques deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different treatment areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The laser treatment system is segmented into a base unit and multiple interchangeable handpieces. Each handpiece is designed with specific optical characteristics and cooling requirements tailored to its treatment function. The cooling circuit is similarly segmented into multiple loops that can be selectively activated based on which handpiece is attached, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple handpieces are provided to provide different treatment characteristics, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different handpieces through standardized mechanical and fluid connections. The cooling system uses a multi-loop circuit design with selective activation, allowing the same base unit to support various handpieces without requiring separate cooling systems for each. This universal design reduces overall system complexity compared to providing completely separate laser systems for each treatment type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If integral cooling is provided to the treatment device tip, then the patient comfort and safety are improved, but the adaptability to different application techniques deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin burn riskVSAvoidadaptability to different application techniques
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The multi-loop cooling circuit can selectively activate different cooling paths based on which handpiece is attached and what treatment mode is being used. This allows the cooling characteristics to adapt dynamically to different application techniques, maintaining effective skin protection while supporting various treatment modalities including vacuum-assisted techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 multiple interchangeable attachments with a single primary handset, providing flexible treatment options while maintaining effective cooling for patient comfort and reducing the risk of skin burns.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanger, arranged to cool the laser light transmission path of the primary handset when an auxiliary attachment is connected to the primary handset

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

The laser treatment apparatus may comprise a pump to pump cooling fluid around the cooling circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid circulation: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3054884B1Laser treatment apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 LUMENIS LTD
  • EP3054884B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3054884B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3054884B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A laser treatment apparatus comprising a primary handset, the primary handset being connectable to an auxiliary attachment, the primary handset having a laser source having a primary heat exchanger, and a cooling circuit to provide cooling fluid to the primary heat exchanger to cool the laser source, the cooling circuit having an auxiliary circuit connection, for engagement with an auxiliary attachment.