Phototherapy Device Cooling Airflow Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phototherapy devices lack an efficient cooling mechanism, particularly for high-output class 3 or higher laser applications, as the direction and placement of cooling air ejection are not optimally defined, leading to inefficient cooling and potential burns, especially in individuals with darker skin or thick hair.
Innovation Solution
A phototherapy device with a cooling system that includes an air supply device with a fan and duct configuration, where the intake port is positioned to eject air towards the center of the laser emission area, and the discharge port is located near the front end, ensuring efficient heat removal from the target area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high output laser light (class 3 or higher) is used for phototherapy, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the risk of burns increases due to excessive heat absorption by skin
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air is supplied in advance through the intake port before laser light emission, and cooling is continuously maintained during laser operation. This preliminary and continuous cooling action prevents heat accumulation in the target portion before burns can occur, enabling safe use of high power laser.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling air is introduced as an intermediary substance between the laser light source and the target portion. The air flows through the handpiece interior and contacts the target portion, acting as a heat transfer medium that carries excess heat away from the treatment area, thus preventing burns while maintaining therapeutic laser power.
2Temperature
If cooling air is ejected through a pipe as described in PTL 1, then cooling function is provided, but cooling efficiency is insufficient due to lack of optimization on ejection direction and pipe attachment position
Solution Approach 1:
The intake port is positioned at a specific location on the side surface of the handpiece, and the discharge port is positioned at another specific location. This localized optimization of port positions ensures that cooling air is delivered precisely where needed within the handpiece interior, maximizing cooling efficiency at the target portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling air is supplied through the interior of the handpiece rather than being ejected externally. This dimensional change in cooling air delivery path allows the air to directly contact the target portion from within the handpiece structure, improving cooling efficiency compared to external ejection methods.
3Temperature
If cooling air is supplied to the handpiece interior, then target portion cooling is achieved, but proper positioning of intake and discharge ports is required for efficient cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The intake port and discharge port are positioned at specific locations on the side surface of the handpiece, with the intake port at a first position and the discharge port at a second position. This parameter optimization of port positions creates an efficient airflow path through the handpiece interior, achieving effective cooling without complex positioning requirements.
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 configuration allows for targeted and efficient cooling of the target area, reducing the risk of burns and ensuring effective heat dissipation during laser therapy.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply device for supplying air to be ejected from the intake port to the inside of the body part
Implementation Method 2
The air supply device may have a fan arranged adjoining the side surface of the body part and a duct connecting the fan and the intake port and be configured so that the fan generates an air flow in a direction away from the side surface of the body part
Data Source
AI summary
A phototherapy device includes a laser light source 8 for emitting laser light toward a target portion, a body part 5, an intake port 12 provided at a side surface of the body part 5, a discharge port 13 provided at the side surface of the body part 5 at an opposite side from the intake port 12, and an air supply device 14 for supplying air to be ejected from the intake port 12 to the inside of the body part 5, the intake port 12 configured so that an ejection direction F0 of the air is toward the near side from a center of an emission area A of the laser light at the target portion T.