Reconfigurable Handheld Laser System with Interchangeable Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld laser treatment systems require multiple devices for different treatment procedures, which is costly and inefficient, as they need to be specialized for various body regions with different fluence levels and precision requirements.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable handheld laser treatment system that uses a single handset with interchangeable attachments, such as a hygienic insert and optical condenser adapter, to adjust fluence and precision for different treatment areas, including vacuum-assisted and high-fluence treatments, with a cooling mechanism to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple specialized laser devices are used for different treatment procedures, then treatment precision and fluence control are improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser treatment device is designed with a universal handset that can accommodate multiple interchangeable attachments, each optimized for different treatment procedures. The system includes a treatment chamber that can receive various attachments (e.g., contact element, optical condenser adapter, hygienic insert) to perform different functions such as vacuum-assisted treatment, high-fluence localized treatment, and wide-area treatment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into a reusable handset and interchangeable attachments. The handset contains the laser source, power source, and control systems, while the attachments (contact element, optical condenser adapter, hygienic insert) can be separately manufactured and swapped based on treatment requirements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple specialized laser devices are used for different body regions, then treatment fluence control is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single handset is designed to perform multiple treatment procedures by accepting different attachments. The system can deliver varied fluence levels for different body regions (face, body, extremities) through attachments like the optical condenser adapter for high-fluence treatments and the hygienic insert for vacuum-assisted treatments, eliminating the need for multiple expensive specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different fluence levels and treatment parameters by changing the attachment type rather than requiring separate devices. The logic circuitry controls the laser array and vacuum channel activation based on which attachment is detected, allowing parameter adjustment through attachment interchangeability
3Manufacturing precision
If high fluence laser treatment is applied to small areas, then treatment precision is improved, but risk of burns increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the high-fluence laser treatment and the skin surface. The cooling mechanism (cooling element, cooling channel, or cryogenic cooling system) absorbs excess heat and maintains the skin surface temperature below burn thresholds while allowing high fluence laser energy to be delivered to the target area for precise treatment
4Productivity
If vacuum channel is activated for all attachments, then vacuum-assisted treatment is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses attachment detection (via attachment sensor or mechanical interlock) to provide feedback to the logic circuitry about which attachment is installed. Based on this feedback, the logic selectively activates or deactivates the vacuum channel, ensuring vacuum-assisted treatment is applied only when appropriate (e.g., when hygienic insert is detected) and avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and complexity when vacuum is not needed
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 flexible and cost-effective treatment by allowing a single device to perform various procedures, from wide-area low-fluence to localized high-fluence treatments, while ensuring safety through skin cooling, reducing the need for multiple handsets and minimizing risks of burns.
Implementation Method 1
a laser array arranged to project optical energy into the treatment chamber
Implementation Method 2
Selective wavelengths of light from a laser source are absorbed by the melanin of a hair, which heats and kills a target hair follicle
Implementation Method 3
which heats and kills a target hair follicle
Implementation Method 4
at least one vacuum channel positioned within the treatment chamber and coupled to a vacuum source
Implementation Method 5
with a cooling mechanism to ensure safety
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a handheld laser treatment apparatus comprises: a handset including a treatment chamber, the treatment chamber having an open treatment aperture; a laser array arranged to project optical energy into the treatment chamber and coupled to a power source; at least one vacuum channel positioned within the treatment chamber and coupled to a vacuum source; a trigger sensor coupled to logic that controls activation of the laser array and the vacuum channel; an attachment sensor arranged to detect which of a plurality of attachments are inserted into the treatment chamber through the treatment aperture. The logic enables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a first attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture. The logic disables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a second attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture.