Switched Laser Applicator for Uniform Dermal Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser hair removal technologies require time-consuming and fatiguing manual stepping of a handheld applicator to cover large treatment areas, leading to potential misalignment and uneven energy distribution, while increasing spot size reduces fluence and requires more expensive and potentially hazardous higher power diodes.
Innovation Solution
A laser applicator with multiple assemblies that switch pulses sequentially to create a larger aggregate spot without needing separate power sources, reducing the number of steps required and minimizing operator fatigue, while maintaining fluence levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the spot size is increased to cover larger treatment areas, then the treatment area coverage is improved, but the fluence (energy per unit area) decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment area is divided into multiple smaller spots that are applied in sequence. Multiple laser assemblies each create individual spots, and these spots collectively cover the entire treatment area. This segmentation allows each spot to maintain adequate fluence while the aggregate coverage spans a large area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large spot to multiple smaller spots arranged in a two-dimensional array. By distributing the treatment area across multiple discrete locations rather than one continuous large area, the system maintains fluence levels while achieving comprehensive coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual stepping of the applicator is used to cover large treatment areas, then the treatment can be applied systematically, but the treatment time increases and operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical stepping process is replaced with an automated optical system. Multiple laser assemblies are electronically controlled to deliver pulses to predetermined locations across the treatment area, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and reducing both time and operator fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous treatment delivery by having multiple laser assemblies ready to fire in sequence. Rather than stopping and repositioning the applicator between spots, the electronic switching between assemblies allows uninterrupted treatment across the entire area.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual stepping of the applicator is used, then the treatment can be applied step-by-step, but the risk of misalignment and uneven energy distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical positioning is replaced with electronic control of multiple laser assemblies. The system uses electronic switching and coordinated control to ensure precise delivery of each spot to the correct location, eliminating human error in positioning and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and adjust the positioning and delivery of each laser spot. By tracking the treatment progress and coordinating the firing sequence of multiple assemblies, the system ensures uniform energy distribution and prevents gaps or overlaps between spots.
4Use of energy by moving object
If higher power diodes are used to maintain fluence with larger spot sizes, then the fluence level is maintained, but the device cost increases and safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single high-power diode to create a large spot, the system segments the power delivery across multiple lower-power diodes. Each diode operates at safe, lower power levels while collectively they deliver the required total energy to cover the entire treatment area through multiple spots.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lower-power laser assemblies are combined to achieve the effect of a single high-power system. By merging the output of several safe, lower-power diodes delivered to different spots, the system achieves comprehensive coverage without requiring expensive and potentially hazardous high-power components.
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 significantly reduces treatment time, minimizes operator fatigue, and reduces the risk of misalignment, achieving faster and more uniform energy distribution across larger skin areas with fewer steps and lower risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam applied to an area of skin surface penetrates to the dermal layer where it thermally damages target structures in or near the hair follicles. The wavelength of the laser beam is selected for absorption by chromophores found in relative high concentration in the target structures
Implementation Method 2
thermally damages target structures in or near the hair follicles
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator comprising multiple laser assemblies connected to a power supply and a controller that switches each pulse to a different one of the laser assemblies. Each laser assembly deposits a laser spot on the skin and the result is to produce a large ‘aggregate’ spot without requiring extra power or extra lasers. In one embodiment, each pulse serves as a trigger to switch the next pulse to the next laser assembly.