Temperature-Responsive Skin Adhesion for Stable Tissue Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for maintaining stable thermal and physical contact between an applicator and tissue during cooling treatments, such as cryolipolysis, are limited by suction and restraints, which can cause discomfort, reduce effective contact area, and lead to false sensor readings due to patient movement.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a temperature-dependent adhesive that strengthens adhesion between the applicator and skin by increasing viscosity and tackiness during cooling, eliminating the need for suction and restraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction and restraints are used to maintain contact between applicator and skin, then stable thermal contact is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive's viscosity and adhesion strength are changed as a function of temperature. At application temperature, the adhesive has low viscosity for easy application, then undergoes a viscosity transition at a predetermined temperature during cooling to increase adhesion strength, maintaining contact without suction or restraints
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive composition combines multiple components including a polymer component, plasticizer, and optional additives to achieve the desired temperature-dependent viscosity transition and adhesion characteristics that eliminate the need for mechanical restraints
2Reliability
If suction is used to maintain applicator position, then contact stability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive undergoes a temperature-dependent viscosity transition from low viscosity at application temperature to high viscosity at predetermined temperature, providing self-adhesion that eliminates the need for suction mechanisms and complex device components
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical suction system is replaced with a temperature-responsive adhesive system that uses thermal energy to trigger viscosity change and adhesion, simplifying the device by eliminating motors, vacuum pumps, and associated control systems
3Reliability
If restraints are applied to prevent patient motion, then applicator stability is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive's adhesion strength is dynamically changed through temperature-dependent viscosity transition, providing strong bonding during treatment without requiring external restraints that would restrict patient movement and cause discomfort
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional adhesives are used that maintain constant adhesion, then application is simple, but they cannot provide enhanced adhesion during cooling treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is formulated with temperature-responsive components that cause a viscosity transition at a predetermined temperature, transforming from a easily applied low-viscosity state to a high-adhesion state during the cooling treatment process
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive properties are made dynamic rather than static, changing viscosity and adhesion strength in response to temperature changes during treatment, allowing the same material to provide both easy application and strong bonding
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
Ensures stable thermal and physical contact, reduces relative movement between the applicator and skin, and prevents false sensor readings by enhancing adhesive strength by a factor of up to 30x, thereby improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a temperature-dependent adhesive that strengthens adhesion between the skin and the applicator as it cools, eliminating the need for suction and restraints by maintaining stable contact through increased viscosity and tackiness
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0287839 entitled 'METHOD OF ENHANCED REMOVAL OF HEAT FROM SUBCUTANEOUS LIPID-RICH CELLS AND TREATMENT APPARATUS HAVING AN ACTUATOR'
Implementation Method 3
The present disclosure is related to cooling of tissue, such as in the context of cryolipolysis and cryolysis
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention includes applying adhesive onto skin of a human subject. An applicator is then brought into contact with the adhesive such the adhesive is disposed between the applicator and the subject's skin. The applicator is activated to cool a tissue region via the subject's skin, via the heat-transfer surface of the applicator, and via the adhesive. While the tissue region cools, the adhesive also cools, thereby reversibly strengthening adhesion between the subject's skin and the heat-transfer surface and forming a strong bond therebetween. The strengthened adhesion inhibits any movement of the applicator relative to the skin. After cooling the tissue region, the adhesive is warmed, thereby weakening the adhesion which allows the heat-transfer surface of the applicator to be easily separated from the skin.