Thermal Contact Sensor Applicator for Skin Fat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for aesthetic skin treatments using heat to reduce subcutaneous fat often apply energy through the upper skin layers, leading to inefficient heating of the desired fat layers and the need for cooling arrangements to prevent dermal damage.
Innovation Solution
The applicator features a stainless steel frame and a transparent sapphire window in thermal communication, with a matrix of optical radiation-emitting elements (LEDs or diode lasers) emitting radiation between 800 to 1100 nm. It includes thermal contact sensors that detect skin contact and an internal processor to accurately control temperature, power, and treatment time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If optical radiation energy is applied through the upper skin layers to heat subcutaneous fat, then the fat cells are damaged and lipids are released, but the upper skin layers are heated excessively requiring cooling arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling arrangement with cooling elements positioned between the optical radiation source and the skin surface. These cooling elements act as intermediaries that selectively cool the upper skin layers while allowing optical radiation to pass through and heat the subcutaneous fat. The cooling arrangement includes channels or reservoirs containing cooling fluid that absorbs excess heat from the epidermis and dermis, preventing thermal damage to these layers while maintaining the therapeutic heating effect on the target fat tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal conditions to different regions: the upper skin layers are actively cooled while the subcutaneous fat is heated. This is achieved by positioning cooling elements specifically at the skin surface level and using optical radiation wavelengths that penetrate to the fat layer. The cooling arrangement is localized to the treatment area, providing spatially selective temperature control where the epidermis and dermis experience cooling while the subcutaneous adipose tissue experiences therapeutic heating.
2Productivity
If high fluence optical energy is applied to reduce subcutaneous fat quickly, then treatment time is reduced, but the temperature developed in the skin becomes unbearable
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling arrangement serves as an intermediary system that enables the use of high fluence optical energy by simultaneously removing excess heat from the skin surface. The cooling elements, containing circulating coolant, absorb thermal energy from the upper skin layers, allowing higher power optical radiation to be applied without causing unbearable skin temperatures. This mediator system decouples the relationship between input energy and skin temperature, enabling higher productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling arrangement operates continuously or periodically during optical radiation application, creating a dynamic thermal management system. The periodic circulation of cooling fluid or intermittent activation of cooling elements maintains skin temperature within comfortable limits while allowing sustained high-energy treatment. This periodic thermal regulation enables prolonged high-fluence treatment sessions without accumulating excessive heat in the skin layers.
3Reliability
If cooling arrangements are added to protect skin during optical radiation treatment, then skin safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooling arrangement directly into the applicator structure, merging the cooling function with the optical radiation delivery system. The cooling elements are incorporated into the applicator head, with cooling channels or reservoirs formed as integral parts of the device housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling systems and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining skin safety protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator structure serves multiple functions: it delivers optical radiation to the skin, provides structural support for the light sources, and simultaneously acts as a cooling system through integrated cooling channels or heat sink elements. The applicator head is designed to perform both therapeutic and protective functions in a single unified structure, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 solution allows for precise and safe heating of subcutaneous fat, reducing the risk of dermal damage while effectively achieving the desired aesthetic skin treatment effects.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent sapphire window in thermal communication with the metal frame
Implementation Method 2
The light wavelengths selected are transmitted through the skin and almost do not affect it
Implementation Method 3
The thermal contact sensor operates to detect a presence of contact between the metal frame and transparent window with the subject skin
Implementation Method 4
The temperature sensor, could be a thermistor or a thermocouple, and heater that is a resistor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a thermal contact sensor for use in aesthetic skin by heat treatment for altering the aesthetic appearance of a subject. The thermal contact sensor measures the difference in sensor temperature when in contact or absence of contact with the skin and automatically operates a source of optical radiation to heat the skin.