Thermoelectric Dermal Cooling System with Microtube Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling technologies for dermatological applications, such as passive and compressor-based systems, face issues like noise, vibration, and the risk of cellular damage from temperatures below freezing, while existing air coolers lack precise control and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for cooling a gaseous medium to a specified temperature using thermoelectric coolers and flow tunnels with microtubes, which actively monitor and adjust cooling based on conditions like hydraulic diameter, ensuring precise dermal cooling without freezing skin temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If compressor-based cooling systems are used, then cooling capability is improved, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor-based cooling system with a thermoelectric cooling system that uses electrical current to pump heat. This substitution eliminates the mechanical moving parts that generate noise and vibration, while maintaining effective cooling capability through the Peltier effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the compressor and other noisy mechanical components from the cooling system, retaining only the essential cooling function through thermoelectric devices. This extraction of harmful components directly addresses the noise and vibration problem while preserving the cooling capability.
2Temperature
If temperatures below freezing are applied to skin area, then cooling effect is improved, but cellular damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control circuits that continuously monitor the skin temperature and adjust the cooling output accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the temperature remains within the safe range (above freezing) while providing sufficient cooling effect, preventing cellular damage through automatic regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the cooling temperature parameter based on real-time skin temperature measurements. By changing the temperature parameter within a safe range (maintaining it above freezing), the system achieves effective cooling without causing cellular damage, resolving the contradiction between cooling strength and safety.
3Temperature
If air coolers provide below freezing temperatures, then cooling capability is improved, but spatial disposal from skin surface is required to avoid freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature sensors positioned near the skin surface to provide real-time feedback on the actual temperature being applied. This feedback allows the control system to adjust the cooling output to maintain temperatures just above freezing at the skin interface, eliminating the need for spatial disposal while preventing freezing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cooling system dynamic by continuously adjusting the temperature output based on real-time skin temperature measurements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different positions and contact conditions, maintaining safe temperatures without requiring precise spatial disposal by the user.
4Temperature
If contact coolers are used, then cooling directness is improved, but laser operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas-based cooling medium as an intermediary between the cooling source and the skin. This gaseous cooling agent can be directed at the skin surface without requiring direct contact, allowing laser procedures to be performed while maintaining cooling effect. The gas acts as a mediator that provides cooling without interfering with laser operation.
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
The system provides precise, low-noise, and low-vibration dermal cooling, maintaining temperatures just above freezing to prevent cellular damage, allowing for efficient and safe dermatological procedures while minimizing interference with laser treatments.
Implementation Method 1
thermoelectric coolers and flow tunnels with microtubes, which actively monitor and adjust cooling
Implementation Method 2
flow tunnels with microtubes
Implementation Method 3
monitoring a condition relating to the airflow of the gaseous medium flowing through the flow tunnels; and reducing the level of active cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of providing a temperature controlled gaseous medium for dermatological applications is described. The gaseous medium may be cooled and applied to an area such as a skin area to provide an analgesic effect thereon. The system and method also include an automated defrost cycle for minimizing the effects of decreased hydraulic diameter due to freezing.