Ultrasound Transducer Array Cooling for Deep Tissue Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasound treatments for skin rejuvenation often cause thermal damage to the epidermis and dermis layers, and there is a need for precise control over thermal effects at different tissue depths to achieve desired cosmetic outcomes without damaging the skin surface.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasound applicator with an array of transducers and a cooling module that emits unfocused ultrasound energy, using thin coatings and thermal insulation to minimize surface heating, while selectively targeting deeper tissue layers for thermal damage, and employing frequency and power control to manage heating and cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high intensity focused ultrasound energy is emitted to thermally damage deeper tissue layers, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but thermal damage to the epidermis and dermis surface occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidthermal damage to surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasound applicator is divided into multiple independent transducer elements (e.g., 7-13 elements) that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions: central elements for therapeutic heating at depth, and peripheral elements for surface cooling, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving deep tissue thermal damage and protecting the surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different transducer elements are assigned different functions based on their spatial location. Central elements emit high-intensity ultrasound for deep tissue thermal damage, while peripheral elements emit low-intensity ultrasound or are coupled with cooling mechanisms for surface temperature control. This local differentiation of function allows simultaneous achievement of deep heating and surface protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If ultrasound transducers with thick coatings are used, then electrical insulation and mechanical protection are improved, but heat transfer to the tissue is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coating thickness parameter is precisely controlled to be in the range of 1-10 micrometers, which is thin enough to allow efficient heat transfer to the tissue while still providing adequate electrical insulation and mechanical protection. This optimization of the thickness parameter resolves the contradiction between insulation requirements and heat transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 applicator effectively produces controlled thermal damage in the dermis layer while maintaining the epidermis temperature below 40°C, reducing thermal damage to the skin surface and achieving cosmetic effects such as collagen and elastin generation.

Implementation Method 1

a piezo element comprising top and bottom electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

each of the transducers comprising a coating thin enough so as not to substantially affect heat transfer via the coating to the tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a cooling module configured to apply cooling via the transducers to prevent overheating of a surface of the tissue volume being contacted by the transducers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

The cooling module comprises one or more of: a coolant and a pump configured for circulating the coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 5

the transducers configured to emit unfocused ultrasound energy suitable to thermally damage at least a portion of the tissue volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic heating: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12551731B2Ultrasound transducer and system

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 SOFWAVE MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

Some embodiments of the invention relate to an applicator for applying ultrasound energy to a tissue volume, comprising: an array comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducers, the transducers arranged side by side, the transducers configured to emit unfocused ultrasound energy suitable to thermally damage at least a portion of the tissue volume, each of the transducers comprising a coating thin enough so as not to substantially affect heat transfer via the coating to the tissue; anda cooling module configured to apply cooling via the transducers to prevent overheating of a surface of the tissue volume being contacted by the transducers.