Devices used to stimulate hair growth

Abstract

This invention relates to a device (100, 200) for stimulating hair growth, having at least one electrode (101) for electrically stimulating the skin, wherein a control device (102) connected to said at least one electrode (101) releases electrical pulses. According to the invention, the control device (102) continuously changes the electrical stimulation based on a detected state of hair loss or a detected state of hair growth, and / or executes a preset stimulation program (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) for electrically stimulating the skin based on the detected state of hair loss. Here, the electrode (101) is equipped with a large number of pin-shaped or peak-and-valley-shaped spikes with rounded tips, which pass through existing hair and do not penetrate the skin, but rather press against the skin. The invention can be implemented as a hat, cap, T-shirt, shirt, pullover, jacket, trousers, ribbon, or scarf.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for stimulating hair growth, having at least one electrode for electrically stimulating the skin, wherein a control device connected to said at least one electrode releases electrical pulses. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that electrical stimulation of the scalp in the early stages of hair loss can encourage hair follicles to grow new hair. To stimulate the scalp, electrodes are placed on it. An electric current flows through the electrodes and then through the scalp. Currently, this method is not suitable for treatment plans because electrical stimulation sometimes needs to be performed for several hours each day to achieve the desired effect.

[0003] Korean Patent KR 100671943B1 discloses a cap containing electrodes to stimulate hair growth. This cap is similar to a shower cap and is not suitable for everyday use by people, for example, in their professional lives.

[0004] US patent application US 2010 / 0217369A1 teaches a helmet-shaped device containing control devices and electrodes for stimulating the scalp.

[0005] Finally, international patent application WO 01 / 02051A1 teaches a magnetic device inside a baseball cap that stimulates hair growth.

[0006] All the devices mentioned above share the following drawbacks: electrical stimulation must be tailored to the specific hair loss condition. In cases of circular alopecia, stimulation should ideally be applied only to the site of hair loss. Therefore, constant electrode adjustments are necessary. Consequently, cap- or helmet-type hair growth stimulation devices can only be worn in one location. With prolonged wear, compliance—the willingness of the person to wear the device at the intended location on their head or to be unable to wear it due to pressure points—decreases. It may also stimulate hair loss, especially in transitional areas from growth to thinning to baldness. To target these areas effectively, the stimulation device also needs to automatically locate them.

[0007] To achieve electrical stimulation of hair follicles, existing technologies propose that electrical pulses be delivered to the skin via needle-like electrodes. The needles used for this purpose are extremely fine, like acupuncture needles, so that they are virtually painless when inserted into the upper layers of the skin. However, in practice, inserting the electrodes requires overcoming a significant amount of potential pain. The insertion of needles or electrodes into the skin further reduces compliance. Furthermore, the needles inserted into the skin are in a fixed position. For example, when the device used to stimulate the skin is worn on the user's head all day like a cap, it is impossible to continuously adjust the electrical stimulation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a device for stimulating hair growth with improved wearing comfort, which also enables the stimulation to be automatically adapted to the local hair condition.

[0009] The objective of the invention is achieved by connecting a control device to at least one detector device capable of detecting the current degree of hair loss or hair growth, wherein the control device executes a preset stimulation program to electrically stimulate the skin based on the detected hair loss state. Other advantageous embodiments of the device for stimulating hair growth according to the invention are given in the dependent claims of claim 1.

[0010] Therefore, according to the concept of the present invention, a control and detection device is provided, which can continuously measure and detect the actual hair loss state or the actual hair growth state. The control device executes a stimulation program based on the detected hair loss state or the detected hair growth state. Here, the control and detection device may include a temperature sensor, a positioning sensor for detecting the position of the device on the scalp, a contact and / or proximity sensor for detecting whether the device is in appropriate contact with the skin, and a conductivity sensor for detecting changes in the conductivity of the scalp and adjusting the treatment program accordingly. If the device detects, for example, a so-called receding hairline hair loss state, an electrical stimulation pulse is preferably applied to the area in which the electrodes are located. A particular advantage of continuously measuring the hair loss state or hair growth state is that the device adapts to the current position of the stimulation device on the head or the affected body part. Therefore, if the wearer and user react to wearing comfort (e.g., due to a feeling of pressure or itching of the scalp or skin at the wearing location) and reflexively move the device, then the device may move.

[0011] For reliable detection, thin-film electrodes can be used, enabling planar detection. Alternatively, a control device can be connected to a large number of detector devices, each covering a predetermined area of ​​the scalp or affected skin. In this case, the detector devices can detect localized hair loss or localized hair growth states via impedance measurement. Because hair acts as both an electrical insulator and a spacer between the electrodes and the skin, it functions as a dielectric between the conductive skin and the electrodes.

[0012] To transmit electrical stimulation, long spikes with rounded tips can be placed on the electrodes, passing through existing hair but pressing against the scalp without penetrating the skin. The rounded tips on the epidermis are non-invasive electrodes.

[0013] Humidity and sweat significantly affect the conductivity of hair. Therefore, in an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the control device may also be connected to a humidity sensor, which determines the conductivity of the skin, wherein the control device modifies a preset stimulation protocol based on the detected humidity. Thus, it is possible to reduce the voltage level used to stimulate the skin when a sweaty head or skin is detected, so as not to disturb the user with unpleasant or even painful electrical pulses.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the device for stimulating hair growth according to the invention, the control device may also be connected to a device for wireless data transmission, such as a Bluetooth® module or a WLAN module, through which the current state of the control device can be read. Therefore, it is possible to make the control device intelligent, thereby enabling the stimulation program to respond to the user's wearing habits. This intelligence can come from a program in a remote computer or a mobile phone with sufficient computing power. Furthermore, data can be remotely transmitted to the treating physician who controls and monitors the hair regrowth treatment. Not only can data from the device for stimulating hair growth according to the invention be transmitted externally, but the characteristics of the control device can also be controlled externally via data streams directed from the outside. Therefore, the control device may also be connected to a device for wireless transmission, such as a Bluetooth® module or a WLAN module, through which the current state of the control device can be changed. The change in state can be an adjustment of the activated electrodes, i.e., an external adjustment of the parameters used to identify the areas requiring stimulation, or an adjustment of the predetermined stimulation program.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device, it can be specified that the device is constructed in the form of a cap or hood, wherein at least one electrode and at least one detector device are disposed inside the cap or hood. In this case, the cap liner or hood liner itself provides the location for the electrode and the location for the at least one detector device.

[0016] For particularly problem-free and multi-purpose uses, it has proven advantageous to stipulate that a rechargeable battery for power supply be installed inside the hat or cap. This eliminates the wearer's reliance on a power supply device and, if necessary, a cable connecting to a portable power source. For charging the battery, the hat or cap may be provided with a power cable, or a coil for inductive charging of the battery may be present within the hat or cap. Devices in the form of hats or caps used to stimulate hair growth can be inductively charged on a storage device similar to a wig holder.

[0017] To stimulate hair growth, the control device can be configured to perform skin stimulation with pulses of 1V to 160V, 1nC to 1μC, and 1Hz to 100Hz. Therefore, short pulses with a voltage between 1V and 160V are directed at the skin. Here, within one pulse, a charge between 1nC and 1μC is discharged on the skin at a frequency between 1Hz and 100Hz. It goes without saying that the electrical stimulation of the skin is performed in a manner that prevents the user from experiencing an electric shock. When stimulation is performed with a 160V pulse, the charge is so small, for example, a few nC, that even with a higher voltage, no electric shock is felt. At lower voltages in the range of a few volts, the charge can be significantly increased. Generally, high voltage or large current per unit area is suitable for electrical stimulation. When the pulse is quite short, defining it as a current is inappropriate because the cross-section on the skin is significantly widened and there are different contacts of the electrodes, which can be point contacts or surface contacts. To improve the effectiveness of electrical stimulation, it has proven advantageous to specify that the electrical pulses of the control device begin with the electrical depolarization of the skin and immediately follow with the polarization of the skin. The stimulating effect of electrical pulses on the skin is enhanced through brief depolarization followed by polarization. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will be described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 A first variation of the device for electrically stimulating the scalp according to the invention is shown, the device being in the form of a cap with a power cable;

[0020] Figure 2 A second variation of the device for electrically stimulating the scalp according to the invention is shown, the device being in the form of a cap with a battery and a means for wireless data transmission;

[0021] Figure 3 Shown from the perspective of looking into the lining of the cap Figure 1 The equipment;

[0022] Figure 4 Shown from the perspective of looking into the lining of the cap Figure 2 The equipment;

[0023] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 The stimulation electrodes of the device;

[0024] Figure 6 Show Figure 2 The stimulation electrodes of the device;

[0025] Figure 7 Showing has for Figure 1 A second variant of the stimulation electrode at the contact tip of the device;

[0026] Figure 8 Showing has for Figure 2 A second variant of the stimulation electrode at the contact tip of the device;

[0027] Figure 9 Showing has for Figure 1 or Figure 2 The third variant of the stimulation electrode at the contact tip of the device;

[0028] Figure 10 A view showing a typical stage of hair loss in a man;

[0029] Figure 11 A sketch is shown to illustrate how the stimulation electrodes are located in the liner of the cap and in contact with the scalp.

[0030] Figure 12 A sketch is shown to illustrate how the detector is located inside the cap liner and in contact with the scalp;

[0031] Figure 13 A compilation of exemplary electrical stimulation patterns is shown;

[0032] Figure 14 A sketch is shown illustrating how the device is stored on a rack with a contactless charging device.

[0033] 1. A device (100, 200) for stimulating hair growth, having at least one electrode (101) for electrically stimulating the skin, wherein a control device (102) connected to the at least one electrode (101) releases electrical pulses, characterized in that the control device (102) is connected to at least one detector device (103) capable of detecting the degree of current hair loss or hair growth, wherein the control device (102) continuously changes the electrical stimulation according to the detected hair loss or hair growth state, and / or executes a preset stimulation program (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) for electrically stimulating the skin according to the detected hair loss state, wherein the at least one electrode (101) is equipped with a large number of long pins, pins or arranged in a peak-valley pattern with rounded tips, which pass through the existing hair and do not penetrate the skin, but press against the skin.

[0034] 2. The device according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the control device (102) is connected to a plurality of detector devices (103), wherein each individual detector device (103) covers a predetermined area of ​​the skin.

[0035] 3. The device according to embodiment 1 or 2 is characterized in that the control device (102) is also connected to a humidity sensor (104), through which the conductivity of the skin can be determined, wherein the control device (102) changes a preset stimulation scheme (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) according to the detected humidity.

[0036] 4. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, characterized in that the control device (102) is also connected to a device (105) for wireless transmission, such as a Bluetooth® module or a WLAN module, through which the current status of the control device (102) can be read.

[0037] 5. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, characterized in that the control device (102) is also connected to a device (105) for wireless transmission, such as a Bluetooth® module or a WLAN module, through which the state of the control device (102) can be changed.

[0038] 6. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the device (100, 200) is constructed in the form of a cap or a hat, wherein the at least one electrode (101) and the at least one detector device (103) are disposed inside the cap or hat.

[0039] 7. The device according to embodiment 6, characterized in that a storage battery (110) for power supply is provided inside the hat or cap.

[0040] 8. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, characterized in that the cap or hood has a power cable (111) for charging the battery (110), or a coil (112) for inductive charging of the battery (110) is present in the cap or hood.

[0041] 9. The device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, characterized in that the control device (102) performs stimulation of the skin with the following electrical parameters: 1V to 160V, 1nC to 1μC, and 1Hz to 100Hz pulses.

[0042] 10. The device according to embodiment 9, characterized in that the electrical pulse of the control device (102) begins with the electrical depolarization of the skin and then immediately proceeds to the polarization of the skin. Detailed Implementation

[0043] exist Figure 1The diagram illustrates a first variant of a device 100 for electrical stimulation of the scalp according to the invention, which takes the form of a cap K with a power supply cable 111. The power supply cable 111 can be connected to a portable power source, such as one carried in an inner pocket of a jacket. In this case, the power supply consists of commercially available rechargeable batteries, which are available as “portable power sources” for mobile phones. This device is suitable for long-duration stimulation programs with relatively high power consumption.

[0044] And in Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a second variant 200 of the device for electrically stimulating the scalp according to the invention, which takes the form of a cap K with a battery 110 and a device 105 for wireless data transmission. Integrated with the device 105 for wireless data transmission is a control device 102, which can execute different programs for scalp stimulation. The control device 102 can use data from at least one detector device 103 for detecting the state of hair loss to select a program. Data from the control device 102 is passed to the device 105 for wireless data transmission and can be forwarded from there to a mobile phone M for evaluation. Alternatively, the control device 102 may use the mobile phone M to adjust functional parameters.

[0045] exist Figure 3 The view from the inside of the cap shows Figure 1 A sketch of the device. Electrode 101 can be seen in this bottom view; it is configured as a thin-film electrode and occupies approximately the entire area of ​​the cap liner. In this case, long spikes with rounded tips (not shown) are present on the thin-film electrode; these spikes penetrate existing hair and press against the scalp with their rounded tips. Here, the spikes do not penetrate the scalp, thus creating a non-invasive electrode with numerous contact points.

[0046] exist Figure 4 The view from the inside of the cap shows Figure 2 A sketch of the device. Electrode 101, configured here as a thin-film electrode with spikes and occupying approximately the entire area of ​​the cap's liner, is also visible in this bottom view. These spikes have rounded tips serving as contact points for transmitting electrical stimulation to the scalp. In this view, battery 110 and integrated control unit 102 are also generally visible in the forehead area of ​​the cap.

[0047] Figure 1 The stimulation electrode 101 of the device in Figure 5Shown separately. It can be clearly seen that in this embodiment, the thin-film electrode with a long spike having a rounded tip is constructed in a concave shape, thus adapting to the approximately elliptical shape of the head. Due to the concave shape, the distance between the electrode 101, constructed as a thin-film electrode, and the local epidermis of the head is always approximately the same. In this embodiment of the device for stimulating hair growth, the electrode 101 is directly connected to the power cable 111. However, in… Figure 6 The image shows a counterpart without an external power cable. This electrode is located in... Figure 2 It is connected to the storage battery 110 and the control device 102.

[0048] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 The middle shows Figure 5 and Figure 6 An alternative configuration is a thin-film electrode 101 with long pins having rounded tips. These electrodes 101 are constructed as individual pins and penetrate the hair directly to the scalp, thus creating direct contact with the scalp epidermis. These pins also do not penetrate the scalp, forming a non-invasive scalp electrode. Because the contact resistance is thus reduced, stimulation pulses with lower voltages can be used. Figure 7 In the middle, each electrode 101, constructed as a pin electrode, is connected to the power supply cable 111. In the view on the right... Figure 8 The same electrodes 101 are shown, which are not connected to the power supply cable 111, but rather these electrodes 101 are connected to... Figure 2 The battery 110 and the control device 102 are connected.

[0049] exist Figure 9 The diagram shows a third variation of the stimulation electrode 101, which has a rather unique electrode arrangement. The electrodes 101 are arranged in a peak-valley shape. A detector device 103 is located on the inclined surface of the electrodes 101, which determines the density of hairs H located between them by impedance measurement. A control device 102 adjusts the electrodes 101 according to the measured hair density. The arrangement of the electrodes 101 can be as follows... Figure 9 The electrodes are configured as shown in the diagram, forming a surrounding structure. However, the detector device 103 can also be mounted on... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The side of the pin of electrode 101 shown in the figure.

[0050] exist Figure 10The matrix illustrates typical stages of hair loss. Depending on the individual's constitution, hair loss progresses through stages from left to right. Starting with a full head of hair on the left (shaded area), those affected experience either a receding hairline (first row) or circular hair loss (second row), where the circle always enlarges. Here, the progressive stages of hair loss differ for some in that a circular tuft of hair remains in the upper forehead area (third row). Another variation of the hair loss stages is shown in the fourth row. In these stages, the so-called "receding hairline" increases until baldness develops, progressing to a full-blown bald patch throughout the process. Identifying the different stages of hair loss and applying stimulation only to the affected scalp area is the key to the effectiveness of the devices provided here for stimulating hair growth.

[0051] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 The figure shows that electrode 101 ( Figure 11 How are the detector unit 103 and the detector device 103 stacked directly on top of each other in layers? Viewed from above, Figure 11 The various sketches show a view toward the liner of a cap, which has visible thin-film electrodes with long spikes having rounded tips as contact points (see reference). Figure 4 In the middle diagram, the cap is tilted forward, and the sun visor is off the paper. To show the thin-film electrode in this position, the cap is obscured in the middle diagram, so the thin-film electrode is visible from one side of the liner located on the cap K. In this position, the concave thin-film electrode (see reference) Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) or the concave arrangement of each electrode (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Place it on the affected skin of the head. Figure 12 The diagram shows a detector device 103, which is directly connected to a thin-film electrode or a device of individual electrodes. The detector device 103 has multiple flat coils, which can be used to detect the state of hair loss at typical locations on the head via local impedance measurement. In this configuration, the detectors are located on the left and right sides of the fontanelle. However, it is also possible that the electrodes are distributed in different ways to detect typical stages of hair loss.

[0052] exist Figure 13Different electrical stimulation modes, exemplified by schemes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, are shown. For example, short pulses with frequencies from 1 Hz to 4 Hz can be used to stimulate the scalp. To enhance the stimulation effect, depolarization can be performed first, as in exemplary schemes P1 and P2. After depolarization, polarization is performed using a single pulse as in scheme P1 or a double pulse sequence as in scheme P2. Exemplary scheme P3 includes a slightly faster pulse sequence with uniform pulses without prior depolarization. Pulses can also appear in the form of pulse groups, as in exemplary scheme P4. An exemplary scheme P5 shows a pulse sequence with approximately 25 Hz. Another pulse sequence with low-voltage pulses is also shown in scheme P6, where pulses with higher voltages are inserted at a frequency of approximately 1 Hz. Generally, the pulse frequency can be between 1 Hz and 100 Hz, and different depolarization / polarization modes are shown here.

[0053] Finally, Figure 14 The diagram shows a bracket for a device 100 used to stimulate hair growth, reminiscent of a wig bracket. A coil 112 is placed in the upper surface of the bracket S and is connected to a power cable V. This coil 112 enables wireless charging of the battery 110 of the device for stimulating hair growth. Here, the Qi protocol, also used in mobile phones, can be used as the charging protocol.

[0054] The invention presented herein, if implemented as a hat or cap, is suitable for non-invasive electrical stimulation of hair growth; and if implemented as another form of clothing, it is also suitable for non-invasive electrical stimulation of hair growth in other body parts, such as chest or back hair growth, armpit hair growth, and pubic hair growth, or for stimulating beard growth. For this purpose, the device can be constructed as a wearable device in the form of so-called "wearable" clothing, such as outerwear, vests, T-shirts, shirts, pullovers, jackets, trousers, sweatpants, elastic bandages, such as bandages for supporting back muscles, or as scarves or beard bandages.

[0055] 100 devices for stimulation, K caps

[0056] 101 Electrode M Mobile Phone

[0057] 102 Control Device P1 Scheme

[0058] 103 Detector Device P2 Scheme

[0059] 104 Humidity Sensor P3 Solution

[0060] 105 Device P4 for Wireless Data Transmission

[0061] P5 Plan

[0062] 110 battery P6 solution

[0063] 111 power supply cable S bracket

[0064] 112 coil V power supply cable

[0065] 200 devices for stimulation

Claims

1. Devices for stimulating hair growth (100, 200), with... At least one electrode (101) for electrically stimulating the skin, wherein... The control device (102) connected to the at least one electrode (101) releases an electrical pulse. Its features are, The control device (102) is connected to at least one detector device (103) which can detect the degree of current hair loss or the degree of hair growth. The electrical stimulation is continuously varied based on the detected hair loss status or detected hair growth status, and / or Based on the detected hair loss status, a pre-set stimulation protocol (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) is executed to electrically stimulate the skin. The at least one electrode (101) is equipped with a large number of long pins, dowels or arranged in a peak-valley pattern with rounded tips, which pass through the existing hair and do not penetrate the skin, but are pressed on the skin. The control device (102) is also connected to a humidity sensor (104) through which the conductivity of the skin can be determined. The control device (102) changes a preset stimulation program (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) according to the detected humidity. When the detected humidity is high, the level of electrical stimulation is reduced.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device (102) is connected to a number of detector devices (103), each of which covers a predetermined area of ​​the skin.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detector device (103) includes a temperature sensor, a positioning sensor, a contact and / or proximity sensor, and a conductivity sensor.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detector device (103) includes a temperature sensor, a positioning sensor, a contact and / or proximity sensor, and a conductivity sensor.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device (102) is also connected to a device (105) for wireless transmission, through which the current status of the control device (102) can be read.

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control device (102) is also connected to a device (105) for wireless transmission, through which the current status of the control device (102) can be read.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device (102) is also connected to a device (105) for wireless transmission, through which the state of the control device (102) can be changed.

8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control device (102) is also connected to a device (105) for wireless transmission, through which the state of the control device (102) can be changed.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device (100, 200) is constructed in the form of a cap or a hat, wherein at least one electrode (101) and at least one detector device (103) are disposed inside the cap or hat.

10. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The device (100, 200) is constructed in the form of a cap or a hat, wherein at least one electrode (101) and at least one detector device (103) are disposed inside the cap or hat.

11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, A battery (110) for power supply is installed inside the hat or cap.

12. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that, A battery (110) for power supply is installed inside the hat or cap.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The cap or hat has a power cable (111) for charging the battery (110), or A coil (112) for inductive charging of a storage battery (110) is present in the hat or cap.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device (102) performs skin stimulation with the following electrical parameters: 1V to 160V, 1nC to 1μC, and 1Hz to 100Hz pulses.

15. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The control device (102) performs skin stimulation with the following electrical parameters: 1V to 160V, 1nC to 1μC, and 1Hz to 100Hz pulses.

16. The device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The electrical pulses of the control device (102) begin with the electrical depolarization of the skin and then immediately proceed with the polarization of the skin.

17. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The device (105) for wireless transmission is a Bluetooth® module or a WLAN module.

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