Skin care device using electrical stimulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable skin care device using electrical stimulation, which can easily come into contact with a body part having a relatively narrow contact site, such as a face, and having a plurality of curved surfaces, and which can adjust the depth of stimulation, and in the present embodiment, the device is a device for applying electrical stimulation to the skin of a user, and comprises: a head, contacting with the skin of the user; and an electrode part comprising a first electrode formed in the front center region of the head part and a second electrode formed along the edge region of the head part at a predetermined interval from the first electrode so as to surround the first electrode, the electrode part including a first electrode formed in the front center region of the head part, and a second electrode formed along the edge region of the head part at a predetermined interval from the first electrode. Wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are provided with more than one area with different interval widths.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a portable skin care device, and more specifically, to a portable skin care device that utilizes electrical stimulation. This device can easily reach body parts with relatively narrow contact areas and many curves, such as the face, and can adjust the depth of stimulation, thereby enhancing the beauty or massage effect. Background Technology

[0002] As we age, our skin loses elasticity, becomes loose, and develops wrinkles. When exposed to ultraviolet rays for extended periods, the stratum corneum thickens, the skin loses its transparency, blood circulation decreases, and the supply of moisture and nutrients to the skin becomes impaired.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, skin care or massage methods have been employed, such as applying nourishing creams or other functional substances to the skin to provide nutrients, or applying physical stimulation to the skin to improve blood circulation.

[0004] In recent years, it has been known that applying high-frequency electrical stimulation to the skin can promote the absorption of creams and other substances applied to the skin and generate deep heat within the skin to promote blood circulation. Therefore, various types of high-frequency electrical stimulators have been introduced.

[0005] Electrical stimulators that utilize electrical energy can be broadly categorized into two types based on the configuration of their electrodes. For example, high-frequency stimulation methods suitable for electrical stimulators are divided into monopolar and bipolar methods. The monopolar method involves contacting one electrode with the skin and cooperating with a grounded electrode, allowing electrical energy to flow back throughout the body. The bipolar method involves contacting two electrodes with the skin, allowing electrical energy applied to one electrode to flow back to the other electrode arranged side by side.

[0006] Monopolar methods offer the advantage of deep penetration by applying current from a single positive electrode in contact with the target area to other parts of the body; however, they are not suitable for delicate, localized, or sensitive skin areas. In contrast, bipolar methods prevent energy backflow outside the area between the two electrodes, thus avoiding impact on tissues outside the treatment site and preventing unnecessary tissue damage. This makes them effective for sensitive and thin skin.

[0007] As described in various papers, bipolar electrostimulators generate different electric field ranges depending on the spacing between the two electrodes, thus affecting the depth of energy transmission. Furthermore, electrostimulators utilizing this principle, which adjust the penetration depth by varying the spacing between invasive or non-invasive electrodes, have been described in several patent documents.

[0008] Figures 1 to 3A diagram illustrating various electrode structures and corresponding electrical energy flow in an electrical stimulator according to the prior art.

[0009] Figure 1 In the electrical stimulator 10 shown, three pairs of electrodes A-A', B-B', and C-C' are arranged side-by-side opposite each other. Figure 1 In its electrode structure, when all three pairs of electrodes work simultaneously, electrical energy penetrates within three stages, offering a wide range of applications. However, when applied to facial areas with thinner skin, it may cause unnecessary or excessive irritation. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 In the electrode structure, when selectively activating one pair of electrodes out of three pairs, the sequential arrangement of the electrodes makes it impossible to achieve the desired depth of electrical energy penetration in narrow areas of skin. Furthermore, achieving complete contact between the two electrodes in areas with many curves, such as the face, is also difficult. This difficulty is even more pronounced when achieving the deepest electrical energy penetration in a portion of skin consisting of a narrow area.

[0010] Figure 2 In the electrical stimulator 20 shown, two ring electrodes B and C are arranged radially around the disc-shaped electrode A. Figure 2 In the electrode structure, in order to apply electrical stimulation to the skin, the central electrode A must be in contact with the skin. This electrode structure is similar to... Figure 1 Compared to other electrode structures, this is relatively more suitable for use on narrower areas of skin. However, in Figure 2 In order to transmit stimulation to a deeper penetration depth, the electrode structure needs to ensure a sufficient contact area commensurate with the size of the electrode head. Even for stimulation at a shallower penetration depth, the area of ​​the BC region of the electrode will limit its use, thus limiting its application in areas with many curves, such as the face.

[0011] Figure 3 In the illustrated electrical stimulator 30, two ring electrodes A-A' and B-B' are separated in the central portion and arranged opposite to each other. Figure 3 In the electrode structure, an electric field is only formed in the regions C and C' where the electrodes are opposite each other. The electrical stimulation is very shallow, which has the disadvantage of not being able to achieve effective stimulation.

[0012] Generally speaking, home-use portable beauty devices or massagers that utilize high-frequency electrical stimulation should be effective in areas with many curves or extremely narrow contact areas, such as the face, and users should be able to adjust the stimulation intensity to the appropriate degree for areas that do not require stimulation.

[0013] However, conventional bipolar high-frequency electrical stimulators with the aforementioned electrode structure cannot be considered effective for use on the face, which has thin skin and various curved surfaces within a narrow area, and the user cannot arbitrarily adjust the stimulation intensity.

[0014] Existing technical documents

[0015] Patent documents

[0016] Patent Document 1: KR10-2023-0019432A

[0017] Patent Document 2: KR10-2022-0155220A

[0018] Patent Document 3: KR10-1503081B1

[0019] Patent Document 4: KR10-2022-0119220A

[0020] Patent Document 5: US8948838B2

[0021] Patent Document 6: JP4102031B2

[0022] Non-patent literature

[0023] Non-patent literature 1: Elman M, Vider I, Harth Y, Gottfried V, Shemer A. Non-invasive therapy of wrinkles and lax skin using a novel multisource phase-controlled radio frequency system. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2010 Apr;12(2):81-6.doi: 10.3109 / 14764171003706133. PMID: 20331345

[0024] Non-patent literature 2: Royo de la Torre J, Moreno-Moraga J, Munoz E, CornejoNavarro P. Multisource, Phase-controlled Radiofrequency for Treatment of SkinLaxity: Correlation Between Clinical and In-vivo Confocal Microscopy Results and Real-Time Thermal Changes. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011 Jan;4(1):28-35.PMID: 21278896; PMCID: PMC3030214 Summary of the Invention

[0025] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a portable skin care device that can be effectively used on areas with many curves or extremely narrow contact areas, such as the face.

[0026] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a portable skin care device that allows the user to adjust the intensity of stimulation to the desired degree for areas where stimulation is not required.

[0027] In one embodiment of the problem described above, a device for applying electrical stimulation to a user's skin includes: a head that contacts the user's skin, and an electrode portion consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is formed in the central front region of the head, and the second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode at a predetermined interval and formed along the edge region of the head to surround the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode have one or more regions with different spacing widths.

[0028] In another embodiment to address the aforementioned issues, a device for applying electrical stimulation to a user's skin includes: a head that contacts the user's skin, and an electrode portion consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is formed in the central front region of the head, and the second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode at a predetermined interval and formed along the edge region of the head to surround the first electrode. The front of the head that contacts the skin has a circular structure and has at least one corner.

[0029] Furthermore, the second electrode can be formed to include the front edge and side edge regions of the head.

[0030] Furthermore, the corner can be formed to have an interior angle of 150° or less.

[0031] Furthermore, the front of the head that comes into contact with the skin can form a polygonal structure.

[0032] According to the present invention configured as described above, since electrodes are also formed on the side portion of the head and it has one or more corner portions, it can be effectively used in areas with many curved surfaces or narrow contact areas, such as the face.

[0033] Furthermore, in this invention, electrical energy can penetrate to different depths depending on the position of the electrodes. Users can adjust the stimulation by rotating or tilting the electrostimulator to apply the stimulation to the appropriate depth required by the user, thereby significantly improving ease of use. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 To illustrate an example of the electrode structure of an electrical stimulator according to the prior art, and a diagram of the electrical energy flow,

[0035] Figure 2 To illustrate another example of the electrode structure of an electrical stimulator according to the prior art, and a diagram of the electrical energy flow,

[0036] Figure 3 To illustrate yet another example of the electrode structure of an electrical stimulator according to the prior art, and a diagram of the electrical energy flow,

[0037] Figure 4 To illustrate a perspective view of a skin care device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0038] Figure 5 To show Figure 4 A diagram showing the head electrode structure of the skin care device.

[0039] Figure 6 To show Figure 4 The diagram shows the electrical energy flow of the skin care device.

[0040] Figure 7 The figures illustrate various examples of the head of a skin care device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention and the technical problems achieved by implementing the present invention will become more apparent from the preferred embodiments described below. The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The differences in the embodiments described below should be understood as not mutually exclusive. That is, without departing from the technical concept and scope of the present invention, the specific shapes, structures and characteristics described may be implemented in one embodiment in combination with other embodiments, and it should be understood that the position or configuration of individual constituent elements in each disclosed embodiment may be changed. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar functions in multiple aspects, and length, area and thickness, etc. and their shapes may be exaggerated for ease of explanation.

[0043] Figure 4 To illustrate a perspective view of a skin care device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 To show Figure 4 A diagram showing the head electrode structure of the skin care device. Figure 6 To show Figure 4 The diagram shows the electrical energy flow of the skin care device. Figure 7 The figures illustrate various examples of the head of a skin care device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the skin care device applies electrical stimulation to the epidermis or deep layers of the skin for purposes such as beauty or massage. Figure 4 As shown, the device includes a handle 100 for a user to hold, a head 200 at one end of the handle 100, and an electrode 300 at the front of the head 200. Furthermore, although not shown, various components for driving the skin care device are provided within the interior spaces of the handle 100 and the head 200.

[0045] The handle 100 is constructed from a housing with a predetermined diameter and length, allowing the user to easily grip it and providing space inside for mounting drive components. Furthermore, one side of the handle 100 may have an operation button 110 for user operation and a display panel 120 for displaying drive information for the skin care device.

[0046] The head 200, which is designed to contact the user's skin, is located at one end of the handle portion 100. The head 200 can be formed integrally with the handle portion 100, or it can be a separate housing attached to the handle portion 100. The head 200 allows the electrode portion 300 formed on its surface to contact the skin. The front of the head 200 can have a circular structure; the specific configuration of the head 200 will be explained later.

[0047] An electrode portion 300 is formed on the surface of the head 200. When in contact with the skin, it generates deep heat within the skin through a high-frequency electrical signal transmitted from a driving element. The electrode portion 300 can apply various types of electrical signals, such as medium-frequency, low-frequency, or microcurrent, as needed. The electrode portion 300 includes a first electrode 310 and a second electrode 320.

[0048] The skin care device according to the present invention is a bipolar device. If the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 are in contact with the skin, the electrical energy applied to either the first electrode 310 or the second electrode 320 flows back to the other electrode, thereby applying electrical stimulation to the skin.

[0049] The first electrode 310 is formed in the central front region of the head 200, and the second electrode 320 is spaced apart from the first electrode 310 by a predetermined interval and formed along the periphery of the first electrode 310. Therefore, the first electrode 310 can form a circular structure or a ring structure, and the second electrode 320 forms a ring structure.

[0050] Furthermore, a second electrode 320 is formed along the edge region of the head 200, and is formed in the edge region including the front and side edges of the head 200. Specifically, the second electrode 320 consists of a second electrode 321 and a second electrode 322, with the second electrode 321 formed in the front region of the front edge of the head 200, and the second electrode 322 formed along the side edge in the side region. Therefore, the skin care device can apply electrical stimulation to the skin in contact with the side of the head 200, thereby enabling the application of electrical stimulation to curved or angular areas of the face.

[0051] The electrode portion 300 generates deep heat within the skin between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320. The depth of this deep heat generation varies depending on the spacing between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320. With this in mind, the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 in this embodiment include regions with different spacing.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the gap w1 between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 on one side, the gap w2 between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 at another location, and the gap w3 between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 at yet another location can have different widths (w3>w2>w1). Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown, in the region w1 where the electrodes are spaced more narrowly, electrical energy penetrates to a shallower depth D inside the skin S, while in the relatively wider region w3, electrical energy penetrates to a deeper depth D' inside the skin S.

[0053] With this electrode configuration, the user can selectively apply deeper or shallower stimulation by rotating or tilting the stimulator to choose the contact position of the head 200 (electrode 300) while holding the skin care device. Furthermore, during use, occasional stinging may occur due to the electrical stimulation penetrating deeper areas; the user can choose an electrode 300 with a narrower spacing between electrodes to prevent unnecessary stimulation such as stinging.

[0054] Refer again Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The head 200 has a circular structure at its front and at least one corner 210. That is, while forming a circular structure, the head 200 also has a relatively sharp corner 210 with a predetermined inner angle on one side, thus forming an overall teardrop shape. Generally, a circular head is suitable for curved areas of skin, while a triangular or quadrilateral head has the advantage of being able to efficiently apply electrical stimulation to narrow areas such as corners or depressions of the skin. Therefore, the head 200 with the aforementioned corner 210 can be effectively used in areas with many curved surfaces, corners, or depressions, such as the face.

[0055] Specifically, the corner 210 allows the electrode portion 300 to easily contact the skin even in areas with many curves, such as the face. In the human face, the area where the nasal ala connects to the facial surface is curved and connected at a predetermined angle, forming a relatively narrow area around the nostrils or eyes. The corner 210 allows the electrode portion 300 to fit snugly against the facial surface without lifting off. That is, the user uses the corner 210 as the tip to contact the electrode portion 300 with the curved or narrow areas of the face, thereby effectively applying electrical stimulation to these areas. At this time, the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 can be formed at the corner 210 with the widest possible spacing.

[0056] The corner portion 210 may have an interior angle α of a predetermined size, preferably 150° or less. That is, the corner portion 210 is formed such that the interior angle does not exceed 150°.

[0057] On the other hand, when the head 200 forms a circular structure, it can be like... Figure 5 The corner 210 is formed separately as shown, but it can also be formed as shown in the figure. Figure 7 As shown, the head 200 is formed into a polygonal structure such as a triangle or a quadrilateral, thereby forming a corner. In this case, the three or four vertices of the head 200 form a corner 210, and the gap between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 320 can be made wider at the corner 210 (w2>w1).

[0058] In the detailed description of the present invention above, specific embodiments have been described. However, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The technical concept of the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, but should be determined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0060] 100: handle part

[0061] 200: Head

[0062] 210: Corner

[0063] 300: Electrode section

[0064] 310: First electrode

[0065] 320: Second electrode

Claims

1. A skin care device utilizing electrical stimulation, the device applying electrical stimulation to a user's skin, comprising: The head, which comes into contact with the user's skin; as well as The electrode portion comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is formed in the central front region of the head, and the second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode at a predetermined interval and formed along the edge region of the head to surround the first electrode; wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode have one or more regions with different spacing widths.

2. The skin care device utilizing electrical stimulation according to claim 1, wherein, The second electrode is formed to include the front edge and side edge regions of the head.

3. The skin care device utilizing electrical stimulation according to claim 2, wherein, The front of the head that comes into contact with the skin forms a polygonal structure.

4. A skin care device utilizing electrical stimulation, the device applying electrical stimulation to a user's skin, comprising: The head, which comes into contact with the user's skin; as well as The electrode portion comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is formed in the central front region of the head, and the second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode at a predetermined interval and formed along the edge region of the head to surround the first electrode; wherein, The front of the head that contacts the skin has a circular structure and has at least one corner.

5. The skin care device utilizing electrical stimulation according to claim 4, wherein, The second electrode is formed to include the front edge and side edge regions of the head.

6. The skin care device utilizing electrical stimulation according to claim 4, wherein, The corner is formed with an interior angle of less than 150°.

7. The skin care device utilizing electrical stimulation according to claim 4, wherein, The front of the head that comes into contact with the skin forms a polygonal structure.

Images