Skin treatment device and method of operating the same

Abstract

Aspects of the invention relate to a skin treatment device, preferably an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal apparatus, for generating high intensity broadband light pulses. The skin treatment device comprises, in one aspect, a cooling device housed within a main body, the cooling device comprising a heat sink configured to cool a solid material; and a primary gas flow path through at least a portion of the main body, the heat sink being located in the primary gas flow path, and a secondary gas flow path through at least a portion of the main body, the light source being located in the secondary gas flow path, the device further comprising a gas driving device for driving a flow of gas through the primary and secondary gas flow paths.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a skin treatment device, preferably an intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal device, for generating high-intensity broadband light pulses. Background Technology

[0002] Light pulses are typically generated by discharging electrical energy stored in an energy storage device through a xenon flash lamp, outputting light energy in pulse form. The light from the lamp is filtered to remove potentially harmful wavelengths in the ultraviolet and blue light regions. The light is then directed to the skin treatment area. In IPL treatment, the light energy intensity and pulse duration are optimized to safely target and heat the hair follicles, thereby killing them.

[0003] A typical skin treatment device includes a handheld housing that is connected to a power supply unit (PSU) via a cable. Energy pulses originate from a light source, travel along a light transmission path, and are delivered to the user's skin through a transmission window on the housing.

[0004] It is known that the skin contact heads of some skin treatment devices are interchangeable or replaceable. There are several reasons for this, such as: By providing output windows of different sizes, it can meet the needs of treating larger or smaller skin areas, such as treatment areas that are easier or more difficult to operate on (such as legs and lips). Different filters are used to allow light energy of different spectral ranges to pass through and act on the skin; It provides different skin-sensing capabilities. For example, in some cases, the following requirements exist: Skin tone sensing to ensure appropriate energy is delivered to a specific user's skin tone; and / or Multi-point skin contact sensing ensures that the device only emits energy pulses when properly oriented; It meets the output requirements of different energy density ranges.

[0005] Therefore, multiple interchangeable headers can be provided to achieve the functions required by the user.

[0006] Furthermore, in skin treatment devices that deliver energy to the skin, it is highly desirable for the device to have a skin cooling function. This function helps improve treatment safety and reduces the possibility of skin burns.

[0007] One way to achieve a cooling effect is to use a cooling system with an actively cooled glass or sapphire block at the front of the device through which light energy is transmitted. This block is cooled below skin temperature, producing a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. Therefore, a suitable cooling system typically includes: Skin contact cooling elements – sapphire blocks or metal plates; Peltier thermoelectric cooling elements; Heat sink / heat fin is used to dissipate heat from Peltier elements; A fan is a device used to force airflow through a heat dissipation element and expel heat.

[0008] Interchangeable heads can be used as add-ons with skin treatment devices featuring integrated cooling systems. For example, this allows for output window sizes of varying sizes. The head connects to the front or leading edge of the device, effectively extending its length. The head is thus covered with a cooled metal plate or sapphire block, maintaining a certain distance between it and the skin. Therefore, the device can operate in two different modes: head-attached mode and head-removed mode. When the head is attached, the cooling effect is minimal or even zero due to the distance between the metal plate or sapphire block and the skin. When the head is removed, the metal plate or sapphire block directly contacts the skin, allowing for direct cooling.

[0009] Various aspects of this invention are intended to provide improvements to skin treatment devices, or at least to provide a beneficial alternative. Certain aspects aim to address the problems of devices employing skin cooling and detachable head functions, or to provide beneficial alternatives. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The contents of this disclosure are set forth in the appended independent and dependent claims. The combinations of features in the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims where appropriate, and are not limited to the combinations expressly listed in the claims.

[0011] First aspect According to one aspect of this disclosure, a skin treatment device for delivering light energy to the skin of a subject is provided, the skin treatment device comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A light source housed within the main body is used to emit light energy through the transmission window along the light energy emission path; A solid material disposed in the light emission path allows light energy to be transmitted from the light source through the solid material. A cooling device housed within the main body, the cooling device comprising a heat sink configured to cool the solid material; The skin treatment device further includes a main airflow path passing through at least a portion of the main body, with the heat sink located in the main airflow path, and a secondary airflow path passing through at least a portion of the main body, with the light source located in the secondary airflow path. The device also includes a gas driving device for driving airflow through the main airflow path and the secondary airflow path.

[0012] Gas-driven devices may include fans or blowers. Radiators may also be called heat sinks.

[0013] The temperature of solid materials rises due to the heat generated by the light source (through thermal conduction, convection, and absorption by direct radiation). Therefore, the higher the light source power (energy per flash / flash interval), the more heat the light source generates, and consequently, the more heat is input into the solid material. Consequently, the higher the cooling power and effectiveness of the solid material cooling device, the higher the power that can be applied to the light source while keeping the solid material below its effective or safe temperature. Therefore, the first aspect provides improved cooling capacity, increasing the usable power of the light source while ensuring device safety, thereby enhancing device availability (speeding up operation).

[0014] The main airflow path can extend between the air inlet and air outlet of the main body.

[0015] The secondary airflow path can branch off from the main airflow path at a midpoint between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0016] The secondary airflow path can branch off from the main airflow path after the radiator.

[0017] The secondary airflow path can rejoin the main airflow path before the air outlet.

[0018] The light source can be placed inside the chamber, which can be located in the secondary airflow path.

[0019] The secondary airflow path can be located at least partially between the solid material and the light source.

[0020] The chamber is defined by a chamber wall, a portion of which comprises a solid material or is directly physically connected to a solid material. The rear surface of the solid material may include a coating (such as a dichroic filter), which may form part of the chamber wall. This means that at least a portion of the secondary airflow path lies between the solid material and the light source, thus partially isolating the light source from the solid material. Another portion of the chamber wall is defined by a reflector used to reflect light energy back to the solid material. The light reflector effectively defines a portion of the light guide path.

[0021] A labyrinth region may be provided downstream of the chamber to limit the transmission of light energy from the chamber. This labyrinth region may be specifically designed to further limit the reflection and propagation of light by reducing its cross-sectional area and / or by incorporating multiple directional changes in the secondary airflow path.

[0022] The cooling device may include a thermoelectric cooling system (TEC). The cooling device may also include a Peltier element that is in physical contact with the solid material and the heat sink.

[0023] A thermal pad can be placed between the Peltier element and the solid material. The thermal pad helps improve the thermal connection between the Peltier element and the solid material. The cooling device may also include a heat pipe extending between the Peltier element and the heat sink.

[0024] Solid materials may include bulk materials. Solid materials may include sapphire blocks.

[0025] The solid material may have a skin contact surface that comes into contact with the skin during operation. The solid material is translucent.

[0026] The fan unit can be located downstream of the radiator, meaning that the fan unit draws air in through the air inlet and then the airflow passes through the radiator.

[0027] The device may include a reflector for reflecting light emitted by a light source onto a solid material. The light source may be positioned in front of the reflector. The reflector is preferably curved, with the light source located inside the curved surface of the reflector. The cross-section of the reflector may be parabolic.

[0028] A second radiator can be installed in the main airflow path, and this radiator is connected to the light reflector. Thus, the main airflow flowing through the main airflow path carries away a large amount of heat energy from the reflector through the radiator.

[0029] The average cross-sectional area of ​​the main airflow path is larger than that of the secondary airflow path. This helps ensure that the airflow velocity in the main airflow path is fast enough to optimize the cooling effect of the radiator, and in turn optimize the device power by cooling solid materials (as described above), such as by increasing the pulse repetition frequency. The configuration of the main airflow path helps to achieve faster airflow velocities, which can be achieved by adjusting the cross-sectional area and / or reducing resistance to the airflow (e.g., by introducing perturbations into the airflow path).

[0030] The skin treatment device may include a control system for controlling the delivery of light energy pulses from a light source; the control system is at least partially disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB); the light source is mounted on the PCB via a mounting bracket; the skin treatment device also includes a third airflow path passing through at least a portion of the body, the mounting bracket being located in the secondary airflow path, and a fan device further driving airflow through the third airflow path.

[0031] The third airflow path can branch off from the main airflow path (preferably downstream of the fan device) and can rejoin the main airflow path.

[0032] The solid material may have a front surface defining the skin contact area and a rear surface facing the light source, with a dichroic filter coating directly disposed on the rear surface. The arrangement of the secondary airflow path allows the solid material to be cooled, thus eliminating the need for thermal isolation between the wavelength filter (a glass plate with a dichroic coating) and the solid material.

[0033] Second aspect Many skin treatment devices (such as IPL devices) use a flash lamp as a light source, generating pulses of light energy by discharging a capacitor onto the light source. These devices employ a charging control system to charge the capacitor, which is designed to convert a relatively low voltage (from mains power or a battery) to the higher voltage required by the main capacitor (typically in the range of 250V to 450V).

[0034] The charging circuit design in known charging control systems is relatively simple, with only two states: on and off. When the capacitor reaches the required voltage, the charger is off (no power supply); when the capacitor voltage is lower than the required voltage (e.g., after a flash), the charger is on to charge the capacitor. The "speed" (time) required for the charger to charge the main capacitor (from a given low voltage to a given high voltage) is a fixed constant, determined by the design itself. This also means that the charger's "power" is constant (average value) within a charging cycle. The charging speed of the charging control system meets the requirement of the shortest flash interval time.

[0035] However, typically, the flash interval of an IPL device increases with rising equipment temperature. That is, the initial flash interval is shorter when the device is at a low temperature; as the device temperature rises, the flash interval is lengthened to reduce the heat generation rate and allow more cooling time. To achieve a longer flash interval, a pause is usually introduced after the main capacitor has finished charging.

[0036] In addition to the electrical energy consumed by the charger to charge the main capacitor, the IPL device also requires electrical energy to operate other systems, including: Microprocessors, sensors, user interfaces, etc.; Cooling fan; Peltier (TEC) module for contact cooling systems (optional).

[0037] The limited output power of the power supply leads to large variations in power consumption, with sudden peaks and troughs, which in turn cause various problems related to heating effects and component stress.

[0038] Therefore, the present invention proposes an improvement scheme.

[0039] A skin treatment device for delivering light energy pulses to the skin of a subject, comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A light source housed within the main body is used to release light energy through the transmission window; A capacitor that discharges onto the light source; A charging control system for controlling the charging of the capacitor; The charging control system charges the capacitor at a corresponding charging speed based on the operating state of the device. This means that different charging speeds (the time required to charge from a given first voltage to a given second voltage) can be utilized. The instantaneous power consumed by the charging system can be increased or decreased.

[0040] This offers significant advantages. Power drawn from mains or battery power is better managed, with less power fluctuation and lower peak values. This balances out heating effects and reduces peak stress and other issues associated with high power consumption.

[0041] The operation of the device can depend on its internal operating parameters. For example, multiple consecutive pulses of light energy may cause the device temperature to rise, requiring an increase in fan speed. In this case, the charging rate can be reduced to provide more power for the increased fan speed. Alternatively, if the device offers additional therapeutic functions or effects (such as skin cooling or other energy emission modes, such as radio frequency or LED light), the input energy from the power supply can be partially or completely prioritized for functions requiring energy input, rather than charging the capacitor. Furthermore, if the user may require different effects (such as enhanced skin cooling) and selects them via corresponding user input, the charging control system charges the capacitor at a lower charging rate to divert power for the cooling effect.

[0042] The charging speed of the capacitor is thus adaptively optimized to match the operating state of the device.

[0043] The charging control system can select a charging speed from multiple different charging speeds to charge the capacitor based on the operating status of the device.

[0044] The device may include one or more sensors (such as a temperature sensor), and the charging control system may select the charging rate for the capacitor based on sensor inputs from the one or more sensors. The charging rate is thus controlled based on the device operating status sensed by the sensors.

[0045] The device may include a user input device for users to select operating parameters, and the control system may select the charging speed of the capacitor based on the selected input.

[0046] This input can be used to select personalized parameters. For example, if the user requires additional cooling, the charging speed of the capacitor can be reduced while the power supply to the cooling system can be increased. The charging speed is thus adaptively optimized to match the desired operating conditions.

[0047] The device can also be further configured as follows: The light source emits light energy outward from the main body along the light emission path; the device further includes: A solid material disposed in the light emission path, through which light energy from the light source is transmitted, the solid material defining a first skin contact surface for contact with the subject's skin; A cooling device housed within the main body and configured to cool the solid material; A head configured to be mountable and detachable from the body, the head including a rear end removably mounted to the body and extending to a front end including a second skin contact surface, the head defining a light emission path extension from the first contact surface to the second contact surface; The device can operate in a first configuration where the head is detached from the body and in a second configuration where the head is attached to the body. In the second configuration, the first skin contact surface is spaced from the subject's skin, and light energy pulses pass simultaneously through the solid material of the first light guide element and the light emission path extension. In the first configuration, the charging control system is configured to control the charging of the capacitor at a first speed. In the second configuration, the charging control system is configured to control the charging of the capacitor at a second speed different from the first speed.

[0048] The second speed can be greater than the first speed. Therefore, without a head, the optical output power is relatively low, meaning a longer interval between light pulses. Furthermore, the cooling system requires additional power to maintain the cooling effect on the solid material (and skin). Therefore, the capacitor charging speed can be reduced, and more power can be supplied to the cooling system. With a head attached, the solid material is kept at a distance from the skin, reducing the importance of maintaining a low temperature, allowing for higher optical power, while the cooling system's power supply is relatively lower. Therefore, with a head attached, the flash frequency can be maximized.

[0049] The cooling system may include a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system, preferably a Peltier element and a heat sink. The Peltier element may be directly physically connected to a solid material. The cooling system is preferably the same as that described in other aspects of the invention.

[0050] The light emission path between the first skin contact surface and the second skin contact surface may include an air gap. The second skin contact surface may define an opening for an extension of the light emission path.

[0051] The charger's charging speed meets the requirement for the shortest flash interval.

[0052] Third aspect It is essential to limit the wavelength range of light emitted by devices that project light energy onto the skin to ensure that harmful wavelengths, such as those in the ultraviolet and blue light regions, do not come into contact with the skin. To this end, dichroic filters are used to confine the light wavelengths within a beneficial range and remove harmful wavelengths. These filters are typically made of glass, formed into a relatively thin sheet (i.e., less than 2 mm thick), with a dichroic coating applied to one side. The coated glass sheet is embedded in a slot or similar structure within the device body, spaced (e.g., approximately 0.5 mm) from a cooled solid block designed to provide cooling to the user during device operation.

[0053] Besides the need to achieve wavelength filtering, there are several other reasons for adopting this configuration. First, designing the front and back surfaces of the coated glass plate to be larger than the adjacent surfaces of the solid material increases the creepage distance between the high-voltage reflector surrounding the lamp tube and any electronic components in front of the glass plate. These components could be, for example, Peltier elements connected to the solid material, or contact sensors at the device's leading edge used to detect contact with the user's skin to allow the discharge of light pulses. Second, the coated glass plate isolates the solid material from the high-voltage components and air near the lamp tube.

[0054] There is an urgent need to improve the light transmission efficiency of existing devices because the glass plate and the air gap between it and the solid material reduce the transmission efficiency.

[0055] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a skin treatment device for delivering light energy to the skin of a subject is provided, comprising: main body; A light source housed within the main body is used to emit light energy through a transmission window along the light emission path; A solid material disposed in the light emission path, through which light energy from the light source is transmitted, the solid material being used to provide a cooling effect to the subject's skin, the solid material having a front surface defining the skin contact surface and a rear surface facing the light source; A dichroic light-filtering coating is directly provided on at least one of the skin contact surface and the rear surface.

[0056] The dichroic light-filtering coating is applied directly to the skin-contacting surface and / or the back surface, making direct contact with the corresponding surface. This coating is not a separate component from the solid material, but rather deposited onto the surface through a manufacturing process. The solid material is cooled during operation by a cooling device (such as a thermoelectric cooling system, TEC), thus applying a cooling effect to the user's skin. The coating, applied directly to the solid material, significantly improves light energy transmission efficiency (by more than 10%).

[0057] Dichroic filter coatings can be applied directly to the back surface, which helps protect the coating from damage and contamination. Furthermore, surface contaminants such as grease can affect coating performance.

[0058] The cutoff wavelength of the dichroic filter coating can be between 500 nm and 600 nm.

[0059] The solid material can be sapphire.

[0060] An anti-reflective coating may be applied to the front and / or rear surfaces of the solid material. The anti-reflective coating improves the transmittance of light energy into the solid material by reducing its refractive index. This anti-reflective coating may be applied to the same surface as a dichroic coating.

[0061] The skin treatment device may also include a cooling device housed within the body for cooling solid materials, the cooling device including a heat sink configured to cool the solid materials.

[0062] Cooling devices may include thermoelectric cooling (TEC) systems.

[0063] The cooling device may include a Peltier element for transferring heat energy from a solid material to a heat sink.

[0064] The device may include a reflector for reflecting light emitted by a light source onto a solid material. The light source is positioned in front of the reflector. The reflector is preferably curved, with the light source located inside the curved surface of the reflector. The cross-section of the reflector may be parabolic.

[0065] An electrical insulator can be provided between the Peltier element and the reflector and light source to electrically isolate the Peltier element from both the light source and the reflector. The electrical insulator can take various forms, such as encapsulating the Peltier element, providing an insulating seal, or extending the length of the thermal pad between the Peltier element and the solid material. Other conductive or electronic components should also be electrically isolated; for example, TEC includes one or more heat pipes for conducting heat away from the Peltier element, and these heat pipes, along with other nearby electronic components, should also be electrically isolated.

[0066] Fourth aspect Some known IPL skin treatment devices employ a solid material (such as a sapphire block) in the light energy transmission path from the light source to the user's skin. The sapphire block is typically cooled to below skin temperature by a TEC system, which includes Peltier elements mounted on the surface of the sapphire block. The heat generated by the Peltier elements is dissipated by a heat sink (sink), and airflow across the heat sink is generated by a fan inside the device. The fan draws in cool air from outside the device, which absorbs heat from the heat sink before expelling it from the device.

[0067] The Peltier element used in existing skin treatment devices employs "open-loop" control, meaning the Peltier element is powered by a fixed current / voltage source and remains energized during device operation. Therefore, the temperature of the sapphire block is uncontrolled.

[0068] If the device is not in flash mode (i.e., not emitting light pulses), the heat input to the sapphire block is relatively small, and the sapphire block temperature will continue to drop until an equilibrium is reached between the Peltier cooling power, heat conduction from the surrounding environment to the sapphire, and heat transfer from the Peltier to the heat-conducting elements and finally to the airflow. At this point, the temperature can drop as low as -5°C. Excessively low temperatures can cause condensation or even ice formation on the sapphire block surface, reducing light transmission efficiency. Furthermore, excessively low temperatures can also cause discomfort to the user.

[0069] If the device is in flash mode (i.e., emitting light pulses), the heat input to the sapphire block will increase significantly (from light absorption, heat conduction from the surrounding environment, and heat absorption by the skin). The temperature of the sapphire block will rise until the Peltier power, heat input, and heat dissipation to the airflow are once again balanced. In some cases, the temperature of the sapphire block may rise above skin temperature, at which point the sapphire block will no longer provide a cooling effect to the skin but will instead heat the skin. This can pose a potential hazard, especially when combined with the heat generated by the flash.

[0070] This aspect aims to address the aforementioned problems, or at least provide a beneficial alternative.

[0071] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a skin treatment device for delivering light energy to the skin of a subject is provided, comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A light source housed within the main body is used to emit light energy through the transmission window along the light energy emission path; A solid material disposed in the light energy emission path allows light energy from the light source to be transmitted through the solid material. A temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the solid material and output temperature information; A control system for controlling the operation of the device; The temperature sensor is in an operable communication state with the control system, enabling the control system to receive the temperature information and use it to control the operation of the device. The control system can provide light energy pulses at a pulse repetition frequency to control the delivery of light energy. The control system modifies the pulse repetition frequency based on the temperature information to control the operation of the device. For example, if the temperature of the solid material is too high, the flash frequency can be reduced or even stopped to reduce the heat input to the solid material, causing the temperature to stop rising or drop to an acceptable level. Once this level is reached, the flash frequency can be increased again.

[0072] The control system can control the delivery of light energy in the form of light pulses, and control the operation of the device by controlling the energy density of the light pulses based on the temperature information. For example, if the temperature of the solid material is too high, the energy density can be reduced to reduce the overall temperature rise of the skin. Alternatively, reducing the energy density at a fixed flash frequency can reduce the heat energy input to the solid material, thereby preventing the sapphire block from rising in temperature or cooling it down.

[0073] The device may include a cooling device housed within the main body, the cooling device including a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system for cooling solid materials, the TEC including a Peltier element connected to a heat sink, and the control system being configured to modify the power supplied to the Peltier element based on temperature information.

[0074] The device may also include a temperature sensor mounted on the TEC system for measuring the temperature of the Peltier element on the side opposite the solid material and outputting secondary temperature information, wherein the control system is configured to determine a temperature difference between temperature information including primary temperature information and the secondary temperature information, and control the operation of the device based on the temperature difference.

[0075] Being able to calculate or infer temperature difference values ​​has several advantages: First, it provides damage protection—Peltier elements have a maximum permissible temperature difference, exceeding which will damage the element; if the temperature difference across the Peltier is measured to be too large, the power supplied to the Peltier can be reduced or cut off.

[0076] Secondly, the coefficient of performance (COP) needs to be optimized. The COP of a Peltier is related to both the supply power and the temperature difference across the Peltier. Therefore, to optimize performance during operation, the supply power can be adjusted according to the temperature difference.

[0077] The control system can control the transmission of light energy in the form of light pulses, and the control system is also configured to prevent the emission of light pulses if the sensed temperature of the solid material exceeds a predetermined value.

[0078] The device can have a visual indication of the temperature of solid materials.

[0079] The temperature sensor can be an infrared (IR) temperature sensor.

[0080] The device can be equipped with clamps to hold the temperature sensor onto a solid material. This helps to apply pressure to the solid material through the sensor, ensuring a good thermal connection between the temperature sensor and the solid material.

[0081] Fifth aspect Many skin treatment devices, such as IPL devices that incorporate capacitors discharging on a flash lamp, employ an interchangeable head design. Different heads offer different functionalities to the user; for example, a head with a smaller output window is suitable for treating bony prominences or sensitive areas. Other adjustable features include different filters in different heads, allowing different wavelengths of light to pass through and act on the skin. In another example, the device may include a solid material with a cooling system that cools the solid material in the light emission path; the solid material has a skin contact surface that provides a cooling effect to the skin during treatment. Such devices may also be equipped with an additional head that, when installed, maintains a distance between the skin contact surface and the skin, allowing operation in this configuration.

[0082] Therefore, in any of the above examples, the device's output parameters must be adjusted depending on whether a head is mounted. Such parameters include, for example, pulse duration, energy density, and capacitor voltage. When a head is mounted, the device's control system queries the head for an identifier, then looks up the corresponding parameters in the control system's memory and operates the device accordingly. For example, when a head is mounted, because the device is considered for more sensitive body parts, and a smaller output window means that the energy density on skin of the same skin tone must be reduced, a lower energy density is required for a specific skin tone. For this purpose, the capacitor voltage can be reduced, or the capacitor's discharge on the flash unit can be terminated earlier.

[0083] Although the above setup means that the light emission parameters are adjusted according to the installed head, the present invention provides an improved solution, or at least a beneficial alternative.

[0084] According to this aspect, a skin treatment device for delivering light energy to the skin of a subject is provided, comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A light source housed within the main body is used to emit light pulses along the light emission path through the transmission window; A control system is used to adjust the light source by controlling the driving parameters of the light source, thereby controlling the transmission of light energy pulses and their parameters output from the light source; The device can operate in a first configuration in which a light energy pulse is emitted along the light energy emission path through the transmission window; A head configured to be mountable and detachable from the body, the head including a rear end removably mounted to the body and extending to a front end such that when the head is mounted to the body, the head defines an extension of a secondary transmission window extending from the light emission path to the front end; the head also includes a memory storing light source driving parameters for transmitting corresponding light energy pulse parameters. The device can operate in a second configuration in which the head is mounted on the body, wherein the control system is configured to recognize the operational engagement between the head and the body, and further read stored light source driving parameters, and apply the light source driving parameters to cause light energy pulses to be output from the light source via an extended light emission path and from the secondary transmission window.

[0085] The device is preferably configured to detect whether the head is attached to or detached from the housing.

[0086] Therefore, the head can be installed and used even before the control system stores its relevant operational information. After installation, the device control system can read the operational information stored on the head (i.e., the light source driving parameters corresponding to the expected effect of the light energy pulse for that specific head) and implement appropriate control for that specific head accordingly. Thus, novel heads with different operational requirements can be easily introduced without requiring specialized programming of the device.

[0087] Light source driving parameters may include one or more of the following: the duration of energy delivery to the light source (for controlling the duration of light pulses), the time interval between continuous energy deliveries to the light source (for controlling the light pulse frequency), and the amount of energy delivered to the light source per pulse. It is understood that the head can store a variety of potential driving parameters. The head can store one or more of the following: the expected energy density delivered to the skin for each skin tone and setting, the head treatment area, and an optical power output meter (depending on the handheld device temperature, used to calculate the flash frequency at a given energy density and capacitor charging voltage for each mode). The head can also store a head efficiency value, equal to the head output energy divided by the head input energy (due to energy losses within the head).

[0088] Other storable drive parameters include: energy per flash, treatable skin color, skin sensor operating parameters (skin color or skin contact), Peltier cooling parameters (such as on / off / power), and throttling parameters related to the flash rate at each measurement temperature.

[0089] The device may include a capacitor that discharges onto a light source (preferably a flash lamp) to deliver light energy pulses, and the light source driving information may include one or more capacitor voltage values.

[0090] The head may include one or more sensors for measuring skin characteristics. The head may be configured to determine whether to contact the skin based on the measured characteristics, and the head may be configured to transmit skin contact-related information to the control system, which is further configured to control the delivery of light pulses based on the received information. For example, the head includes electronic components configured to determine whether to contact the skin using the measured characteristics, and then send a signal to the control system to control the delivery of light pulses—preventing the emission of light pulses if no skin contact signal is sent. Alternatively, skin color measurement may be performed by one or more sensors, and corresponding light source driving parameters may be transmitted to the control system based on the skin color measurement results.

[0091] Sixth aspect IPL skin treatment devices typically use a flash lamp and a capacitor. The capacitor discharges through the flash lamp, causing it to emit light pulses. Successfully triggering the flash lamp to emit light pulses requires three voltages, as follows: a) The capacitor stores voltage used to provide flash energy. In home IPL devices, this voltage is typically around 300V to 400V, but may be lower under certain operating conditions (such as when lower skin energy density is required). The main capacitor is usually charged from mains power (or a battery) by an electronic charging circuit until it reaches the required voltage, at which point charging stops.

[0092] (b) The higher "boost voltage" applied at the moment of triggering helps to ionize the lamp. In household setups, a 30mm arc length quartz xenon flash typically requires approximately 800V. However, this voltage depends on the specific characteristics of the lamp. This high voltage is usually generated by electronically multiplying or tripling the voltage of the main capacitor.

[0093] c) A low-energy oscillating trigger voltage, typically around 8 kV, is applied externally to the flash unit to initiate ionization. This voltage is applied to the lamp reflector or sometimes wound around the trigger wire of the lamp. This voltage is usually also generated by boosting the voltage in the main capacitor via the "trigger coil".

[0094] A common problem with typical boost voltage and trigger voltage generation methods is that both rely on the voltage of the main capacitor. Under certain operating conditions (such as when lower energy density is required to provide power to the user's skin), the main capacitor must be charged to a lower voltage. If the main capacitor is charged to a lower voltage (e.g., 200V), the associated voltage will also drop significantly, potentially causing the lamp to fail to trigger.

[0095] This aspect of the invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, or at least provide a beneficial alternative.

[0096] According to this aspect, a method for delivering light energy pulses from an intense pulsed light (IPL) device is provided, the IPL device comprising: a body having a transmission window; a flash lamp housed within the body for emitting light energy pulses through the transmission window along a light energy emission path; a primary energy storage element that discharges on the flash lamp to generate light energy pulses; a secondary energy storage element that discharges on the flash lamp to ionize the flash lamp; and a charging circuit for charging the primary and secondary energy storage elements from a power source. The method includes the following steps: A) Charging the primary energy storage element and the secondary energy storage element from the power source; B) Disconnect the primary energy storage element from the power supply; C) Continuing to charge the secondary energy storage element even when the primary energy storage element is disconnected from the power supply; and D) Discharge the secondary energy storage element to ionize the flash lamp, causing the primary energy storage element to discharge on the flash lamp and generate light pulses. Thus, by disconnecting the primary energy storage element from the power supply after charging it to the required voltage, the secondary energy storage element can be charged independently to a higher required voltage without affecting the charging process of the primary energy storage element.

[0097] It should be understood that a single power source can be used to charge both the primary and secondary energy storage elements, thus allowing a single circuit to charge both.

[0098] Each of the primary energy storage element and (optional) secondary energy storage element (and optional tertiary energy storage element) includes a capacitor.

[0099] It should be understood that steps A through D of the method are performed sequentially.

[0100] The primary and secondary energy storage elements are charged to a first voltage. When the primary energy storage element is disconnected from the power supply, the secondary energy storage element is charged to a second voltage greater than the first voltage.

[0101] The primary energy storage element and the secondary energy storage element are charged simultaneously in step A.

[0102] It should be understood that the primary energy storage element discharges on the flash lamp when disconnected from the power supply.

[0103] The primary energy storage element can be charged by a switch in a closed charging circuit and disconnected from the power source by an open switch.

[0104] The switching device may include a first switch. The first switch may be configured to automatically open when the voltage across the capacitor reaches a predetermined voltage. Such a switch may be controlled by a charging controller to switch from an open state to a closed state; however, it may also be further configured to automatically open when current stops flowing through the switch (due to reaching the predetermined voltage).

[0105] Preferably, the method further includes a tertiary energy storage element for releasing a trigger voltage to the flash to initiate flash ionization; the charging circuit is also configured to charge the tertiary energy storage element from the power source; the method further includes: charging the tertiary energy storage element while the primary energy storage element is disconnected from the power source, and causing the tertiary energy storage element to discharge onto the flash to initiate flash ionization.

[0106] The three-stage energy storage element can discharge to the flash reflector (used to reflect the light emitted by the flash in the desired direction) or to the trigger wire wrapped around the lamp tube.

[0107] As mentioned above, a single circuit can be used to charge primary and secondary energy storage elements, and the same single circuit can also be used to charge tertiary energy storage elements.

[0108] While the capacitor is being charged to a predetermined voltage, the secondary energy storage device can also be charged to the predetermined voltage. This essentially means that a boost voltage is applied to the secondary energy storage device after it has been charged to the predetermined voltage.

[0109] A three-stage capacitor can discharge when the primary energy storage element is disconnected from the power supply.

[0110] In step C, the secondary energy storage device is charged to a higher voltage than that of the primary energy storage device.

[0111] The tertiary energy storage device is charged to a voltage higher than that of the tertiary energy storage device.

[0112] A boost circuit containing a secondary energy storage element and a trigger circuit containing a tertiary energy storage element for applying a trigger voltage to the flash lamp can be configured.

[0113] The method may also include repeating steps A through D.

[0114] According to another aspect, a high-intensity pulsed light (IPL) device is provided, comprising: A main body having a transmission window; a flash lamp housed within the main body for emitting light pulses through the transmission window along a light emission path; a primary energy storage element that discharges on the flash lamp to generate light pulses; a secondary energy storage element that discharges on the flash lamp to ionize the flash lamp; and a charging circuit that charges the primary and secondary energy storage elements from a power source. The device further includes a switching device configured to enable the charging circuit to charge the primary energy storage element and the secondary energy storage element from the power source; disconnect the primary energy storage element from the power source; and continue charging the secondary energy storage element while the primary energy storage element is disconnected from the power source.

[0115] General Instructions In either aspect, the skin treatment device shares common preferred features. The skin treatment device may include an intense pulsed light (IPL) device for removing unwanted hair. The skin treatment device includes a capacitor configured to discharge over a flash lamp (preferably a xenon flash lamp). A control system is configured to control the charging and discharging of the capacitor and to control the delivery of light energy pulses. The light energy pulses may be delivered at a pulse repetition frequency, which may be preset by the control system based on one or more sensor inputs and / or user input, or modified during operation. The energy density on the skin may also be controlled. Typical pulse repetition frequencies are between 3 Hz and 0.3 Hz. The typical energy density delivered to the skin per pulse is 2 J / cm². 2 Up to 7 J / cm 2 The exact amount depends on various factors such as skin color and pulse repetition frequency.

[0116] The solid material may be a sapphire block. A cooling system for cooling the solid material may include a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system. The device may include a head configured to be mounted and detachable from the body, the head including a rear end detachably mounted to the body and extending to a front end including a second skin contact surface, the head defining an extension of the light emission path. The device can operate in a first configuration where the head is detached from the body and in a second configuration where the head is mounted to the body. The control system is configured to control the delivery of multiple light energy pulses and the optical power output, and further control the adjustment of the optical power output depending on whether the head is mounted to the housing; wherein the optical power output is defined as the light output energy emitted by the device in each pulse divided by the time interval between consecutive pulses. The optical power output when the head is mounted to the body is greater than the optical power output when the head is not mounted. Attached Figure Description

[0117] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals correspond to like elements: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the form of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in two different operable configurations—a detachable head mounted on the device body (…). Figure 1a ) and disassembly from the main body of the device ( Figure 1b ); Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating two different operable configurations according to one embodiment of the present disclosure—a detachable head mounted on the device body ( Figure 2a ) and disassembly from the main body of the device ( Figure 2b ); Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which some components are omitted to more clearly illustrate the cooling system; Figure 3b A cooling system separately shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figures 4a to 4d This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which particularly illustrates different airflow paths inside the apparatus; Figures 5a to 5c This is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a partial schematic plan view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 This is a front view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the front main body in perspective to reveal internal components; Figures 9a to 9c This is a partial schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a charging circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a charging circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a charging circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0118] The embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0119] Reference Figure 1a A schematic perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown. The IPL device 2 is shown, comprising a housing / body 4 configured to be held in the user's hand. The device can be connected to an AC power source via a cable or has a built-in rechargeable battery, and further includes a user-operated trigger (in the form of a button 8) for triggering operation, thereby discharging a capacitor (not shown) onto a light source (not shown) (in the form of a flashlight) to output a light energy dose.

[0120] The housing has an air outlet / vent 10 for exhausting hot air. It can be seen that the head 12 is mounted on the housing 4 at the front end 11. The head includes a rear end 14a configured for mounting and detaching relative to the housing 4, and a front end 14b defining a (second) skin contact surface 16; the skin contact surface 16 surrounds an output window 18 in the form of a peripheral frame through which light energy pulses are transmitted. A portion of this frame is defined by opposing first and second shoulders 17, which are rotatably mounted relative to the head to allow displacement on the user's skin to accommodate different body geometries, reduce stray light escape, and improve usability. The output window 18 is an opening to the head 12, specifically an opening to a light guide element 20, typically a channel formed of aluminum channel walls, for guiding light energy pulses through the output window 18 and illuminating the user's skin. This channel may include a through-hole extending from the front end 14b to the rear end 14a throughout the entire head. One or more sensors are provided on the skin contact surface 16 to detect the contact status of the user's skin, and their output signals are transmitted to the control system to control the operation of the device 2. When the head 12 is mounted on the housing 4, the device operates without the front end of the main body 4 directly contacting the user's skin, but rather the skin is contacted by the periphery of the head frame.

[0121] Reference Figure 1b The head 12 is detached from the body 4 (also referred to as the housing 4). Therefore, the device 2 can be in a first operable configuration without the head 12 attached. The front end of the housing 4 is shaped to receive the head 12 and includes a further light guide element 24 comprising a solid material 26 having a first skin contact surface 28. During operation, the first skin contact surface 28 of the material 26 contacts the skin and provides a cooling effect as further described in subsequent figures.

[0122] Referring to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the front end of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown, demonstrating that the head 12 communicates with the outer casing 4. Figure 2a ) and head 12 is removed from outer casing 4 ( Figure 2bThe device includes a charge storage device in the form of a capacitor (not shown), and a control system 32 for controlling the operation of the device, including controlling the discharge of the capacitor on the flash lamp 34. A fan device 36 is also provided for guiding cooling air through the flash lamp 34 and exhausting it through an air outlet / vent 10. A dominant light element extends between the flash lamp 34 and the first skin contact surface 28. This dominant light element comprises a solid material 26, which typically comprises glass or sapphire; a filter 38 is provided at the trailing edge of the solid material 26, which may be a coating directly applied to the material 26, for filtering out most of the harmful ultraviolet and blue light wavelengths in the inherent emitted light of the flash lamp 34. Another coating material may include an anti-reflective material to facilitate the penetration of light energy into the solid material 26. The dominant light element includes a channel 39 defined by a light-reflecting wall, within which the solid material 26 is located, close to the wall, meaning that light pulses must be transmitted through the solid material.

[0123] In the first operable configuration where the head 12 is detached from the housing 4, the solid material 26 heats up due to transmission losses and heat conduction each time the flash lamp 34 emits an energy pulse. If the material 26 is not cooled, it may heat up to temperatures that cause pain or injury to the skin. Therefore, the device 2 also includes a cooling device for cooling the material 26, in the form of a thermoelectric cooling system (TEC), which includes a thermoelectric cooler such as a Peltier 40, a heat pipe 42, and a heat sink / fin 44. A fan 36 drives airflow across the heat sink 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan is located downstream of the heat sink, i.e., the fan draws air in from an air inlet 46 and allows it to flow across the heat sink 44. The air inlet 46 is located on the housing, allowing cooling air to flow across the heat sink 44. A significant advantage of using the solid material 26 is that it can be cooled to below normal skin temperature, allowing the skin contact surface 28 of the material 26 to cool the skin, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive treatment areas such as the armpits and bikini area.

[0124] The rear end 14a of the head 12 is mounted to the front edge portion of the housing 4 via a connector 50. In the illustrative embodiment, the connector 50 extends outward from the rear end 14a of the head 12 and is inserted into a corresponding opening at the front end of the housing 4. The engagement of the connector 50 with the housing connects the head 12 to the housing 4. Additional or alternative connections, such as mechanical or magnetic connection mechanisms, may be provided to achieve engagement. Electronic components present in the head 12 (described below) are connected to the control system via the connector 50, and the head 12 is mounted within the housing via the connector 50.

[0125] The device can detect whether the head is mounted on and / or detached from the main body, and adjust its operating mode accordingly. This can be achieved, for example, through sensor output or by detecting the electrical connections of the head's built-in electronic components. Operating parameters are typically power; the control system allows the output power when the head is mounted to be higher than the optical power output when the head is detached. In the first configuration with the head detached, an example optical power value of 6W is used. To generate this power, the optical power output can be 18J with a flash interval of 3 seconds, where 18J corresponds to 3 cm⁻¹. 2 6 J / cm² under treatment area 2 The TEC operates at appropriate power to control the temperature of the solid material 26 within a range that allows the skin-contact surface 28 to have a cooling effect on the skin. In the second operating configuration, where the head is mounted on the housing, a relatively high optical power can be output, for example, 20W, which can be generated by 18J and a 0.9-second flash interval, where 18J also corresponds to a 3 cm flash. 2 6 J / cm² under treatment area 2 In this second operating configuration, due to the gap between the first skin contact surface 28 and the skin, the TEC can be turned off or operated at lower power (relative to optical power).

[0126] When head 12 is mounted on body 4, as described above, the operation control of the device changes. This means that one or more parameters for supplying energy to the light source are modified, such as the energy supply value, energy supply timing, and energy supply discharge waveform (e.g., whether modulation is performed from the capacitor). Advantageously, the head has a memory for storing light source drive parameter information associated with that specific head. After mounting on the body, the device's control system can operate the device to supply an energy distribution suitable for the mounted head. Therefore, after mounting the head, the supply distribution can increase the pulse repetition frequency. Furthermore, the head contains one or more sensors, and the processor within the head determines, using known methods such as lookup tables, whether the capacitive touch sensor is in sufficient contact with the user's skin to allow the emission of energy pulses, and then outputs a signal to the control system indicating whether the device can emit energy pulses. In addition, the head processor can receive input signals from the skin color sensor within the head and determine the appropriate skin energy density required for that skin color. The head can then also output signals to the control system to ensure that appropriate energy is supplied from the capacitor to the light source to achieve the desired effect. Signals can be sent from the head to the control system at a frequency suitable for maintaining the main functions of the sensors; for example, the skin color sensor signal can be sent at least once per flash cycle, and the skin contact signal can be sent at least once every 100 milliseconds.

[0127] Further reference Figure 2a and Figure 2bIt also includes a charging control system. This system is configured to adjust the charging rate of the capacitors based on specific factors relevant to the device's operation. These operational features can be automated (e.g., during head installation or removal, or when sensors detect specific predetermined inputs (e.g., exceeding a predetermined temperature)) or triggered when the user selects to modify the treatment plan (e.g., selecting multiple different functions). For example, the device can simultaneously output light pulses from the strobe and other energy types (e.g., radio frequency) to provide alternative functions.

[0128] Taking mains power input as an example, the total usable power during normal device operation is 75W. This power must be allocated among the necessary power consumption components: initially, it is mainly used to charge the capacitors, while some power is used to power the cooling system, sensors (such as skin contact and skin color sensors), fans, processors, etc. In the illustrative embodiment, depending on whether head 12 is installed ( Figure 2a ) or disassemble ( Figure 2b This refers to the adjustment of charging speed. This means that when the device is in cooling mode (head not attached, solid material in contact with skin and cooling), the optical power is relatively low, and the charging power can be reduced (normally), thus providing more power to the Peltier. When the device is in non-cooling mode (head attached, solid material separated from skin), the charging power can be increased to maximize the flash frequency, and the Peltier's power supply can be reduced. Overall, the advantage is better management of power drawn from mains (or battery): less fluctuation, lower peak values, thus balancing the heating effect, reducing peak stress on components, and other problems caused by high peak power consumption. It should be noted that whenever optical power output is mentioned, the term is defined as the light output energy emitted by the device per pulse divided by the time interval between consecutive pulses. Therefore, the optical power output when the head is attached to the body is greater than the optical power output when the head is not attached.

[0129] Back Figure 2a The head 12 defines a head-skin contact surface 16 that is in close contact with the skin during use. A portion of the light guide element is defined between the first skin contact surface 28 and the second skin contact surface 16. The secondary light guide element includes a channel or path defined by a reflective wall 52 for guiding light energy pulses. This channel is an air gap, and the secondary light guide element can also be referred to as a light tube. A typical light guide element includes a channel defined by an aluminum reflective wall, within which there is no solid medium in contact with the skin. The second skin contact surface is the peripheral edge of the front end of the head 12.

[0130] Reference Figure 2a and Figure 2bA flash unit 34 is disposed within a chamber 54, the front end of which is defined by a dichroic filter 56 coated on the rear surface (i.e., the side facing the light source) of a solid material 26. The chamber is also defined by a reflector 58, which forms the first part of a light-guiding element, directing light energy toward the filter 56 and the solid material 26. The reflector 58 is parabolic in shape to maximize the forward reflection of light energy to the front end of the device and onto the user's skin. When the head 12 is not attached, as... Figure 2b As shown, the solid material further constitutes another part of the light guide tube, thereby forming the first skin contact surface 28.

[0131] The TEC system has been briefly described above. Figure 3a and Figure 3b A more detailed demonstration is provided. The TEC system can take various forms, with heat input elements (such as hot plate 41) in thermal contact with the hot side of Peltier element 40 (typically coated with thermal grease to reduce thermal resistance). Heat transfer element 42 is used to transfer heat to heat sink 44, which can also be referred to as a radiator. Heat transfer element 42 should have good thermal conductivity and may include: High thermal conductivity solid materials such as aluminum or copper; One or more heat pipes 42 — components that use pipes filled with phase change liquid to transfer heat; Steam chamber—similar to heat pipe, but made of sheet metal.

[0132] In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 3, the heat transfer element is a heat pipe, the flat area of ​​which is connected to a hot plate 41 and then extends and connects to a heat sink 44 to transfer heat to the flowing airflow.

[0133] Reference Figure 4a In this illustrative embodiment, the airflow path within the device body 4 is shown more clearly. The main airflow path 60 (indicated by arrow 60) first passes from the air inlet 46 through the heat exchanger 44 of the thermoelectric cooling system. In this illustrative embodiment, the fan assembly 36 is located downstream of the heat exchanger 44, so it draws in air through the air inlet 46 and through the heat exchanger 44. It should be understood that this order can be reversed depending on the desired device configuration. The main airflow path then extends to the air outlet 10, passing through the heat sink 62 located behind the reflector 58; the heat sink 62 is designed to conduct heat generated when the flash emits light energy from the flash and the solid material 26, with the flash located between the solid material and the heat sink 62.

[0134] The main airflow path 60 is designed as a high-bypass system, meaning that most of the airflow generated by the fan assembly 36 flows relatively unimpeded within the main body, thereby maximizing the airflow rate. Therefore, while the heat exchanger heats the airflow, it also impedes the airflow, but the airflow velocity remains high, and the airflow temperature increase is not significant. The airflow downstream of the heat exchanger further assists in cooling the heat sink 62. The heat sink 62 has a relatively small number of fins to minimize airflow resistance. The airflow is then exhausted from the outlet / vent 10. The airflow path is located between one side of the main body and the opposite side.

[0135] A secondary airflow path 66 (indicated by arrow 66) is also provided, branching off from the main airflow path. In the illustrated embodiment, the branching point is after the fan assembly 36. The secondary airflow path extends through an inlet into the chamber 54 housing the flash lamp 34, then exits from the outlet of chamber 54, following a labyrinthine path (to prevent light energy escape), and merges with the main airflow path before the outlet 10. Providing a secondary airflow path within the chamber (where the flash lamp is located) improves the cooling capacity of the flash lamp, enabling the device to operate at a higher pulse repetition frequency without overheating, thus enhancing usability while ensuring safety.

[0136] from Figure 4a As can be seen, the secondary airflow path passes through chamber 54, and the chamber wall of chamber 54 is physically connected to the solid material 26. The filter membrane 56 is located in contact with the secondary airflow path, but the thickness of this type of filter membrane is extremely small, so heat is conducted away from the rear surface of the solid material. This airflow helps to provide thermal insulation between the heat generated by the flash pulses and the solid material.

[0137] As described above, the secondary airflow path 66 also includes a labyrinth path region 68 to prevent light energy leakage from the main body, and the secondary airflow path 66 is preferably painted black to reduce internal reflection. The secondary airflow path then merges with the main airflow path before the outlet 10; due to the airflow restriction in the labyrinth region, the airflow velocity in the secondary airflow path is lower than that in the main airflow path. Therefore, when the two airflows merge, the airflow in the secondary airflow path is carried away by the airflow in the main airflow path through the Bernoulli effect.

[0138] Reference Figure 4b The main body 4 has been removed to reveal the internal fan assembly 36, lamp tube 34, and air duct assembly. Vent 10 and the main PCB 31 (including the control system 32) are visible. A bracket 69 connecting the lamp tube to the PCB 31 is also shown. A small amount of airflow passes through the device, branching from the main airflow path 60, flowing past the lamp tube bracket, and then rejoining the main flow of the main airflow path 60. This airflow path is the third airflow path 73 within the device. The airflow exits through the vents 10 on both sides, as indicated by arrow 75. For further explanation, Figure 4c and Figure 4dAdditional cross-sectional views are provided. Figure 4c The cross-sectional plan view shows the flow of the third airflow path 73 from the bifurcation point of the fan unit through the lamp holder 69; Figure 4d Another cross-sectional view is shown, illustrating the third airflow path 73 flowing from the bottom to the top of the device across the lamp holder 69 to assist in cooling the lamp 34. Figure 4d A baffle 77 is also visible, used to prevent light from escaping from the device through the third airflow path 73.

[0139] As mentioned above, applying a dichroic filter directly as a coating to the back surface (the surface facing the light source) helps improve optical efficiency. However, this introduces a potential problem: reflector 58 and flash lamp 34 are high-voltage components, with voltages reaching up to 9kV when the flash lamp is triggered to emit a light pulse. Therefore, sufficient creepage and isolation distances must be ensured between all conductive components near flash lamp 34 and the reflector to prevent arcing / breakdown. When the Peltier element 40 is mounted on solid material 26, it is relatively close to the leading edge of reflector 58, thus requiring insulation between the Peltier element 40 and reflector 58.

[0140] Reference Figure 5a The first approach is to use a pre-encapsulated Peltier element, for example, encapsulated in silicone adhesive. The encapsulated Peltier element is designated by reference number 40a. For example... Figure 5b As shown, another option (or preferably used in conjunction with an encapsulation option) is to form an insulating seal 72 by bonding the plastic body / casing 4 to the solid material between the Peltier element 40 and the reflector 58. Figure 5c Another approach shown involves extending the length of the thermal pad 70, which is mounted between the Peltier element and the solid material, to achieve electrical isolation. The thermal pad 70 is typically necessary and serves to improve the thermal connection between the Peltier element and the solid material (usually sapphire). Figures 5a to 5c All of these are shown in the diagram. The thermal pad 70 should be a non-metallic, electrically insulating, flexible material with relatively high thermal conductivity. In addition to one of the shown solutions (e.g., encapsulating the Peltier element), the following supplementary solution can be used: an insulating shielding element is bonded between the Peltier element 40 and the reflector 58, which can be bonded to the trailing edge of the Peltier element 40. This shielding element can be made of, for example, polycarbonate or a similar material and bonded to the Peltier element.

[0141] Reference Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. It should be understood that although the apparatus is described below without the detachable head, the detachable head is a functional feature that the apparatus can use.

[0142] The device includes a main body 4 with a transmission window. Light pulses from the flash lamp 34 are emitted through the transmission window along the light emission path under the control of the control system 32. A solid light-transmitting material (such as a sapphire block 26) is provided in the light transmission path to provide a cooling effect to the user's skin during operation. A temperature sensor 80, which can take different forms such as an infrared temperature sensor, is also provided to sense the temperature of the solid material and output the temperature information to the control system. The control system can then use the temperature information to control the operation of the device.

[0143] Temperature information can be used to control the power of the Peltier element 40, increasing, decreasing, or cutting off the power, and also changing the flash frequency. This means: A minimum temperature can be set. For example, if the minimum temperature is set to 15°C, when the temperature sensor 80 detects that this temperature has been reached, the power supplied to the Peltier element 40 can be reduced or cut off until the temperature of the sapphire block 26 is detected to have risen. This also minimizes the energy wasted on cooling the sapphire block when it is not needed.

[0144] A maximum temperature can be set. For example, if the maximum temperature of the sapphire block is set to 33°C, when the sapphire block 26 reaches this temperature, the flash frequency can be reduced (the flash interval extended) to reduce the heat input to the sapphire block 26 and prevent the temperature of the sapphire block from rising further. Furthermore, if the temperature limit is exceeded, the control system can prevent the device from emitting light pulses. As an alternative to reducing the flash frequency, the energy density of each flash can also be reduced to decrease heat input.

[0145] The power supplied to the Peltier element 40 can be set proportionally to the temperature of the sapphire block 26. For example, the colder the sapphire block 26, the lower the power of the Peltier element 40; the higher the temperature of the sapphire block 26, the higher the power.

[0146] Another function is to install a temperature sensor 82 on the hot side of the Peltier element (e.g., mounted on heat pipe 42), allowing the control system to understand (or infer) the temperature difference across the Peltier element based on the input values ​​of the two sensors 80 and 82. Understanding the temperature difference across the Peltier element offers the following advantages: Damage protection – Peltier element 40 has a maximum permissible temperature difference, exceeding which will damage the element; if the temperature difference across the Peltier is measured to be too large, the power supplied to the Peltier can be reduced or cut off.

[0147] Optimization of Coefficient of Performance (COP) – The COP of a Peltier element is related to both the supply power and the temperature difference across the Peltier element; therefore, to optimize performance during operation, the supply power can be modified based on the temperature of the sapphire block 26 and the temperature difference across the Peltier element 40.

[0148] A common problem in applying temperature sensors is maintaining a good thermal connection between the temperature sensor and the sapphire block 26. Therefore, ensuring a long-lasting and effective contact is crucial. This can be achieved by attaching low thermal resistance double-sided tape between the sapphire block 26 and the temperature sensor 80, or by using thermal adhesives, thermal grease, or thermal pads, in conjunction with other securing methods (such as small clamps that apply pressure to press the temperature sensor 80 firmly onto the sapphire block). Alternatively, a non-contact sensor, such as an infrared sensor, can be used.

[0149] Reference Figure 7 The device includes a display device 84 to provide users with temperature status information of the sapphire block 26, enabling a direct display of the cooling status of the sapphire block 26. The display device can change color during operation. For example, the color can change sequentially between several different colors: from blue to blue-green, then to white (corresponding to the highest temperature at which the device can operate normally). Once the temperature exceeds white, the display device turns red and blocks the emission of light pulses until the sapphire block is fully cooled. At that point, the display device's color will sequentially revert to white, then blue-green, and finally back to blue.

[0150] As described elsewhere in this specification, one embodiment of the invention employs a head that is detachable from the body—in the detached configuration, the solid material contacts the user's skin to provide a cooling effect; when the head is attached, the solid material is spaced from the user's skin, meaning that the solid material does not provide a significant cooling effect to the skin. With the head attached, it is not necessary to keep the solid material temperature below skin temperature because the solid material is not in contact with the skin at this time. Therefore, the solid material only needs to be kept below a safe momentary contact temperature. For example, Table 24 of the IEC 60601-1 standard specifies a safe contact temperature: for glass-like materials, the maximum permissible (safe) temperature is 56°C when the contact time is less than 1 minute. To achieve this, the Peltier element can operate at a lower power (e.g., 30% of maximum power) until the solid material temperature approaches the temperature limit (e.g., 56°C). At this point, the Peltier element can operate at full power, keeping the solid material below the temperature limit even at higher optical power (19W).

[0151] To cool solid materials below skin temperature at an optical power of 8W, a high-volume blower / fan is required. These fans / blowers are typically quite noisy, around 65dB, which can cause user discomfort if running continuously. To minimize noise, the device can include fan speed control: when the device is first turned on and cooling is not required, the blower / fan runs at a low speed (soft start); as the device temperature rises and cooling is needed, the blower / fan speed is increased; and when the device temperature has sufficiently decreased, the blower / fan speed is reduced again.

[0152] Now refer to Figure 7 See Figure 9. Home-use IPL devices are typically equipped with capacitive skin contact sensors to detect the presence of skin around the treatment area and suppress flash when no skin is detected. These sensors are evenly distributed around the treatment area, positioned to ensure they are extremely close to the skin surface during use, ideally about 1 mm or less. The farther the sensor plates are from the device's skin contact surface, the lower the accuracy and sensitivity of the skin contact measurement.

[0153] Capacitive contact sensors require a metal (or conductive) electrode 200, which is mounted parallel to the contact surface (the contact surface at the front end of the body 4 or head 12) and connected to electronic circuitry capable of detecting changes in capacitance caused by an object approaching the electrode. However, since the capacitor electrode 200 is part of the electronic circuitry, electrical safety in the event of an electronic failure must be considered. This typically means ensuring sufficient electrical creepage distance and clearance between the metal electrode and the skin. Because IPL devices use high voltages, a suitable creepage distance and clearance typically need to be greater than 4 mm. This presents a design challenge within such a confined space.

[0154] Reference Figure 8 The front end of the device without the head is shown, but it should be understood that the head also has the features described below regarding sensor configuration and installation. Figure 8 The front end of the device was showcased, with the main front section displayed transparently, clearly revealing the capacitive sensor plates 200. A skin tone sensor (STS) 202, in the form of a proximity sensor, was also demonstrated. It determines skin tone based on its measurements and decides which energy to deliver. This sensor requires a transparent light guide through the front housing to receive reflected light from the skin.

[0155] Reference Figure 9a The figure shows an internal view of the front of the main body, which displays the window for the transmission of light energy pulses. Figure 9b and Figure 9c Showing along Figure 9a The cross-sectional view of the plane shown. (See...) Figure 9a Looking inwards at the front main body, the rear contact plate 204 connected to the capacitive sensor circuit is visible, while the capacitive sensor plate 200 and the STS sensor 202 are not visible because they are encapsulated by a molded plastic cover layer 206. If the correct plastic material and overmolding parameters are used, the bonding between the molded plastic material and the inside of the front body 5 (or head 12) is sufficiently good to electrically isolate the plates, allowing for a closer distance between the plates and the front surface. (Refer to...) Figure 9b The capacitive sensor electrode 200 is encapsulated by a plastic cover layer 206, forming a seal 208 to ensure that there is no creepage path to the front end of the device (i.e., the user's skin). (Refer to...) Figure 9cThe rear contact plate 204 is shown, with sufficient creepage and clearance distance between the exposed metal and the front end of the device. The seal 210 between the capacitive sensor plate 200 and the body / head 4, 12 is clearly visible.

[0156] Therefore, the encapsulation of the capacitive sensor electrode 200 and the skin color sensor can be completed in a single overmolding operation, forming a plastic cover layer 206. Furthermore, the STS 202 is bonded to the front end of the body 4 or the head 12 to prevent liquid or dust from entering.

[0157] Now refer to Figures 10 to 12 In each figure, the same features are labeled with the same reference numerals. Each figure shows a schematic representation of the charging circuit used to trigger the flash 102 in the illustrative embodiment, causing the capacitor 104 to discharge on the flash 102.

[0158] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The charging circuit 106 controls a sufficient output voltage to charge the capacitor 104 from a power source 108, such as AC power or a battery. The charging circuit 106 may include additional features to control, isolate, and protect the capacitor voltage for safety. The main capacitor 104 is the primary energy storage device for the flash discharge of the lamp, and is typically an aluminum electrolytic capacitor with a voltage range of 300V to 450V (but not limited to this range), and typically stores 50J to 100J of energy.

[0159] An anode boost circuit 110 is also provided, which includes a two-stage capacitor to apply a higher voltage (2 to 3 times higher than the voltage supplied by the capacitor on the lamp tube) to the anode and cathode of the flash lamp at the trigger moment, which helps to generate a plasma flow between the electrodes within the lamp tube 102. Once the plasma flow is formed, it allows the flow of electrons from the main capacitor 104, and the lamp tube begins to flash discharge. The potential difference across the lamp tube is typically 2 or 3 times the voltage of the main capacitor, minus the losses incurred during the generation process. The energy stored in the anode boost output is typically in the millijoule range, thousands of times less than the energy in the main capacitor 102.

[0160] A trigger circuit 112, comprising a three-stage capacitor, is also provided to generate the high voltage required to ionize the gas inside the lamp tube, thereby assisting electron flow at the anode boost potential. This voltage is typically 6 kV to 12 kV and has extremely low energy, approximately 10 to 15 mJ. The high voltage lasts only about 50 microseconds and is typically generated by discharging the three-stage capacitor (not shown) through one transformer coil while another coil is connected to the lamp tube.

[0161] Also shown as an optional feature is a discharge control function 114, which allows the discharge of the main capacitor 104 to be terminated at a selected time via a low-side switch. This function is not required for devices that use the entire light pulse for treatment.

[0162] Importantly, refer to Figure 10 A beneficial feature is the inclusion of a switch 116 in the form of a switching device for disconnecting the main capacitor 104 from the anode boost circuit 110 and the trigger circuit 112. This allows these circuits to be charged to a higher potential, increasing the output of each circuit, and allows the main capacitor 104 to operate at a lower voltage than would be required if it were used simultaneously for the anode boost and trigger circuits. Figure 10 As shown, the switch can be a single switch used to disconnect the main capacitor 104 from the anode boost circuit and the trigger circuit.

[0163] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 Two variations are available: Figure 11 The system employs a bipolar switch to direct the power output to either the main capacitor or any branch of the anode boost and trigger circuit; Figure 12 Two switches 116a and 116b are provided, which are also used to disconnect the main capacitor 104 from the anode boost circuit 110 and the trigger circuit 112, ensuring that the capacitor is charged only to a predetermined lower voltage.

[0164] The charger and switches can be controlled by an embedded controller. Switch 116 can be controlled by the charger. Therefore, these switches cannot switch from a closed state to an open state unless the power is cut off. This offers the advantage of allowing for simpler and more economical switching and control methods.

[0165] Although this disclosure describes specific embodiments, it should be understood that many modifications / additions and / or substitutions may be made within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A skin treatment device for delivering light energy to the skin of a subject, the skin treatment device comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A light source housed within the main body is used to emit light energy through the transmission window along the light energy emission path; A solid material disposed in the light energy emission path allows light energy to be transmitted from the light source through the solid material. A cooling device housed within the main body, the cooling device comprising a heat sink configured to cool the solid material; The skin treatment device further includes a main airflow path passing through at least a portion of the main body, with the heat sink located in the main airflow path, and a secondary airflow path passing through at least a portion of the main body, with the light source located in the secondary airflow path. The device also includes a gas driving device for driving airflow through the main airflow path and the secondary airflow path.

2. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the main airflow path extends between the air inlet and air outlet of the main body.

3. The skin treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the secondary airflow path branches off from the main airflow path at a midpoint between the air inlet and the air outlet.

4. The skin treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the secondary airflow path branches off from the main airflow path after the radiator.

5. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the secondary airflow path rejoins the main airflow path before the air outlet.

6. The skin treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light source is disposed in the chamber, and the chamber is located in the secondary airflow path.

7. The skin treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary airflow path is at least partially located between the solid material and the light source.

8. The skin treatment device according to claim 6, comprising a labyrinth region disposed downstream of the chamber, the labyrinth region being used to restrict light energy transmission from the chamber.

9. The skin treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling device comprises a thermoelectric cooling system.

10. The skin treatment device of claim 9, wherein the cooling device comprises a Peltier element in physical contact with the solid material and the heat sink.

11. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the fan device is located downstream of the radiator.

12. The skin treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a reflector for reflecting light energy emitted by the light source to the solid material, the device further comprising a second heat sink located in the main airflow path and communicating with the light reflector.

13. The skin treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the average cross-sectional area of ​​the main airflow path is greater than the average cross-sectional area of ​​the secondary airflow path.

14. The skin treatment device according to any of the preceding claims further includes a control system for controlling the delivery of light energy pulses from the light source, wherein the control system is at least partially disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB), the light source is mounted on the PCB via a mounting bracket, the skin treatment device further includes a third airflow path passing through at least a portion of the body, the mounting bracket being located in the third airflow path, and the fan device being configured to further drive airflow through the third airflow path.

15. The skin treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the solid material comprises a front surface defining a skin contact surface and a rear surface facing the light source, wherein a dichroic filter coating is directly disposed on the rear surface.

16. A skin treatment device for delivering light energy pulses to the skin of a subject, the skin treatment device comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A light source housed within the main body is used to release light energy through the transmission window; A capacitor that discharges onto the light source; A charging control system for controlling the charging of the capacitor; The charging control system charges the capacitor at a corresponding charging speed according to the operating status of the device.

17. The skin treatment device of claim 16, wherein the charging control system is configured to select a charging speed from a plurality of different charging speeds to charge the capacitor according to the operating state of the device.

18. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 16 to 17, comprising one or more sensors, wherein the charging control system is configured to select a charging rate for charging the capacitor based on one or more sensor inputs from the one or more sensors.

19. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the device includes a user input device for a user to select device operating parameters, and the control system is configured to select a charging rate for charging the capacitor based on the selected input.

20. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the device is further configured such that: the light source emits light energy outward from the body along a light emission path; the device further comprises: A solid material disposed in the light emission path, through which light energy from the light source is transmitted, the solid material defining a first skin contact surface for contact with the subject's skin; A cooling device housed within the main body and configured to cool the solid material; A head configured to be mountable and detachable from the body, the head including a rear end removably mounted to the body and extending to a front end including a second skin contact surface, the head defining a light emission path extension from the first contact surface to the second contact surface; The device can operate in a first configuration where the head is detached from the body and in a second configuration where the head is mounted on the body. In the second configuration, the first skin contact surface is spaced from the subject's skin, and light energy pulses pass simultaneously through the solid material of the first light guide element and the light emission path extension. In the first configuration, the charging control system is configured to control the charging of the capacitor at a first speed. In the second configuration, the charging control system is configured to control the capacitor to charge at a second speed different from the first speed.

21. The skin treatment device of claim 20, wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed.

22. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the cooling system comprises a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system, preferably comprising a Peltier element and a heat sink.

23. A skin treatment device for delivering light energy to the skin of a subject, comprising: main body; A light source housed within the main body is used to emit light energy through a transmission window along the light emission path; A solid material disposed in the light emission path, through which light energy from the light source is transmitted, the solid material being used to provide a cooling effect to the subject's skin, the solid material having a front surface defining the skin contact surface and a rear surface facing the light source; A dichroic light-filtering coating is directly provided on at least one of the skin contact surface and the rear surface.

24. The skin treatment device according to claim 23, wherein the cutoff wavelength of the dichroic filter is between 500 nm and 600 nm.

25. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 23 to 24, wherein the solid material comprises sapphire.

26. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the front and / or rear surfaces of the solid material comprise an anti-reflective coating.

27. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising a cooling device housed within the body for cooling the solid material, the cooling device comprising a heat sink configured to cool the solid material.

28. The skin treatment device of claim 27, comprising a Peltier element for transferring thermal energy from the solid material to the heat sink.

29. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 23 to 28, further comprising a reflector for reflecting light energy emitted by the light source onto the solid material.

30. The skin treatment device according to claims 27 to 29 further includes an electrical insulator located between the Peltier element and the reflector and the light source, the electrical insulator being used to electrically isolate the Peltier element from both the light source and the reflector.

31. A skin treatment device for delivering light energy to the skin of a subject, comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A light source housed within the main body is used to emit light energy through the transmission window along the light energy emission path; A solid material disposed in the light energy emission path allows light energy from the light source to be transmitted through the solid material. A temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the solid material and output temperature information; A control system for controlling the operation of the device; The temperature sensor is in an operable communication state with the control system, so that the control system receives the temperature information and uses the temperature information to control the operation of the device.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the control system is configured to control the delivery of light energy by providing light energy pulses at a pulse repetition frequency, and the control system modifies the pulse repetition frequency according to the temperature information to control the operation of the apparatus.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 32, wherein the control system is configured to control the delivery of light energy in the form of light energy pulses, and to control the operation of the apparatus by controlling the energy density of the light energy pulses according to the temperature information.

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 33, further comprising a cooling device housed within the body, the cooling device comprising a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) system for cooling the solid material, the TEC comprising a Peltier element connected to a heat sink, wherein the control system is configured to modify the power supplied to the Peltier element based on the temperature information.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising a temperature sensor mounted on the TEC system, the temperature sensor being used to measure the temperature of the Peltier element on the side opposite to the solid material and output secondary temperature information, wherein the control system is configured to determine a temperature difference between temperature information including primary temperature information and the secondary temperature information, and to control the operation of the apparatus based on the temperature difference.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the control system is configured to control the delivery of light energy in the form of light energy pulses, and the control system is further configured to prevent the emission of light energy pulses if the sensed solid material temperature exceeds a predetermined value.

37. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 36, further comprising a visual indication of the temperature of the solid material.

38. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the temperature sensor comprises an infrared (IR) temperature sensor.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 38, further comprising a clamp configured to clamp the temperature sensor onto the solid material.

40. A skin treatment device for delivering light energy to the skin of a subject, comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A light source housed within the main body is used to emit light pulses along the light emission path through the transmission window; A control system is used to adjust the light source by controlling the driving parameters of the light source, thereby controlling the transmission of light energy pulses and their parameters output from the light source; The device can operate in a first configuration in which a light energy pulse is emitted along the light energy emission path through the transmission window; A head configured to be mountable and detachable from the body, the head including a rear end removably mounted to the body and extending to a front end such that when the head is mounted to the body, the head defines an extension of a secondary transmission window extending from the light emission path to the front end; The head also includes a memory that stores light source driving parameters, the memory being used to transmit corresponding light energy pulse parameters; The device can operate in a second configuration in which the head is mounted on the body, wherein the control system is configured to recognize the operational engagement between the head and the body, and further read stored light source driving parameters, and apply the light source driving parameters to cause light energy pulses to be output from the light source via an extended light emission path and from the secondary transmission window.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the light source driving parameters include one or more of the following: the duration of energy delivery to the light source, the duration of light pulses for controlling the light pulse duration, the time interval for continuously delivering energy to the light source, the light pulse frequency for controlling the light pulse frequency, and the amount of energy delivered to the light source in each pulse.

42. The apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 41, comprising a capacitor that discharges onto the light source (preferably a flash lamp) to deliver light energy pulses, wherein the light source driving information may include one or more capacitor voltage values.

43. The apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the head includes one or more sensors for measuring skin characteristics, the head is configured to determine whether to contact the skin based on the measured characteristics, and wherein the head is configured to transmit skin contact related information to the control system, the control system being further configured to control the delivery of light energy pulses based on the received information.

44. A method for delivering optical energy pulses from an intense pulsed light (IPL) device, the IPL device comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A flash unit housed within the main body, the flash unit being used to emit light pulses along the light energy emission path through the transmission window; A primary energy storage element that discharges onto the flash lamp to generate light energy pulses; a secondary energy storage element that discharges onto the flash lamp to achieve ionization of the flash lamp; And a charging circuit for charging the primary energy storage element and the secondary energy storage element from the power source; The method includes the following steps: A) Charging the primary energy storage element and the secondary energy storage element from the power source; B) Disconnect the primary energy storage element from the power supply; C) Continuing to charge the secondary energy storage element even when the primary energy storage element is disconnected from the power supply; and D) Discharge the secondary energy storage element to ionize the flash lamp, causing the primary energy storage element to discharge on the flash lamp and generate a light pulse.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the primary energy storage element and the optional secondary energy storage element each comprise a capacitor.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 44 to 45, wherein steps A to D of the method are performed sequentially.

47. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the primary energy storage element and the secondary energy storage element are charged to a first voltage, and when the primary energy storage element is disconnected from the power supply, the secondary energy storage element is charged to a second voltage greater than the first voltage.

48. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the primary energy storage element and the secondary energy storage element are charged simultaneously in step A.

49. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the primary energy storage element is charged by closing a switching device in the charging circuit and disconnected from the power source by opening the switching device.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the switching device comprises a first switch configured to automatically disconnect when the voltage on the primary energy storage element reaches a predetermined voltage.

51. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 50, wherein the apparatus further comprises a three-stage energy storage element for releasing a trigger voltage to the flash lamp to initiate flash lamp ionization; the charging circuit is further configured to charge the three-stage energy storage element from the power source; the method further comprises: With the primary energy storage element disconnected from the power supply, the tertiary energy storage element is charged and then discharged onto the flash lamp to initiate the ionization of the flash lamp.

52. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 51, comprising charging the secondary energy storage device to the predetermined voltage while simultaneously charging the capacitor to the predetermined voltage.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein the tertiary energy storage device is charged to a voltage higher than that of the secondary energy storage device.

54. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 53, wherein in step C, the secondary energy storage device is charged to a higher voltage than that of the primary energy storage device.

55. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 54, comprising repeating steps A to D.

56. A high-intensity pulsed light (IPL) device, comprising: The main body with a transmission window; A flash unit housed within the main body, the flash unit being used to emit light pulses along the light energy emission path through the transmission window; A primary energy storage element that discharges onto the flash lamp to generate light energy pulses; a secondary energy storage element that discharges onto the flash lamp to achieve ionization of the flash lamp; And a charging circuit that charges the primary and secondary energy storage elements from the power source; The device further includes a switching device configured to enable the charging circuit to charge the primary energy storage element and the secondary energy storage element from the power source; disconnect the primary energy storage element from the power source; and continue charging the secondary energy storage element while the primary energy storage element is disconnected from the power source.

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