Device for stimulating hair growth of the scalp and method for operating

Abstract

Device (1) for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth, comprising: - an ultrasonic generator (2) arranged to generate ultrasonic vibrations; - a control device (3) which is connected to the ultrasonic transmitter (2) and with which the generation of the ultrasonic vibrations by the ultrasonic transmitter (2) can be controlled; and - an application device (5) which is operatively connected to the ultrasound generator (2) in such a way that the ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to human or animal skin by means of an applicator of the application device (5); wherein - the control device (3) and the ultrasound generator (2) are designed to generate the ultrasonic vibrations that can be applied to the human or animal skin in a pulsed operating mode with pulses that are each in the form of a sweep signal with a variable vibration frequency and a constant vibration amplitude, wherein a sequence of finite time intervals, each with a constant discrete vibration frequency, is provided and, when a time interval ends, a change in the vibration frequency occurs during the transition to the next time interval; and - the control device (3) is connected to an input device (4) which is configured to receive user inputs for user-defined setting of different operating modes.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth and a method for operating the device. background

[0002] Such a device is known from document DE 10 2008 015 486 A1. This document discloses a device for stimulating hair growth in which ultrasonic brush elements transmit vibrations to the user's scalp.

[0003] Document WO 2015 / 171208 A1 discloses a handheld device for applying ultrasonic waves in conjunction with the application of cosmetic compounds to the skin. A combination of sound waves in the audible range and ultrasonic vibrations is proposed. The ultrasonic vibrations can be applied in pulsed form for cosmetic applications.

[0004] A handheld device for applying ultrasonic vibrations to the skin is also known from document US 2006 / 000587 A1. Applicators for applying ultrasonic waves to the skin can have an application surface made of an abrasive material or bristle elements.

[0005] A handheld device for transmitting vibrations to promote hair growth is also known from document US 2014 / 010 75 43 A1. It is proposed to provide and apply multiple vibration modes simultaneously. The handheld device can be designed as a hairbrush.

[0006] In CN 101 480 514 A, a helmet for activating acupuncture points on a head by means of ultrasound, among other things for restoring hair growth, is disclosed. A description of a

[0007] Treatment of hair loss using ultrasound can be found in US 2011 / 0230793 A1. A device in the form of a helmet for applying ultrasound to a scalp is described in KR 10 2017 0 038 744 A. A proposal for stimulating hair growth using ultrasound can be found in WO 2017 / 017218 A1. KR 10 2008 046 806 A discloses an ultrasonic brush as an applicator for stimulating hair growth. Summary

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth and a method for operating the device, with which the possible applications of the device for stimulating hair growth are expanded.

[0009] To achieve this object, a device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth and a method for operating a device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth are provided according to independent claims 1 and 6. Further embodiments are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0010] By generating and delivering ultrasonic vibrations with a temporally variable frequency, whether continuously or discontinuously, the device automatically generates ultrasonic vibrations of different frequencies in chronological order and delivers them for application. This allows for optimized hair growth stimulation, as ultrasonic vibrations of different frequencies can always be automatically delivered and delivered, thus optimizing the application possibilities. The stimulation effect is optimized for different people at different frequencies. Ultrasonic vibrations of different frequencies are automatically delivered and delivered, increasing the likelihood of stimulating hair growth in an optimal way for each individual.

[0011] The ultrasonic vibrations can be generated and provided as sweep signals, which can also be referred to as chirps, with a temporally varying vibration frequency while maintaining a constant vibration amplitude. The temporal change of the sweep signals within the meaning of the present disclosure can occur continuously or discontinuously. Despite the vibration frequency changing over time, the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations remains essentially the same for the different frequencies.

[0012] The oscillation frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations can be varied within a frequency range defined by an initial frequency and a final frequency. Between the initial and final frequencies, the time-varying oscillation frequency can be continuously or discontinuously tuned, particularly during an operating cycle of the device intended to provide ultrasonic vibrations for a treatment cycle.

[0013] The device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth can be designed as a hand-held device, for example in combination with or integrated into a comb or a hairbrush. However, the device can also be integrated into a headgear, for example a hood or a helmet.

[0014] The control device and the ultrasonic transmitter can be configured to generate the ultrasonic vibrations according to first signals, the vibration frequency of which changes linearly over time. In this embodiment, the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations changes linearly over time, whereby the vibration frequency can increase or decrease.

[0015] The control device and the ultrasonic transmitter can be configured to generate the ultrasonic vibrations according to second signals, in which the vibration frequency does not change linearly over time. A combination of first and second signals can be provided within the scope of a total operating time or a total application time for the ultrasonic vibrations.

[0016] In one embodiment, the change in frequency over time can follow an exponential function.

[0017] In the embodiment with continuously changing oscillation frequencies, the oscillation frequency increases or decreases continuously over time. For example, a frequency band between a first frequency and a second frequency (starting and ending frequency) can be continuously scanned or tuned through. Alternatively, the oscillation frequency can be provided not to change continuously (discontinuously), for example according to a step function. In this case, a sequence of finite time intervals, each with a constant, discrete oscillation frequency, can be provided, for example between the starting and ending frequencies. When a time interval ends, the oscillation frequency changes upon transition to the next time interval. During the entire application time, any number of such time intervals can be passed through, which can be chosen to be short in time, so that quasi-continuity is ensured.The ultrasonic vibrations generated, for example, using sweep or chirp signal technology can cover the entire frequency range for ultrasonic vibrations from about 20 kHz to about 10 MHz or a subrange thereof.

[0018] The application device can comprise at least one type of applicator from the following group: bristle element, brush element, film, plastic strip, and gel pack. While the bristle and brush elements enable a more localized or point-like application, an applicator designed as a gel pack also enables a surface application of the ultrasonic vibrations. A combination of different applicators, which can also be referred to as contact or application elements, can be provided.

[0019] The control device can be connected to an input device or input module configured to receive user inputs. The input device enables a user to provide inputs, particularly for controlling the device. In particular, it can be provided that parameters are set internally via a PC or computer interface and then always applied by the user without the user being able to intervene. Blinding is also possible, i.e., the targeted deactivation of individual ultrasound transmitters without the user noticing.

[0020] The input device can, for example, comprise switches, tactile elements, and / or touch-sensitive surfaces. A display device can be provided in which an application menu is displayed to the user, allowing user inputs to be made depending on a desired application. These inputs are then processed by the control device to set parameters for generating and delivering the ultrasonic vibrations.

[0021] The control device and the ultrasound generator can be configured, for example in response to a user input, to adjust one or more operating parameters from the following group: total generation time for generating the ultrasonic vibrations, speed of the temporal change in the vibration frequency, and start and end frequency of a frequency range to be traversed during the temporal change in the vibration frequency. The total generation time specifies the period over which the vibration frequency changes. This can occur continuously or discontinuously. A total application duration can specify how long a treatment should last. Possible adjustable signal parameters include a repetition frequency, i.e. the frequency at which the excitation sequence is repeated. Another signal parameter can be the amplitude of the signal.This can be constant regardless of the time interval in the excitation sequence. It can also vary depending on the time interval. Another signal parameter can be the power delivered by the device.

[0022] Further embodiments are explained below.

[0023] The control device and the ultrasonic transmitter can be configured to control the ultrasonic oscillations with frequencies of different temporal profiles. In the most general case, these profiles are designed as sequences in which the frequency changes in a specific way in successive time intervals. The number of time intervals within a sequence is not specified. The temporal profile of the frequency can thus be continuous or discontinuous. In one embodiment, the sequence can consist of a temporally constant frequency. In another embodiment, the sequence can consist of a time interval in which oscillation frequencies change linearly, increasing or decreasing over time. In another embodiment, the sequence can consist of a time interval in which oscillation frequencies change non-linearly over time. They can, for example, follow an exponential function.In another embodiment, the sequence consists of several consecutive time intervals. Within each time interval, the oscillation frequency can remain constant. The oscillation frequency can vary from time interval to time interval. It can increase or decrease. The multiple use of an excitation frequency is also possible.

[0024] The described excitation sequence can also be designed in such a way that a temporal variation of the frequency within a frequency band is carried out within a time interval. The temporal variation can be linear or nonlinear. The number of these time intervals is not fixed. A quasi-continuous variation through sufficiently small time intervals and correspondingly small frequency steps is also possible.

[0025] The embodiments explained above in connection with the device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth apply accordingly in connection with the method for operating the device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Description of implementation examples

[0026] Further embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of a drawing. Herein: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth; Fig. 2 schematically shows a flow diagram for a method for operating a device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth, and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an exemplary excitation sequence.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 for stimulating the scalp to promote hair growth. The device 1 comprises an ultrasonic transducer 2 configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic transducer 2 can be of any design. Piezoceramic ultrasonic transducers are suitable, for example.

[0028] The ultrasonic transmitter 2 is connected to a control device 3, which is configured to control the generation of ultrasonic vibrations by means of the ultrasonic transmitter 2 during operation. The control device 3 is configured to drive the ultrasonic transmitter 2 with a time-dependent frequency sequence that can be periodically run through at a repetition frequency. The ultrasonic transmitter 2 then generates the ultrasonic vibrations, for example, according to sweep or chirp signal technology, with time-varying vibration frequencies, whereby pulses can be repeatedly generated and emitted at a repetition frequency. The vibration amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations can remain essentially constant. However, the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations changes over the duration of the generated signal (pulse). Such a change over time can occur continuously or discontinuously (discontinuously).The oscillation frequency can vary over time according to a linear or exponential function. The signals can be provided in a pulsed mode.

[0029] In particular, for user-defined setting of different operating modes relating to the generation of ultrasonic vibrations, the device 1 has an input device 4, which can also be referred to as an input module and is connected to the control device 3. The user can thus specify operating parameters by means of user inputs, for example, via a keyboard or a touch-sensitive input surface of the input device 4.

[0030] The ultrasonic vibrations generated by the ultrasonic generator 2 are provided and delivered by an application device 5 for application to human or animal skin. The application device 5 is formed with one or more applicators, which may be, for example, brush elements, bristle elements, foil, plastic strips, and / or gel packs.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a flow chart for a method for operating the device 1. In step 20, the ultrasonic vibrations are generated using the ultrasonic generator 2. The generated ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted in step 21 to the application device 5, from which the ultrasonic vibrations are emitted by means of the applicators in step 22.

[0032] Fig.3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary excitation sequence which, for illustration purposes, contains various forms of frequency change and also different time interval lengths. The frequency axis 31 is plotted against the time axis 32. A complex excitation sequence 33 with the sequence duration 34 repeats. The sequence consists of time intervals 35. In the example shown, six time intervals are provided. Examples shown here are temporally constant frequency curves 36, a non-linearly decreasing frequency curve 37, and a linearly decreasing frequency curve 38. The excitation sequence ends with the linearly decreasing frequency curve 38. Thereafter, the sequence duration 34 is repeated, i.e., a new sequence 39 is identical to the one run through during the sequence duration 34.

[0033] The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawings may be important for the realization of the various embodiments both individually and in any combination.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for stimulating the scalp to promote hair growth, comprising: - an ultrasonic generator (2) arranged to generate ultrasonic vibrations; - a control device (3) which is connected to the ultrasonic transmitter (2) and with which the generation of the ultrasonic vibrations by the ultrasonic transmitter (2) can be controlled; and - an application device (5) which is operatively connected to the ultrasound generator (2) in such a way that the ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to human or animal skin by means of an applicator of the application device (5); wherein - the control device (3) and the ultrasound generator (2) are designed to generate the ultrasonic vibrations that can be applied to the human or animal skin in a pulsed operating mode with pulses that are each in the form of a sweep signal with a variable vibration frequency and a constant vibration amplitude, wherein a sequence of finite time intervals, each with a constant discrete vibration frequency, is provided and, when a time interval ends, a change in the vibration frequency occurs during the transition to the next time interval; and - the control device (3) is connected to an input device (4) which is configured to receive user inputs for user-defined setting of different operating modes. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the control device (3) and the ultrasonic transmitter (2) are arranged to generate the ultrasonic vibrations according to first signals in which the vibration frequency changes linearly over time. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the control device (3) and the ultrasonic transmitter (2) are arranged to generate the ultrasonic vibrations in accordance with second signals in which the vibration frequency does not change linearly over time. [4] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the application device (5) comprises at least one type of applicator from the following group: bristle element, brush element, film, plastic strip and gel package. [5] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the control device (3) and the ultrasonic generator (2) are designed to set one or more operating parameters from the following group: total generation time for generating the ultrasonic vibrations, speed of the temporal change of the vibration frequency, start and end frequency of a frequency range to be traversed during the temporal change of the vibration frequency, amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations and power of the ultrasonic vibrations. [6] A method for operating a device for stimulating the scalp to stimulate hair growth, comprising: - generating ultrasonic vibrations by means of an ultrasonic generator (2); - controlling the generation of the ultrasonic vibrations by the ultrasonic generator (2) by means of a control device (3) connected to the ultrasonic generator (2) and to an input device (4) which is configured to receive user inputs; and - Providing the ultrasonic vibrations by means of an applicator of an application device (5) which is operatively connected to the ultrasonic generator (2) in such a way that the ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to human or animal skin by means of the applicator; wherein by means of the control device (3) and the ultrasonic generator (2), the ultrasonic vibrations are generated in a pulsed operating mode with pulses which are each in the form of a sweep signal with a variable oscillation frequency and a constant oscillation amplitude, wherein a sequence of finite time intervals, each with a constant discrete oscillation frequency, is provided and, when one time interval ends, a change in the oscillation frequency occurs during the transition to the next time interval.

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