Spark generator for generating pressure, formula injector comprising a spark generator, method for generating pressure by sparks and method for injecting formula

Abstract

Spark generator for generating pressure, formula injector comprising a spark generator, spark pressure generation method and formula injection method The present application provides a spark generator for generating pressure. The spark generator comprises: a main device; and a pressure chamber disposed adjacent to the main device, wherein the main device comprises: a circuit for generating a predetermined spark voltage; and an electromagnet, wherein the pressure chamber comprises: a non-compressive fluid contained therein; a fixed electrode disposed in the non-compressive fluid; a movable electrode disposed in the non-compressive fluid and separated from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance;and a permanent magnet disposed on the movable electrode, wherein the circuit is configured to apply the spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode, wherein the electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode, wherein the pressure chamber comprises a pressure transfer structure composing a portion of a wall of the pressure chamber and configured to transfer a pressure of the non-compressive fluid generated by the spark to the outside of the pressure chamber. Figure for abstract: 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Spark generator for generating pressure, formula injector comprising a spark generator, method for generating pressure by sparks and method for injecting formula Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spark generator for generating pressure, a formula injector comprising the spark generator, a method of generating pressure by a spark, and a method of injecting formula. Background

[0002] To administer a formula such as a cosmetic and a drug into the skin, there is a demand in the medical and cosmetic fields for a formula injection technology without using a needle. Injecting a formula into the skin without using a needle can maximize the effect of the formula. By minimizing damage to the skin, safety is improved and pain is reduced. In addition, consumers, who are not healthcare professionals, can easily administer the formula into the skin.

[0003] Many needle-free formula injectors use a micro-jet to deliver a formula into the skin while minimizing damage. For example, U.S. Patent Application, Publication No. US 2015 / 0265770 and U.S. Patent No. US 8905966 disclose formula injection devices generating a micro-jet through the use of laser energy.

[0004] [Fig. 5] shows an example of a conventional formula injection device using laser energy. A formula injection device 100 shown in [Fig. 5] includes a pressure chamber 102 and a formula chamber 104 disposed adjacent to the pressure chamber 102.

[0005] The pressure chamber 102 is filled with a fluid 106. The fluid 106 is a non-compressive and chemically inert fluid such as water. The pressure chamber 102 includes an elastic membrane 108 constituting a portion of a wall of the pressure chamber 102. The pressure chamber 102 also includes a window 110 for transmitting laser light.

[0006] The formula chamber 104 is filled with a formula 112 to be administered to the skin. The formula 112 is in contact with the elastic membrane 108 and separated from the fluid 106 by the elastic membrane 108. The formula chamber 104 includes a nozzle 116 for injecting the formula 112.

[0007] Laser light 118 is injected into the pressure chamber 102 of the injector of formula 100 via window 110. As the energy of the laser light 118 is absorbed by the fluid 106, the fluid expands rapidly, and cavitation is caused under certain conditions. The expansion and cavitation generate pressure in the fluid 106. The generated pressure moves the elastic membrane 108 toward the formula chamber 104 and is transferred to the formula 112 in the formula chamber 104. Therefore, the formula 112 is injected via the nozzle 116 as a microjet.

[0008] Since the formula 100 injector comprising the above configuration uses laser light, a laser generator and an optical fiber for transmitting the laser are required. Therefore, miniaturization of the device is difficult. The device also consumes a large amount of power. In addition, all of the laser energy may not be absorbed by the fluid and the device may not be energy-efficient, which may increase power consumption. Since powerful lasers, such as a YAG laser, are used to obtain a desirable pressure, operation of the device may not be easy or safe for consumers.

[0009] Accordingly, a formula injector having small dimensions and low power consumption and a device for generating pressure available for such a formula injector, which consumers can easily use, are desired. Summary of the invention

[0010] The first embodiment of the present invention provides a spark generator for generating pressure, comprising:

[0011] a main device; and

[0012] a pressure chamber arranged adjacent to the main device,

[0013] wherein the main device comprises:

[0014] a circuit for generating a predetermined spark voltage; and

[0015] an electromagnet,

[0016] wherein the pressure chamber comprises:

[0017] a non-compressive fluid contained therein;

[0018] a fixed electrode disposed in the non-compressive fluid;

[0019] a movable electrode disposed in the non-compressive fluid and separated from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance; and

[0020] a permanent magnet arranged on the movable electrode,

[0021] wherein the circuit is configured to apply the spark voltage between the moving electrode and the fixed electrode,

[0022] wherein the electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode,

[0023] wherein the pressure chamber comprises a pressure transfer structure constituting a portion of a wall of the pressure chamber and configured to transfer pressure in the non-compressive fluid generated by the spark to the exterior of the pressure chamber.

[0024] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transfer structure may be an elastic membrane.

[0025] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transfer structure may be a piston.

[0026] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the pressure chamber may further comprise a selective gas filter configured to release gas produced by the decomposition of the non-compressive fluid by the spark to the exterior of the pressure chamber.

[0027] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the circuit may include a relay, and the relay may be configured to apply a current to the electromagnet and to apply the spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode in a synchronized manner.

[0028] The second embodiment of the present invention provides a formula injector comprising:

[0029] the spark generator as described above; and

[0030] a formula chamber configured to receive pressure transferred by the pressure transfer structure,

[0031] wherein the formula chamber comprises:

[0032] a formula contained therein; and

[0033] a nozzle configured to inject the formula,

[0034] wherein the formula is configured to be injected from the nozzle by pressure transferred by the pressure transfer structure.

[0035] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transfer structure may be in direct contact with the formula.

[0036] The third embodiment of the present invention provides a method of generating pressure by a spark, comprising the steps of:

[0037] applying a predetermined spark voltage between a fixed electrode disposed in a pressure chamber containing a non-compressive fluid and a movable electrode disposed in the pressure chamber and separated from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance, and comprising a permanent magnet disposed thereon;

[0038] applying a current to an electromagnet disposed in a main device adjacent to the pressure chamber and configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode by the permanent magnet to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; and

[0039] transferring a pressure generated in the non-compressive fluid by the spark to the outside of the pressure chamber via a pressure transfer structure.

[0040] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transfer structure may be an elastic membrane, and pressure may be transferred to the outside of the pressure chamber via deformation of the elastic membrane.

[0041] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transfer structure may be a piston, and pressure may be transferred to the outside of the pressure chamber via movement of the piston.

[0042] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the method may further comprise releasing a gas produced by the decomposition of the non-compressive fluid by the spark to the outside of the pressure chamber via a selective gas filter disposed on the pressure chamber.

[0043] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the step of applying the predetermined spark voltage between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode and the step of applying the current to the electromagnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode via the permanent magnet to generate the spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be performed synchronously.

[0044] The fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a method of injecting a formula, comprising the steps of:

[0045] transferring pressure to a formula chamber configured to receive pressure transferred outward from the pressure chamber by a method as described above via a pressure transfer structure; and

[0046] injecting a formula disposed in the formula chamber outside the formula chamber via a nozzle disposed on the formula chamber by the transferred pressure.

[0047] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transfer structure can be in contact with the formula, and the pressure can be transferred directly to the formula. Effects of the invention

[0048] According to the present invention, a formula injector having small dimensions and low power consumption and a pressure generating device for the formula injector, which consumers can easily use, are provided. Brief description of the figures

[0049] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] shows a schematic diagram of a spark generator for generating pressure according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a schematic diagram of an injector of formula according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a graph showing a relationship between a voltage and a diameter of a cavity generated by a spark.

[0052] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows spark-induced cavitation images obtained by a high-speed camera.

[0053] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a schematic diagram of a conventional formula injector. Methods of implementation

[0054] [Fig.l] shows a block diagram of a spark generator 1 for generating pressure according to some embodiments of the present invention. The spark generator 1 comprises a main device 2 and a pressure chamber 22 disposed adjacent to the main device 2.

[0055] The main device comprises a circuit 4 for generating a predetermined spark voltage, and an electromagnet 6. The main device 2 may optionally comprise: a capacitor 8 to which the spark voltage generated by the circuit 4 is applied to store a charge; and a relay 10 for generating a spark by applying the spark voltage to electrodes described below. The main device 2 may comprise a power supply circuit which is not shown. The power supply circuit may be powered by a commercial power supply, or may comprise a battery not shown, for example a lithium-ion rechargeable battery installed in the spark generator 1.

[0056] The electromagnet 6 can receive a current supplied by the circuit 4 or a power supply circuit not shown. The power supply to the electromagnet 6 can be controlled by the relay 10. The electromagnet 6 is arranged so that a magnetic force is applied to the pressure chamber 22 arranged adjacent to the main device 2.

[0057] At least one of circuit 4, electromagnet 6, capacitor 8, relay 10 and the power supply circuit not shown may be controlled by a microcontroller unit not shown. At least one of these components may be installed on a main printed circuit board 12.

[0058] The pressure chamber 22 includes therein a fixed electrode 24 and a movable electrode 26 separated from the fixed electrode 24 by a predetermined distance. The movable electrode 26 may provide its mobility, for example, by a hinge mechanism or a link mechanism in order to move towards the fixed electrode 24. However, in view of the manufacturing, the simplicity of structure and the restoring force for returning to the original position after moving towards the fixed electrode 24, the movable electrode 26 may preferably comprise: an elastic member such as a metal cantilever member or a cantilever member having a dielectric material such as rubber, which may have the shape of a flat or curved plate; and an electrode piece. The fixed electrode 24 may also comprise preferably: an elastic member; and an electrode piece similarly to the movable electrode 26. The cantilevered members of the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 may have, for example, the shape of a flat or curved plate. The electrode pieces of the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 may preferably be a rod or a pillar. Preferably, the electrode pieces of the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 comprise metal rods or pillars of spherical cross-sections and arranged so that these projections face each other. In this case, when the movable electrode 26 moves toward the fixed electrode 24, an electric field is concentrated between the projections, and thus the spark can be generated with a lower voltage.

[0059] A permanent magnet 28 is disposed on the movable electrode 26 opposite the facing side of the fixed electrode 24 so that the permanent magnet 28 faces the electromagnet 6 disposed in the main device 2. The fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 are electrically connected to the circuit 4 so that the spark voltage from the circuit 4 is applied. The relay 10 may be interposed between the circuit 4 and the fixed and movable electrodes 24, 26, and may control the application of the spark voltage between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26.

[0060] As described above, the relay 10 can also control the application of current to the electromagnet 6. Therefore, when the relay 10 is activated, the application of current to the electromagnet 6 and the application of the spark voltage between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 can be carried out in a synchronized manner.

[0061] The permanent magnet 28 faces the electromagnet 6 and is configured to repel in response to a magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 6. Therefore, when the magnetic force is applied by the electromagnet 6, the permanent magnet 28 is repelled from the electromagnet 6 and moves the movable electrode 26 toward the fixed electrode 24. When the predetermined spark voltage is applied between the movable electrode 26 and the fixed electrode 24 and when the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 come into contact with each other, the spark is generated between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26. The spark voltage may be, for example, applied to the movable electrode 26, and the fixed electrode 24 may be maintained at a ground potential.

[0062] Specifically, the pressure transfer structure 32 is configured to be in contact with the formula 44 contained in the formula chamber 42, and therefore the pressure transfer structure 32 is arranged to separate the non-compressive fluid 30 from the formula 44. When pressure is applied to the formula 44 from the pressure transfer structure 32, the formula 44 is injected outward from the formula chamber 42 via the nozzle 46 as a micro-jet.

[0063] Still with reference to Figures 1 and 2, a method of generating pressure by a spark by using the spark generator 1 configured as such, and a formula injection method by using pressure generated by the spark generator 1 will be described.

[0064] The pressure generation method implements the step of generating by the circuit 4 a spark voltage to be applied between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 by the use, for example, of a voltage booster circuit. For example, the spark voltage is preferably less than or equal to several hundred volts. More preferably, the spark voltage may be between 10 and 100 V. Even more preferably, the spark voltage may be equal to or greater than 40 V, for example between 50 and 100 V, or between 50 and 70 V. The lower the spark voltage, the advantageously lower the power consumption, the higher the safety and the smaller the device can be. The spark voltage may be applied, for example, to the capacitor 8, and charges are stored.

[0065] The next step is to activate the relay 10 to apply the spark voltage 10 of the capacitor 8 between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 which are arranged in the pressure chamber 22 and immersed in the non-compressive fluid 30. For example, the fixed electrode 24 may be maintained at a ground potential, and the spark voltage may be applied to the movable electrode 26. An initial separation between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 is chosen so that a spark is not generated even if the spark voltage is applied.

[0066] Next, a current is applied to the electromagnet 6 to produce a magnetic field. The magnetic field is configured to exert a repulsive force on the permanent magnet 28 disposed on the movable electrode 26 in a direction away from the electromagnet 6. When the permanent magnet 28 is pushed by the magnetic field applied by the electromagnet 6, the movable electrode 26 is moved toward the fixed electrode 24. When the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 make contact, the charge stored in the capacitor 8 generates a spark between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26. The charge emitted by the spark may be, for example, between 40 and 250 mAh, and more preferably, 100 mAh. The energy emitted by the spark may be, for example, between 1.0 and 25 J.

[0067] After the spark is completed, a step of turning off the current supply to the electromagnet 6 is performed, and the output of the magnetic force ends. Therefore, the movable electrode 26 is returned to its original position by the elastic force of the movable electrode 26. The circuit 4 can apply the spark voltage to the capacitor 8 and the charge can be stored for the next spark.

[0068] The relay 10 can apply the spark voltage between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 and supply the electromagnet 6 with current synchronously or simultaneously. In this case, since a single relay 10 can perform the application of the spark voltage and current supply of electromagnet 6, the structure and control of the device can be simplified.

[0069] The energy emitted by the spark is transferred to the non-compressive fluid 30 surrounding the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26. The non-compressive fluid 30 is locally heated and pressurized, which increases its volume or causes cavitation. Unlike the conventional technique using a laser, since the energy of the spark is limited in the space between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26, a desired pressure can be caused by a lower energy. The increased voltage or the cavitation produced generates the pressure in the non-compressive fluid 30. The generated pressure propagates to the pressure transfer structure 32. Since the pressure transfer structure 32 can preferably be an elastic membrane such as rubber or silicone, or a piston, the pressure transfer structure 32 is deformed upon receiving the pressure and moves toward the outside of the pressure chamber 22.Therefore, if an object is outside the pressure chamber 22 and in contact with the pressure transfer structure 32, pressure is transferred to the object.

[0070] A portion of the non-compressive fluid 30 may be decomposed by the spark and may generate gas. For example, when the non-compressive fluid 30 is water, the water may be decomposed into oxygen and hydrogen. The gas is compressive and its volume is reduced by pressure. Therefore, a portion of the pressure generated in the non-compressive fluid 30 by the spark is used for gas compression without being transferred to the pressure transfer structure 32. Therefore, if the gas produced by the decomposition of the non-compressive fluid 30 is left in the pressure chamber 22, this results in a pressure loss. Therefore, after generating the spark, a step of emitting the gas from the pressure chamber 22 via an optional gas outlet 36 provided on the pressure chamber 22 may be performed. A selective gas filter 34 may be provided at the gas outlet 36.The gas produced by the decomposition of the non-compressive fluid 30 passes through the selective gas filter 34 to be emitted from the pressure chamber 22, while the non-compressive fluid 30 cannot pass through the selective gas filter 34 to be retained in the pressure chamber 22.

[0071] The formula 41 injector shown in [Fig.2] includes a formula chamber 42 disposed adjacent to the pressure chamber 22. A formula 44 is contained in the formula chamber 42 and is in contact with the pressure transfer structure 32. Accordingly, the pressure generated by the spark in the pressure chamber 22 is transferred directly to the formula 44 via the pressure transfer structure 32. Consequently, the formula 44 passes through the nozzle 46 to form a microjet and be emitted.

[0072] The depth of formula 44 injected into a subject, for example human skin, depends on the pressure generated by the spark. Accordingly, the depth can be adjusted by adjusting the spark voltage. For example, the spark voltage can be adjusted between 10 and 100 V or more. When the formula is injected into the deep portion of the skin, the spark voltage can be set to more than 100 V.

[0073] [Fig.3] shows the results of cavitation diameters measured by applying various voltages between the electrodes. The electrodes were immersed in water and had a diameter of 2 mm. The separation between the electrodes was 0.2 mm. [Fig.4] shows cavitation images captured by a high-speed camera when 65 V was applied. These results show that applying a spark voltage between 50 and 70 V can cause cavitation of uniform volume. The volume of the cavitation caused by the spark is suitable for injecting the cosmetic product by the micro-jet.

[0074] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily understand that various changes, modifications, and improvements are possible without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the present invention. References

[0075] 1. Spark generator

[0076] 2. Main device

[0077] 4. Circuit

[0078] 6. Electromagnet

[0079] 8. Capacitor

[0080] 10. Relay

[0081] 12. Main circuit board

[0082] 22. Pressure chamber

[0083] 24. Fixed electrode

[0084] 26. Movable electrode

[0085] 28. Permanent magnet

[0086] 30. Non-compressive fluid

[0087] 32. Pressure transfer structure

[0088] 34. Selective gas filter

[0089] 4L Formula Injector

[0090] 42. Formula room

[0091] 44. Formula

[0092] 46. Nozzle

[0093] 100. Classic formula injector

[0094] 102. Pressure chamber

[0095] 104. Formula chamber

[0096] 106. Fluid

[0097] 108. Elastic membrane

[0098] 110. Window

[0099] 112. Formula

[0100] 116. Nozzle

[0101] 118. Laser

Claims

Claims

1. A spark generator for generating pressure, comprising: a main device; and a pressure chamber disposed adjacent to the main device, wherein the main device comprises: a circuit for generating a predetermined spark voltage; and an electromagnet, wherein the pressure chamber comprises: a non-compressive fluid contained therein; a fixed electrode disposed in the non-compressive fluid; a movable electrode disposed in the non-compressive fluid and separated from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance;and a permanent magnet disposed on the movable electrode, wherein the circuit is configured to apply the spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode, wherein the electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode, wherein the pressure chamber includes a pressure transfer structure constituting a portion of a wall of the pressure chamber and configured to transfer a pressure of the non-compressive fluid generated by the spark to the outside of the pressure chamber.;

2. A spark generator according to claim 1, wherein the pressure transfer structure is an elastic membrane.

3. A spark generator according to claim 1, wherein the pressure transfer structure is a piston.

4. The spark generator of claim 1, wherein the pressure chamber further comprises a selective gas filter configured to release gas generated by the decomposition of the non-compressive fluid by the spark to the exterior of the pressure chamber.

5. A spark generator according to claim 1, wherein the circuit comprises a relay, and wherein the relay is configured to apply a current to the electromagnet and to apply the spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode in a synchronized manner.

6. Formula injector comprising: a spark generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and a formula chamber configured to receive pressure transferred by the pressure transfer structure, wherein the formula chamber comprises: a formula contained therein; and a nozzle configured to inject the formula, wherein the formula is configured to be injected from the nozzle by the pressure transferred by the pressure transfer structure.

7. A formula injector according to claim 6, wherein the pressure transfer structure is in direct contact with the formula.

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