MICRODERMABLATION DEVICE

Abstract

MICRODERMABLATION DEVICE The invention relates to a microdermablation device (1), comprising: - an abrasive tip (13, 50) with a ring-shaped abrasive surface (21A) that comes into contact with the skin; - a negative pressure source (32) applying a negative pressure force to a suction path (P) in communication with a suction opening (21B) of the abrasive tip; - a control circuit (33) controlling the operation of the negative pressure source; - wherein the abrasive surface is provided with a sensing means (23) for detecting contact with the skin, and - wherein the control circuit is configured to operate the negative pressure source when the sensing means detects contact of the abrasive surface with the skin. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: MICRODERMABLATION DEVICE technical field

[0001] This application relates to a microdermablation device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventionally, microdermablation is a treatment used to remove dead skin. During microdermablation, an abrasive surface with a suction opening in its central portion is brought into contact with the skin, and the surface moves along the skin while simultaneously suctioning the skin through the suction opening. Consequently, the abrasive surface removes the dead skin and suctions the removed dead skin through the suction opening and collects it. For example, US patent 2012 / 0 209 294 A1 discloses a microdermablation device. Such a microdermablation device includes an abrasive tip formed with an abrasive surface at its distal end. The abrasive tip is typically made of a metallic material, and abrasive particles (such as diamond particles) are attached to the abrasive surface.

[0003] It is necessary that the abrasive surface in contact with the skin be parallel to the skin in order to effectively seal the suction opening with the skin and draw the skin into the suction opening under negative pressure. For example, when a third party, such as a practitioner, performs microdermablation, they can verify the contact of the abrasive surface with the skin by ensuring it is parallel to the skin, and it is easy for them to effectively seal the suction opening with the skin.

[0004] However, for home use, when a user performs microdermablation on their skin, they must bring an abrasive surface into contact with the skin, tilting the abrasive surface according to the contour of their face. Therefore, the user must intuitively operate the microdermablation device, as they cannot verify the contact status of the abrasive surface with the skin. Furthermore, because the abrasive surface is in contact with the skin, the user cannot check whether the abrasive surface is parallel to the skin using a mirror.

[0005] Furthermore, when performing microdermablation, it is preferable to aspirate the skin through the suction opening and move the abrasive surface along the skin while lifting the skin. However, when the skin is not in contact with the suction opening to seal it, microdermablation may be less effective. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Thus, the object of the invention is to propose a microdermablation device which helps a user to bring a suction opening into contact with skin so as to cover the skin with the abrasive surface.

[0007] The present invention uses the following means to solve the aforementioned problem. A microdermablation device, comprising:

[0008] - an abrasive tip with a ring-shaped abrasive surface coming into contact with a skin;

[0009] - a negative pressure source applying a negative pressure force on a suction path in communication with a suction opening of the abrasive tip;

[0010] - a control circuit controlling the operation of the pressure source negative;

[0011] - wherein the abrasive surface is provided with a detection means for detecting a contact with skin, and

[0012] - wherein the control circuit is configured to operate the source negative pressure when the detection means detects contact between the abrasive surface and skin.

[0013] According to the present invention, when the sensing means placed on the abrasive surface comes into contact with skin, the control circuit detects the contact of the abrasive surface with the skin and activates the negative pressure source. Thus, the negative pressure source begins to operate, and the skin located in the suction opening of the abrasive surface is drawn into the suction opening. Then, by moving the abrasive surface along the skin, dead skin cells are removed from the skin, and the removed dead skin particles are drawn into the suction opening. On the other hand, when the sensing means is not in contact with the skin, the control circuit does not detect the contact of the sensing means with the skin and does not activate the negative pressure source.Furthermore, when the abrasive tip is tilted and the control circuit again detects contact between the abrasive surface and the skin, it activates the negative pressure source. Thus, as long as the abrasive surface, and specifically the sensing element, remains in contact with the skin, the negative pressure source operates. Therefore, even when a user cannot visually verify the contact status of the abrasive surface with the skin, they can intuitively understand its contact status. Moreover, when the abrasive surface is no longer in contact with the skin, the operation of the negative pressure source is suspended. In this way, the microdermablation device helps the user achieve proper contact between the abrasive surface and the skin. This is in contrast to a separate switch on a microdermablation device for activating a pressure source. With negative pressure, the user does not need to bring the abrasive surface into contact with skin while the negative pressure source is operating. Therefore, the electricity required to operate the negative pressure source can be saved by preventing it from running even when the abrasive surface is not in contact with the skin.

[0014] Furthermore, a pair of detection means can be arranged around the suction opening with circumferential space, and

[0015] The control circuit can be configured to operate the negative pressure source when both sensing means of the pair detect contact of the abrasive surface with the skin.

[0016] According to the present invention, when the two detection means of the pair, which are arranged around the suction opening with the circumferential space, come into contact with the skin, the control circuit activates the negative pressure source. Thus, the negative pressure source is activated when the abrasive surface comes into contact with the skin in a more correct state.

[0017] Furthermore, the detection means of the pair of detection means can be arranged on opposite sides of the suction opening.

[0018] According to the present invention, since the sensing means of the pair of sensing means are placed on both sides of the suction opening, it is necessary for the abrasive surface to come into contact with the skin so as to seal the suction opening more firmly, in order to operate the negative pressure source. Thus, the effectiveness of polishing skin by the abrasive surface can be further improved.

[0019] Furthermore, the pair of detection means can be a pair of conductive areas placed on the abrasive surface and arranged around the suction opening with non-conductive areas between the conductive areas.

[0020] According to the present invention, when the two conductive areas of the pair are in contact with the skin, due to the conductivity of the skin, the conductive areas of the pair are electrically connected via the portion of the skin in contact with the abrasive surface between the conductive areas. Thus, the control circuit detects the contact of the abrasive surface with the skin, causing the negative pressure source to operate.

[0021] Furthermore, the abrasive tip can be made of a conductive material,

[0022] - the abrasive tip can be divided into a plurality of parts around the opening suction, and an insulating material can be placed between the conductive parts, and

[0023] - the plurality of conductive parts can configure the conductive areas.

[0024] According to the present invention, when the abrasive tip is formed of a conductive material, by dividing the abrasive tip into a plurality of parts around The suction opening and by placing an insulating material between the conductive parts, as mentioned above, the control circuit detects the contact of the abrasive surface with the skin via the pair of conductive zones (conductive parts) electrically connected via the part of the skin in contact with the abrasive surface between the conductive zones so that the negative pressure source works.

[0025] Furthermore, the abrasive tip can be formed from an insulating material, and

[0026] - the abrasive surface can be provided with a pair of electrodes as areas drivers.

[0027] According to the present invention, when the abrasive tip is formed of an insulating material, by arranging a pair of electrodes on the abrasive surface, as mentioned above, the control circuit detects the contact of the abrasive surface with the skin via the pair of electrodes (conductive parts) electrically connected via the part of the skin in contact with the abrasive surface between the conductive areas so that the negative pressure source works.

[0028] Furthermore, a microdermablation device may also include:

[0029] - a portable housing equipped with the abrasive tip and containing the pressure source negative and the control circuit,

[0030] - wherein the housing can contain a battery powering the pressure source negative.

[0031] According to the present invention, by moving the abrasive surface away from the skin, the operation of the negative pressure source can be suspended, so that it is not necessary for a user to operate a separately provided switch, and electricity can be saved. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents a schematic view of one embodiment of a microdermablation device of the present application.

[0033] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents a perspective view of the abrasive cap shown on the [Fig.1].

[0034] [Fig.3] Fig.3 represents a schematic top view and a schematic view cross-section of the abrasive tip shown in figures 1 and 2.

[0035] [Fig.4] Fig.4 represents a schematic diagram of the apparatus microdermablation shown in [Fig.1].

[0036] [Fig.5] Fig.5 represents a schematic top view of the abrasive cap of another embodiment of the microdermablation device of the present invention.

[0037] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents a schematic top view of the abrasive cap of an alternative embodiment of the microdermablation device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0038] The embodiment of the microdermablation device will be described. As shown in [Fig. 1], the microdermablation device 1 according to the embodiment comprises a cylindrical abrasive cap 2, and a portable cylindrical housing 3 removably attached to the abrasive cap 2. Hereafter, one side of the housing 3 where the abrasive cap 2 is attached will be called the distal side, and the opposite side will be called the proximal side.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the abrasive cap 2 is formed of an insulating material, such as a plastic. The abrasive cap 2 includes a proximal cylindrical portion 11 and a distal cylindrical portion 12, which is connected to a distal end of the proximal cylindrical portion 11 and has a truncated cone shape, the internal and external diameters of which decrease distally. The internal surface of the proximal cylindrical portion 11 is formed with a female threaded portion 11A intended to be removably attached to the housing 3.

[0040] A distal edge of the distal cylindrical part 12 is provided with an abrasive tip 13. The abrasive tip 13 is formed of an insulating material, and includes a ring-shaped abrasive body 21 disposed on the distal edge surface of the distal cylindrical part 12 and a cylindrical part 22 extending proximally from an internal edge of the abrasive body, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0041] A distal edge surface of the abrasive body 21 comprises an abrasive surface 21A in contact with skin, and the central portion of the abrasive surface 21A is formed with a suction opening 21B communicating with the interior of the cylindrical portion 22, the distal cylindrical portion 12, and the proximal cylindrical portion 11. Diamond particles are bonded to the abrasive surface 21A using a binder. Particles other than diamond particles may be bonded to the abrasive surface 21A, or it may be configured without particle bonding to the abrasive surface 21A.

[0042] The abrasive surface 21A is arranged with a pair of electrodes 23 (conductive areas) around the suction opening 21B with circumferential gaps. The electrodes of the pair of electrodes 23 are arranged on both sides of the suction opening 21B. In other words, the electrodes of the pair of electrodes 23 are arranged on opposite sides of the suction opening 21B with the suction opening 21B interposed between the electrodes 23. The electrodes 23 form bands extending from the distal surface (the abrasive surface 21A) of the abrasive body 21 to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 22.

[0043] As shown in [Fig.1], the housing 3 contains a debris filtration chamber 31, a negative pressure source 32, a control circuit 33 connected to the negative pressure source 32, a battery 34 for powering the negative pressure source 32, a first tube 35 connecting the distal end of the housing 3 and the debris filtration chamber 31, and a second tube 36 connecting the debris filtration chamber 31 and the negative pressure source 32.

[0044] The housing 3 has a cylindrical shape, and a distal end of the housing 3 is provided with a first cylindrical mounting portion 37 for securing the abrasive cap 2. The first cylindrical mounting portion 37 has a cylindrical shape, and an external surface of the first cylindrical mounting portion 37 is formed with a male threaded portion 37A to which the female threaded portion 11A of the abrasive cap 2 is screwed. Furthermore, a filter 38 is located inside the distal end of the first cylindrical mounting portion 37 to capture dead skin removed by the abrasive surface 21A. In addition, an internal circumferential edge of the proximal end of the first cylindrical mounting portion 37 projects proximally and is mounted in a distal end of the first tube 35.

[0045] The debris filtration chamber 31 is configured to capture and accumulate debris passing through the filter 38. A first cylindrical inlet portion 31A defining an inlet suction opening of the debris filtration chamber 31 is mounted in the proximal end of the first tube 35, and a first cylindrical outlet portion 31B defining an outlet suction opening of the debris filtration chamber 31 is mounted in the distal end of the second tube 36.

[0046] The negative pressure source 32 consists of an air pump. A second cylindrical inlet portion 32A, defining an inlet suction opening for the negative pressure source 32, is mounted in the proximal end of the second tube 36. Furthermore, a second cylindrical outlet portion 32B, defining an outlet suction opening for the negative pressure source 32, is connected to a discharge port. A suction flow path P is formed by the debris filtration chamber 31, the negative pressure source 32, and the first and second tubes 35, 36.

[0047] As shown in [Fig.4], the control circuit 33 is electrically connected to the abrasive cap 2, the negative pressure source 32 and the battery 34. The control circuit 33 includes an operating control unit 41 to control the operation of the negative pressure source 32 and a power supply control unit 42 to control the wireless power supply to the battery 34.

[0048] The operating control unit 41 is connected to the electrodes 23 of the abrasive cap 2 by means of wires (not shown) passing inside the abrasive cap 2 and the housing 3, and is configured to operate the motor of the negative pressure source 32 while a closed circuit is formed between the pair of electrodes 23.

[0049] The power supply control unit 42 includes a receiver 43 for converting microwaves from the wireless power source located outside the microdermablation device into electricity by means of electromagnetic coupling, for example. The power supply control unit 42 can apply any wireless power supply method other than electromagnetic coupling.

[0050] The battery 34 is a secondary battery connected to the motor of the negative pressure source 32. The battery 34 can be powered in a manner other than wirelessly, for example, by being placed on a cradle to connect power supply electrodes located on the housing 3 and electrodes located on the cradle. Furthermore, the battery 34 is not limited to a rechargeable secondary battery, but can also be a replaceable primary battery. In addition, the microdermablation device 1 can be configured to be powered by means of a power cord without using a battery.

[0051] Next, the use of the microdermablation device 1 having this configuration will be described.

[0052] First, the abrasive surface 21A of the abrasive cap 2 is brought into contact with the skin to be treated. When the pair of electrodes 23 placed on the abrasive surface 21A is in contact with the skin, since the skin surface is conductive, the pair of electrodes 23 and the operating control unit 41 of the control circuit 33 form a closed circuit through the skin between the pair of electrodes 23. Thus, the operating control unit 41 detects that the abrasive surface 21A is firmly in contact with the skin, and actuates the motor of the negative pressure source 32 which is powered by the battery 34.

[0053] When the negative pressure source 32 is operating, a negative pressure force is applied to the suction opening 21B through the suction flow path P, which is formed by the debris filtration chamber 31, the negative pressure source 32, and the first and second tubes 35, 36. Skin in contact with the abrasive surface 21A is drawn into the suction opening 21B. As the microdermablation device 1 moves along the skin, the abrasive surface 21A removes dead skin cells, and these removed dead skin cells are drawn into the suction flow path P. At least some of the removed dead skin cells and other debris are captured by the filter 38, and the remaining skin cells Dead and debris removed passing through filter 38 flows into debris filtration chamber 31 and is captured by debris filtration chamber 31. After this, the air is exhausted through the exhaust port of housing 3.

[0054] On the other hand, when the electrode pair is less in contact with the skin or is not in contact with the skin by tilting the housing 3 relative to the skin, the contact of at least one electrode of the electrode pair 23 is eliminated. Thus, a closed circuit is not formed between the electrode pair 23 and the skin, and the operating control unit 41 detects the state in which the abrasive surface 21A is not firmly in contact with the skin or is not in contact with the skin. Consequently, the motor of the negative pressure source 32 is not activated, and the suction through the suction opening 21B of the abrasive cap 2 ceases. The cessation of suction allows the user to understand that the abrasive surface 21A is not firmly in contact with the skin. Next, the user tilts the microdermablation device 1 relative to the skin so as to reconfigure the firm contact of the abrasive surface 21A with the skin.

[0055] After further polishing of the skin with the abrasive surface 21A, the abrasive surface 21A deteriorates. Therefore, by appropriately replacing the old abrasive cap 2 with a new abrasive cap 2, improved polishing of the skin with the microdermablation device 1 can be continued. In this way, the skin is polished using the microdermablation device 1.

[0056] According to the microdermablation device 1 having the above configuration, when the electrodes of the electrode pair 23 placed on the abrasive surface 21A are simultaneously in contact with the skin, the operating control unit 41 detects the contact of the abrasive surface 21A with the skin, allowing the operation of the negative pressure source 32, while when the electrodes of the electrode pair 23 are not in contact with the skin, the operating control unit 41 stops the operation of the negative pressure source 32. Thus, even when a user cannot easily verify the contact status of the abrasive surface 21A with the skin, the user can identify the contact status of the abrasive surface 21A with the skin thanks to the operating status of the negative pressure source 32.Furthermore, this helps the user to properly make contact between the abrasive surface 21A and the skin thanks to the operating state of the negative pressure source 32. This improves the efficiency of polishing the skin with the abrasive surface 21A. In addition, compared to a switch, to operate the negative pressure source 32, the one placed separately on the housing 3 prevents the user from making contact between the abrasive surface 21A and the skin while the motor of the negative pressure source 32 is kept running, thus saving electricity to operate the negative pressure source 32.

[0057] The electrodes of the electrode pair 23, arranged on both sides of the suction opening 21B, allow the user to establish firmer contact between the abrasive surface 21A and the skin, thereby sealing the suction opening 21B to the skin. This further improves the effectiveness of skin polishing with the abrasive surface 21A.

[0058] Other embodiments of the abrasive cap, to which the present invention can be applied, will be described.

[0059] The abrasive cap may have a configuration with two pairs of electrodes on the abrasive surface. The electrodes of the first pair are arranged on either side of the suction opening 21B such that the suction opening 21B is located between the electrodes, and the electrodes of the second pair are also arranged on either side of the suction opening 21B such that the suction opening 21B is located between the electrodes. The operating control unit 41 is configured to operate the negative pressure source 32 while both pairs of electrodes are in contact with the skin. However, the operating control unit 41 may be configured to operate the negative pressure source 32 while at least one pair of electrodes is in contact with the skin.In addition, the abrasive cap may have a 21A abrasive surface equipped with three or more pairs of electrodes.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in [Fig. 5], the abrasive cap may include an abrasive tip 50 formed of a conductive material. The abrasive tip 50 is divided into two conductive parts 51 around the suction opening 21B, and non-conductive parts 52 of insulating material are arranged between the two conductive parts 51. Two conductive parts 51 have the same function as the electrode pair 23 as mentioned above, and the operating control unit 41 is configured to operate the negative pressure source 32 while two conductive parts 51 are simultaneously in contact with skin.

[0061] As shown in [Fig. 6], the abrasive cap may include an abrasive tip 60 formed of a conductive material. The abrasive tip 60 is divided into four conductive parts 61 around the suction opening 21B, and parts of insulating material are arranged between the four conductive parts 61. Two of the four conductive parts 61 that are located on either side of the suction opening 21B constitute a first pair of conductive parts 61A, and the other two conductive parts 61 that are also located on either side of the suction opening 21B constitute a second pair of conductive parts 61B. The operating control unit 41 is configured to operate the negative pressure source 32 while the two pairs of conductive parts 61A, 61B are in contact with the skin. However, the operating control unit 41 may be configured to operate the negative pressure source 32 while at least one pair of conductive parts 61A, 61B is in contact with the skin. In addition, the abrasive tip of the abrasive cap can be divided into three or more pairs of conductive parts.

[0062] The inventions of this application are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications of the embodiments described above may be made without departing from the concept of the inventions of this application. For example, in the above embodiment, although the abrasive cap is removably screwed onto the housing, the abrasive cap may be removably attached to the housing by other means, such as a snap-on fitting. Although the microdermablation device includes a portable container, the microdermablation device may be a fixed device. Such a microdermablation device includes a fixed housing containing the negative pressure source, and an abrasive tip provided on a distal end of a tube extending from the fixed housing.Although the abrasive surface is provided with electrodes or conductive areas as detectors to detect contact of the electrodes or conductive areas with skin, the abrasive surface may be provided with other means of detection, such as a pressure-sensitive sensor, as a detector.

Claims

Demands

1. Microdermablation device (1), comprising: - an abrasive tip (13, 50) with a ring-shaped abrasive surface (21A) that comes into contact with skin; - a negative pressure source (32) applying a negative pressure force to a suction path (P) in communication with a suction opening (21B) of the abrasive tip; - a control circuit (33) controlling the operation of the negative pressure source; wherein the abrasive surface is provided with a sensing means (23) that detects contact with skin, and wherein the control circuit is configured to operate the negative pressure source when the sensing means detects contact of the abrasive surface with skin.

2. Microdermablation device according to claim 1, - wherein a pair of sensing means (23) is arranged around the suction opening (21B) with circumferential space, and - wherein the control circuit is configured to operate the negative pressure source when both sensing means of the pair detect contact of the abrasive surface with skin.

3. Microdermablation device according to claim 2, - wherein the sensing means of the pair of sensing means (23) are arranged on opposite sides of the aspiration opening.

4. Microdermablation device according to claim 2, - wherein the pair of sensing means (23) is a pair of conductive areas placed on the abrasive surface (21A) and arranged around the suction opening with non-conductive areas between the conductive areas.

5. Microdermablation apparatus according to claim 4, - wherein the abrasive tip (50) is formed of a conductive material, - wherein the abrasive tip is divided into a plurality of parts (51) around the suction opening (21B), and an insulating material (52) is disposed between the conductive parts, and - in which the plurality of conductive parts configure the conductive zones.

6. Microdermablation device according to claim 4, - wherein the abrasive tip (13) is formed of an insulating material, and - wherein the abrasive surface is provided with a pair of electrodes (23) as conductive areas.

7. Microdermablation device according to claim 1, further comprising: - a portable case (3) provided with the abrasive tip and containing the negative pressure source and the control circuit, - in which the case contains a battery (34) powering the negative pressure source.

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