Device for stimulating hair growth

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device 100, 200 for stimulating hair growth, which comprises at least one electrode 101 for electrical stimulation of the skin, and a control device 102 connected to the at least one electrode 101 for generating electrical pulses. According to the present invention, the control device 102 is intended to continuously vary the electrical stimulation depending on the detected hair loss state or the detected hair growth, and / or to implement preset stimulation programs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 for electrical stimulation of the skin depending on the detected hair loss state. The electrode 101 is provided with a number of spikes or pins with rounded tips or formed in a ridge and valley shape, which protrude through existing hair and do not penetrate the skin but rather contact the skin. The present invention can be configured as a cap, hat, T-shirt, shirt, pullover, jacket, slacks, bandage, or shawl.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for stimulating hair growth, said device comprising: The device has at least one electrode for electrical stimulation of the skin, wherein a control device connected to the at least one electrode generates the electrical pulses. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that electrical stimulation of the scalp can stimulate hair follicles for new hair growth when hair loss begins. To stimulate the scalp, electrodes must be placed on the scalp. An electric current flows through the electrodes, which then flows into the scalp. For therapeutic purposes, this method is not currently suitable, in part because the electrical stimulation must be administered for several hours per day to achieve the desired effect.

[0003] In patent document 1, a hood is disclosed in which electrodes are provided to stimulate hair growth, the hood is worn similarly to a swimming cap and is not suitable for daily use by personnel in, for example, a working life.

[0004] In US Pat. No. 5,629,999 a helmet-like device is taught in which controls and electrodes for scalp stimulation are provided.

[0005] Finally, in US Pat. No. 5,629,999, a magnet arrangement on the inside of a baseball cap is taught, which should stimulate hair growth.

[0006] All the devices mentioned above have the drawback that the electrical stimulation needs to be adapted to the actual hair loss. In the case of circular hair loss, stimulation should preferably only occur at the location of hair loss. Therefore, continuous adaptation of the electrodes is necessary. A hair growth stimulator in the form of a hood or in the form of a helmet can therefore only be worn in one location. With longer wear times of the stimulation device, compliance, i.e., the willingness of the person to wear the device in a predefined position on the head, or not being able to wear it due to a position subject to pressure, decreases. It is also possible to stimulate hair loss in the same way and just in the transitional areas from a thick state to a thinned state to a hairless state. In order to stimulate these areas appropriately, the stimulation device also needs to automatically find these areas.

[0007] To achieve electrical stimulation of hair follicles, the prior art proposes that electrical pulses be introduced into the skin via needle-shaped electrodes. The needles used for this purpose are extremely thin, almost like acupuncture needles, and therefore cause little pain when they penetrate into the upper skin layers. Electrode implantation, however, requires a high degree of overcoming possible pain during the procedure. Needles or electrodes implanted within the skin reduce compliance even further. Needles implanted within the skin are also fixed in position. For example, if the device for skin stimulation is slipped out of position on the user's head similar to a cap over the course of a day, continuous adaptation of the electrical stimulation is not possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 100 671 943B1 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0217369A1 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 01 / 02051A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The object according to the invention is to provide a device for stimulating hair growth with improved wearing comfort, which in addition automatically adapts this stimulation to the hair condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to the control device is connected to at least one detection device, via which the degree of existing hair loss or the degree of hair growth can be detected; The solution is then achieved in that the control device implements a pre-adjusted stimulation program for electrical stimulation of the skin depending on the detected hair loss condition. Further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention for stimulating hair growth are presented in the claims subto claim 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The concept of the present invention therefore provides for a control device and a detection device which are able to measure and detect actual hair loss conditions or actual hair occurrence at any time, and which executes a stimulation program depending on the detected hair loss condition or detected hair occurrence. The control and detection devices may then comprise a temperature sensor, a positioning sensor for detecting the position of the device on the scalp, a contact and / or proximity sensor for detecting proper contact of the device with the skin, and a conductivity sensor for detecting changes in the conductivity of the scalp and adapting the treatment accordingly. If the device detects, for example, hair loss in the so-called bald temples, the electrodes are preferably energized with electrical stimulation pulses in this area. A particularly advantageous feature of the continuous measurement of hair loss status or hair growth is that the device is adapted to the current position of the stimulation device on the head or in the relevant body position, so that it is possible to move the device to another location if wearing discomfort due to, for example, a perceived pressure sensation or scalp or skin itching at the wearing position is responded to reflexively by the wearer / user replacing the device.

[0012] For reliable detection, film electrodes can be used, which allow area detection. It is however equally possible that the control device is connected to a plurality of detection devices, each individual detection device being intended to cover a predetermined area of ​​the scalp or the skin in question. The detection device can then detect local hair loss or local hair growth, respectively, via impedance measurements: since hair acts electrically insulating on the one hand and, likewise, the electrode is spaced apart from the skin, the hair acts like a dielectric between the conductive skin and the electrode.

[0013] For the transmission of electrical stimuli, spikes can be provided on the electrodes, these spikes have rounded tips and protrude through any hair that is still present, but are in contact with the skin and do not penetrate it. Round spikes on the surface are non-invasive electrodes.

[0014] Humidity and sweat can strongly affect the conductivity of the skin. In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, therefore, The control device is further connected to a humidity sensor, and the humidity sensor allows the electrical conductivity of the hair to be estimated; It is then possible for the control device to be provided to vary the preset stimulation program depending on the detected humidity. In order not to irritate the user with electrical pulses to the point of causing discomfort and discomfort, it is possible to reduce the voltage level for stimulating the skin when a sweaty head or sweaty skin is detected.

[0015] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention for stimulating hair growth, the control device is further connected to a device for wireless data transmission, such as a Bluetooth module or a WLAN module, It is possible that the current state of the control device can be read out via this device for data transmission. It is possible to make the control device intelligent in such a way that the stimulation program responds to the user's wearing habits. This intelligence can come from a program in a remote computer or from a mobile phone with sufficient computing power. Additionally, data can be transmitted remotely to the treating physician, who controls and monitors the hair growth treatment. Not only can data from the device according to the invention for stimulating hair growth be output to the outside, but it is also possible that the characteristics of the control device can be controlled from the outside in such a way that a data flow from the outside is directed to the control device. Therefore, the control device is further connected to a device for wireless data transmission, such as a Bluetooth module or a WLAN module, It is possible that provision is made for the state of the control device to be changeable via this device for wireless data transmission. This change of state allows the activated electrodes to be adapted, the parameters for identifying areas that deserve stimulation to be adapted externally, or similarly the program for predefined stimulation to be adapted.

[0016] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device, the device is configured in the form of a hat or cap; It is then possible to provide that at least one of the electrodes and at least one of the detection devices are arranged inside the hat or inside the cap. In this regard, the hat lining or cap lining is worthy of consideration as a location for the electrodes and for the at least one sensing device.

[0017] For particularly problem-free and versatile use, it has proven to be advantageous if it is intended that a storage battery for the current supply is arranged inside the hat or inside the cap. This makes the wearer independent of current supply devices and also independent of cables leading to current sources that may be carried on the body. the hat or cap has a current supply cable for charging the accumulator battery, or It is possible that in this hat or this cap a coil for inductive charging of the accumulator is provided. The device for stimulation of hair growth in the form of a hat or cap can be inductively charged on the holding device, in the same way as a wig stand.

[0018] For stimulation of hair growth, it is possible that the control device is intended to perform stimulation of the skin with pulses having the following electrical parameters: from 1 V to 160 V, from 1 nC to 1 μC, from 1 Hz to 100 Hz. Thus, short pulses with a voltage between 1 V and 160 V are induced on the skin, whereupon within one pulse a charge of 1 nC to 1 μC is discharged onto the skin at a frequency between 1 Hz and 100 Hz. It is self-evident that the electrical stimulation of the skin is carried out in such a way that the user does not experience any electrical shock. During stimulation with a 160V pulse, the charge is so low, for example, a few nC, that no electrical impulse is perceptible despite the high voltage. At lower voltages within the single-digit voltage range, the charge can already be significantly higher. It is generally true that higher voltages or larger currents per unit area are more suitable for electrical stimulation. For very short pulses, it is not meaningful to define it by current, since the cross-sectional area on the skin is strongly expanded and there is different contact with the electrodes, which may be point contact but may also be area contact. In order to improve the effectiveness of the electrical stimulation, it has been found to be advantageous if the electrical pulse of the control device is intended to begin with an electrical depolarization of the skin and continue directly with a subsequent polarization of the skin. By temporary depolarization with subsequent polarization, the effect of the electrical pulse is enhanced upon stimulation of the skin.

[0019] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a first variant of the device according to the invention for electrical stimulation of the scalp in the form of a cap, with a current supply cable; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 shows a second variant of the device according to the invention for electrical stimulation of the scalp in the form of a cap, with a storage battery and a device for wireless data transmission. FIG. [Figure 3]2 is a view of the device of FIG. 1 with a view into the cap liner. [Figure 4] 3 is a view of the device of FIG. 2 with a view into the cap liner. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the stimulating electrodes of the device in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the stimulating electrodes of the device in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second variant of a stimulation electrode with a contact tip for the device according to FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram of a second variant of a stimulation electrode with a contact tip for the device according to FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 or 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram of a third variant of a stimulation electrode with a contact tip for the device according to FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram of typical hair loss stages in men. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram for clarity of how the stimulation electrodes are positioned within the cap liner and in contact with the surface of the head. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram for clarity of how the detector is located within the cap liner and in contact with the surface of the head. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary combination of electrical stimulation patterns. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram for clarity of the storage of the device on a stand with a contactless charging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In FIG. 1 a first variant of a device 100 according to the invention for electrical stimulation of the scalp in the form of a cap K with a current supply cable 111 is shown. The current supply cable 111 is connected to a current supply device that is carried on the body, for example in an inner jacket pocket, and that consists of a commercially available rechargeable electric battery, such as those available as "power banks" for mobile phones. The device is adapted to fulfill long stimulation programs with relatively high current consumption.

[0022] In contrast to this, in FIG. 2 a second variant of a device 200 according to the invention for electrical stimulation of the scalp is shown in the form of a cap K, which has a battery 110 and a device 105 for wireless data transmission. A device 105 for wireless data transmission is integrated with a control device 102 capable of implementing various programs for electrical stimulation of the scalp, wherein the control device 102 can request data for the selection of these programs, the data coming from at least one detection device 103 for detecting hair loss conditions. Data from the control device 102 is provided to a device 105 for wireless data transmission and can be routed from there to the mobile phone M for evaluation. Likewise, it is also possible to adjust the operating parameters of the control device 102 with the mobile phone M.

[0023] In Figure 3, the device of Figure 1 is shown in a schematic view looking into the cap liner. In this bottom view, the electrode 101 is visible, which here is configured as a film electrode and occupies almost the entire area of ​​the cap liner. In this case, spikes with circular tips (not shown here) are arranged on the film electrode, which penetrate the existing hair and contact the scalp with their circular tips, but the spikes do not penetrate the scalp, so there is a non-invasive electrode 101 with multiple contact points.

[0024] In Figure 4, the device of Figure 2 is shown in schematic form with a view into the cap liner. Also visible in this bottom view is the electrode 101, which here is also configured as a film electrode with spikes having rounded ends as contact points for the transmission of electrical stimuli onto the scalp and occupies almost the entire area of ​​the cap lining. Also visible in this view is the control device 102 integrated with the accumulator 110, which is also visible in almost the front area of ​​the cap.

[0025] The stimulating electrodes 101 of the device in Figure 1 are shown individualized in Figure 5. It can be clearly seen that the film electrodes with spikes having rounded tips are configured concavely in this embodiment to fit the approximately ellipsoidal head shape. Due to this concave shape, the distance of the stimulation electrode 101 configured as a film electrode to the local surface of the head is always approximately the same. In this embodiment of the device for stimulation of hair growth, the electrode 101 is directly connected to the current supply cable 111. In Fig. 6, however, the complement is shown without an external current supply cable, which is connected to the battery 110 and the control device 102 in Fig. 2.

[0026] Alternative embodiments to the electrodes 101 configured as film electrodes with spikes having rounded tips in Figures 5 and 6 are shown in Figures 7 and 8. These electrodes 101 are configured as individual pins that penetrate the hair and directly reach the scalp, thus forming direct contact with the scalp surface. Similarly, these pins do not penetrate the scalp and form non-invasive scalp electrodes. This allows for stimulation pulses with lower voltages due to reduced contact resistance. In Fig. 7, the individual electrodes 101 configured as pin electrodes are connected to a current supply cable 111. In the right illustration in Fig. 8, the same electrodes 101 are shown, but they are not connected to the electrodes 101, but rather to the storage battery 110 and the control device 102 in Fig. 2.

[0027] 9 shows a third variation of stimulation electrodes 101 in one form of very special electrode arrangement. The electrodes 101 are arranged in a ridge and valley configuration. On the inclined surfaces of the electrodes 101, sensing devices 103 are arranged, which detect the density of hair H located between them via impedance measurement. The electrodes 101 are varied by the control device 102 depending on the measured hair density. It is possible that the arrangement of the electrodes 101 is configured as circumferentially extending electrodes, as shown in Figure 9. However, it is equally possible that the detection device 103 is attached to the side of the pin of the electrode 101, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0028] A typical hair loss stage matrix is ​​shown in Figure 10. Depending on the physiological constitution of each individual, hair loss progresses through these stages from left to right. Starting on the left with ample hair (shaded), individuals with hair loss either progress to a larger forehead (first row) or suffer a circular hair loss (second row), with this circle always expanding. The progressive stages of hair loss then differ in that in some stages a circular pappus remains in the upper forehead area (column 3). A further variation of the hair loss stages is shown in column 4. During these stages, so-called "bald temples" also occur, leading to a bald head, which in its entirety develops into a kind of shaved head. Identifying these various hair loss stages and performing stimulation only within the scalp area in question is the effect of the device for stimulating hair growth presented here.

[0029] In Figures 11 and 12 it is shown how the electrode 101 (Figure 11) and the sensing device 103 are directly stacked in layers. From above, each diagram in Figure 11 shows a view into the lining of the cap (see Figure 4), with visible film electrodes with rounded spikes as contact points. The cap is tilted forward, out of the plane of the paper, with the sun visor in the central view. To show the film electrode in this position, the cap has been faded out in this central illustration so that the film electrode can be seen from the side, where it is located in the lining of the cap K. In this position, a concave film electrode (FIGS. 5 and 6) or a concave arrangement of individual electrodes (FIGS. 7 and 8) rests over the relevant surface of the head. 12, a sensing device 103 is shown that is connected directly to the film electrodes or to an arrangement of individual electrodes and includes a number of flat coils that can be used to detect hair loss conditions via local impedance measurements at representative locations on the head. In this embodiment, the detectors are located to the left and right of the fontanelle, but the electrodes can also be distributed in other ways to be able to detect typical stages of hair loss as well.

[0030] In Fig. 13, various electrical stimulation patterns are shown as exemplary programs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6. For example, it is possible to stimulate the scalp with short pulses having a frequency of 1 Hz to 4 Hz. To improve the effect of stimulation, it may be intended to first perform depolarization, as in exemplary programs P1 and P2. This depolarization is followed by polarization with a single pulse, as in program P1, or by a double pulse train, as in program P2. Exemplary program P3 consists of a somewhat more rapid pulse train with equal pulses without a prior depolarization. These pulses can occur in groups of pulses, as in exemplary program P4. In exemplary program P5, one pulse train is shown having a frequency of about 25 Hz. Another pulse train is shown in program P6 with low voltage pulses, interspersed with high voltage pulses at a frequency of about 1 Hz. In general, it is possible for the pulse frequency to be between 1 Hz and 100 Hz and to exhibit various depolarization / polarization patterns.

[0031] In FIG. 14, in essence, a stand for a device 100 for stimulating hair growth is illustrated, this stand being reminiscent of a wig stand. A coil 112 is inserted into the upper surface of the stand S and is connected to a current supply cable V. Via this coil 112, the battery 110 of the device for stimulating hair growth can be charged wirelessly. In this case, the Qi protocol can be used as the charging protocol, which is also used in mobile phones.

[0032] The invention presented here is adapted for the non-invasive electrical stimulation of scalp hair growth, when this concerns an embodiment in the form of a hat or cap, and is likewise adapted for the non-invasive electrical stimulation of hair growth on other body parts, such as chest or back hair growth, underarm hair growth, but also pubic hair growth, or for the stimulation of beard growth, when this concerns an embodiment in the form of other underwear. For this purpose, the device can be configured as a wearable device in the form of a so-called "wearable" garment, such as underwear, a T-shirt, a shirt, a pullover, a jacket, underpants, sports slacks, an elastic bandage, such as a bandage for back muscles, or as a shawl or beard trimming strip. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 100 Stimulation Device 101 Electrode 102 Control device 103 Detection Device 104 Humidity Sensor 105 Apparatus for wireless data transmission 110 Storage battery 111 Current supply cable 112 Coil 200 Stimulation Device K Cap M Mobile Phone P1 Program P2 Program P3 Program P4 Program P5 Program P6 Program S Stand V Current supply cable

Claims

1. A device (100, 200) for stimulation of hair growth, said device comprising: - the device comprises at least one electrode (101) for electrical stimulation of the skin, and a control device (102) connected to said at least one electrode (101) generates electrical pulses, said control device (102) being connected to at least one detection device (103) via which the degree of existing hair loss or the degree of hair growth can be detected; The control device (102) - continuously varying the electrical stimulation depending on the detected hair loss condition or the detected hair growth, and / or - implementing a pre-adjusted stimulation program (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) for electrical stimulation of the skin depending on the detected hair loss state; At least one of the electrodes (101) is provided with a number of spikes or pins with rounded tips or formed in a hill and valley shape; A device (100, 200) characterized in that the spikes protrude through any hair that is still present and do not penetrate the skin but rather rest on top of it.

2. The control device (102) is connected to a plurality of detection devices (103), 2. The device of claim 1, wherein each individual sensing device (103) covers a predetermined area of ​​the skin.

3. The control device (102) is further connected to a humidity sensor (104), through which the electrical conductivity of the hair can be estimated; 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control device (102) varies the preset stimulation program (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) depending on the detected humidity.

4. The control device (102) is further connected to a device (105) for wireless data transmission, such as a Bluetooth module or a WLAN module, 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the current state of the control device (102) can be read out via the device for data transmission.

5. The control device (102) is further connected to a device (105) for wireless data transmission, such as a Bluetooth module or a WLAN module, 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the state of the control device (102) can be changed via the device for wireless data transmission.

6. the device (100, 200) is configured in the form of a hat or cap; 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the electrodes (101) and at least one of the detecting devices (103) are arranged inside the hat or inside the cap.

7. 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that an accumulator (110) for supplying current is arranged inside the hat or inside the cap.

8. the hat or cap has a current supply cable (111) for charging the accumulator battery (110), or 8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the hat or cap a coil (112) is provided for inductive charging of the accumulator (110).

9. 9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control device (102) performs the stimulation of the skin with pulses of the following electrical parameters: 1 V to 160 V, 1 nC to 1 μC, 1 Hz to 100 Hz.

10. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the electrical pulse of the control device (102) begins with an electrical depolarization of the skin and continues with a direct subsequent polarization of the skin.

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