Invasive high-frequency treatment device that can make initial location of operation constant

The invasive high-frequency device stabilizes microneedle position through a control circuit that determines and adjusts the microneedle position by detecting voltage changes in microneedles during initialization, ensuring accurate and comfortable treatment.

JP2025185712APending Publication Date: 2025-12-22VIOL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025087075
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-10
Filing Date
2025-05-26
Publication Date
2025-12-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing invasive high-frequency treatment devices face issues with microneedle position instability due to design, assembly, and usage conditions, leading to inaccurate treatment and potential side effects or discomfort.

Method used

The device includes a control circuit that determines a treatment zero point by detecting voltage changes in microneedles during an initialization stage, using a lifting unit to stabilize the microneedle position, and adjusts the position based on a predetermined reference value, ensuring accurate placement regardless of variations in tip type or assembly states.

Benefits of technology

This solution stabilizes microneedle position, enhancing treatment accuracy, preventing discomfort, and reducing side effects by maintaining consistent depth penetration.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an invasive high-frequency treatment device.SOLUTION: The invasive high-frequency treatment device includes: multiple micro needles including a first micro needle and a second micro needle; an elevation unit configured to raise the micro needles; and a control circuit configured to control the elevation unit. The control circuit determines an operation zero point of the elevation unit corresponding to the multiple micro needles in an initialization stage of the invasive high-frequency treatment device, and controls the elevation unit to rise at a predetermined height from the operation zero point in an operation stage of the invasive high-frequency treatment device. Accordingly, it is possible to make consistent a location of the micro needles prior to an operation regardless of conditions for a design, an assembly, and use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-frequency treatment device, and more particularly to an invasive high-frequency treatment device that can perform various treatments (pain relief, wound recovery, wrinkle and scar treatment, etc.) by using the principle of applying electrical stimulation (high-frequency stimulation) by penetrating fine needles (microneedles) into the skin of the treatment target. [Background technology]

[0002] One skin treatment method that has recently been attracting attention is microneedle treatment. This is a method in which extremely fine needles (microneedles) are inserted into the skin to form treatment pillars, and radio frequency (RF) is applied to create tiny wounds to promote skin regeneration. As these wounds close, cell growth factors are induced, maximizing the skin's natural healing and regeneration.

[0003] When high frequency waves are applied to human tissue through microneedles, which act as electrodes to provide high frequency stimulation, frictional heat is generated within the tissue around the microneedles, causing collagen components to solidify in the dermis layer and promoting the formation of new collagen, resulting in skin improvement effects such as reducing wrinkles and shrinking pores.

[0004] Microneedling generates heat (approximately 40-60°C) in the target area without causing burns to the epidermis, revitalizing collagen and elastic fibers. This makes it highly effective in treating acne, acne scars, fine lines, deep wrinkles, and pore reduction. It is also known to improve blood circulation, promote fat burning, and activate the lymphatic system, making it possible to treat obesity.

[0005] An invasive high-frequency treatment device that enables microneedle treatment generally includes a handpiece, a treatment tip, and a control unit. The treatment tip is equipped with microneedles that act as electrodes for transmitting high-frequency thermal energy. When the treatment tip is positioned at the treatment site and operated, the microneedles advance (for example, 3 mm or 5 mm) to transmit high-frequency thermal energy into the skin layer at that depth.

[0006] In invasive high-frequency treatment devices, microneedles are generally housed within the treatment tip and are not exposed to the outside before treatment. However, if the microneedles are exposed to the outside due to design, assembly, or usage issues, they may come into contact with the skin of the treatment area before treatment, causing discomfort to the patient. Furthermore, if the microneedle is housed within the treatment chip deeper than the previously predicted position, the microneedle may not be able to accurately target the skin layer at the desired depth even when it advances, which may reduce the treatment effect by half or, in severe cases, cause side effects. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0060312 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0055663 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an invasive high-frequency treatment device that can stabilize the position of microneedles before treatment, regardless of the design, assembly, and usage conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a means for solving the problem, according to the present invention, an invasive high-frequency treatment device is provided, which includes a plurality of microneedles including a first microneedle and a second microneedle, a lifting unit for raising and lowering the microneedles, and a control circuit configured to control the lifting unit, wherein the control circuit determines a treatment zero point of the lifting unit corresponding to the plurality of microneedles during an initialization stage of the invasive high-frequency treatment device, and controls the lifting unit to rise and fall to a predetermined height from the treatment zero point during a treatment stage of the invasive high-frequency treatment device.

[0010] During the initialization stage, the control circuit controls the lifting unit to lift the multiple microneedles, detects a voltage change in at least one of the multiple microneedles, and, based on the detection result, determines the position of the lifting unit corresponding to the position of the microneedle when the voltage change exceeds a predetermined reference value as the treatment zero point.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the invasive high-frequency treatment device further includes a conductive plate disposed on the plurality of microneedles. According to an embodiment, the device may further include needle caps disposed on the plurality of microneedles, and the conductive plate may be configured in the form of an adhesive tape that is adhesively fixed to the treatment surface of the needle caps. According to an embodiment, the device may further include needle caps disposed on the plurality of microneedles, and the conductive plate may be provided inside a tip cover that is detachably coupled to the needle caps.

[0012] The control circuit can include a control unit that controls the lifting unit, a high-frequency generating unit that generates high-frequency power from an input power source and applies the generated high-frequency power to the microneedle, and a voltage detection unit that applies a voltage to the microneedle to determine the initial treatment position and detects changes in the voltage.

[0013] The voltage detection unit outputs a detection signal indicating that the change in voltage exceeds a predetermined reference value, and in response to the detection signal, the control unit outputs a lift control signal to the lift unit instructing it to stop lifting and lowering, and in response to the lift control signal, the lift unit stops the lifting and lowering and outputs lift position information indicating the current position of the lift unit, and the control unit can determine the current position of the lift unit whose lifting and lowering has been stopped as the treatment zero point based on the lift position information.

[0014] The control circuit can read the stored position correction value and correct the treatment zero point based on the read position correction value. The control circuit may further include a relay configured to alternatively connect one of the radio frequency generating unit and the voltage detecting unit to the microneedle.

[0015] The relay may be switched to a first position in the initialization stage to electrically connect the microneedle and the voltage detection unit, and may be switched to a second position in the treatment stage to electrically connect the microneedle and the high-frequency generating unit. When the microneedles are newly electrically connected to the control circuit, the control circuit can control the invasive high-frequency treatment device to the initialization stage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to the embodiment of the present invention has the effect of being able to stabilize the position of the microneedle before treatment, regardless of fluctuations in the initial position of the microneedle due to the type of treatment tip, the assembly state with the handpiece, the assembly state inside the handpiece, etc. This can improve the accuracy and precision of the treatment, and can prevent discomfort and pain during the treatment process due to fluctuations in the position of the microneedle before treatment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1]1 is a front view of an invasive high-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the invasive high-frequency treatment device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal configuration of an invasive high-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the treatment tip shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cutaway perspective view of the treatment tip, showing part “A” (treatment tip) of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the present invention showing components necessary for performing the initial treatment position readjustment (or resetting) operation and the connection relationship of the components. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process of readjusting (or resetting) an initial treatment position of a microneedle performed in an invasive high-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The examples are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following examples can be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples. Rather, these examples are provided to make the present disclosure more complete and complete, and to fully convey the idea of ​​the present invention.

[0020] The terms used in this specification are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification, the singular form "a," "an," or "an" can include the plural form unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] It should be understood that in this application, the terms "comprise," "comprise," "have," and the like are intended to specify the presence of an inventive feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof.

[0022] Furthermore, when a component is "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" another component, it does not only mean that the component is directly adjacent to the other component and is disposed "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below," unless there are special circumstances, but also includes the case where another component is disposed between them. Furthermore, when a component is "connected" to another component, it does not only mean that the components are directly connected to each other, but also includes the case where the components are indirectly connected to each other, unless there are special circumstances.

[0023] The drawings are merely for the purpose of making it possible to understand the concept of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in the drawings, the relative thickness, length, and relative size may be exaggerated for the convenience and clarity of the description.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a front view of an invasive high-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of the invasive high-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing the internal configuration of the invasive high-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to these drawings, the overall configuration of the high-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in brief.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the invasive high-frequency treatment device 1 may be broadly composed of a handpiece 10 and a treatment tip 20. The treatment tip 20 is detachably coupled to the handpiece 10, and can be provided in various types with different sizes and arrangements of microneedles 50. Therefore, the practitioner can perform high-frequency treatment by coupling an appropriate treatment tip 20 to the handpiece 10 according to the treatment site and its condition. The handpiece 10 may be provided with a control element including a control circuit 30. As mentioned above, the control element including the control circuit 30 may be provided in a control unit provided separately externally, in addition to being provided in the handpiece 10. In this case (when the control element is provided in an external control unit), the control unit and the handpiece 10 can be connected by wire or wirelessly to exchange signals or information.

[0026] The control circuit 30 includes a control unit 32, a high-frequency generating unit 34, and a voltage detecting unit 36 ​​(see FIG. 6). The control unit 32 controls the lifting unit 40, thereby allowing the microneedles 50 provided in the treatment tip 20 to move up and down, and the high-frequency generating unit 34 generates high-frequency waves from the input power supply and applies them to the microneedles 50. The voltage detecting unit 36 ​​then provides information necessary to determine the initial treatment position of the microneedles 50 through a series of processes. Such a control circuit 30 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0027] The treatment tip 20 includes a plurality of microneedles 50 and a needle cap 70 that houses them. The plurality of microneedles 50 penetrate the skin and function as electrodes that transmit the high frequency (high frequency power) generated by the high frequency generator 34 to the skin layer, and the microneedles 50 are fixed to a needle lifting table 60 so that their elevation can be synchronized. The needle cap 70 forms the outer shape of the treatment tip 20, and can house the microneedles 50 and the needle lifting table 60 in the storage space provided inside.

[0028] The needle lifting table 60 can be connected to the lifting unit 40. The lifting unit 40 may be composed of an actuator 42 and a lifting shaft 44. The lifting unit 40 can raise or lower the needle lifting table 60 within a set range. As a result, the microneedles 50 inside the needle cap 70 protrude from the treatment surface 73 of the needle cap 70 and penetrate into the skin, transmitting high frequency waves and returning to the initial treatment position inside the needle cap 70.

[0029] The actuator 42 constituting the lifting unit 40 may be provided inside the handpiece 10. Alternatively, the actuator 42 may be provided in the control body that is separately provided externally. The actuator 42 may be, for example, a motor or a pump. When the actuator 42 is a pump, the lifting shaft 44 may be configured in the form of a pneumatic cylinder, and one end of the lifting shaft 44 may be detachably connected to a shaft 62 provided on the needle lifting table 60. The lifting unit 40 raises a portion (tip) of the microneedles 50 from the initial treatment position to a predetermined height, allowing them to penetrate the skin, and in this state, high-frequency current is simultaneously applied to the multiple microneedles 50, thereby simultaneously applying high-frequency stimulation over a wide area in a short period of time. As a result, the activity of cells that make up the dermal tissue of the skin increases, allowing collagen synthesis and recovery of skin damage.

[0030] The configuration of an invasive high-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the treatment tip shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged cutaway perspective view of part "A" (treatment tip) in FIG.

[0032] 4 and 5, the treatment tip 20 includes a needle cap 70, a microneedle 50, and a needle lifting platform 60. The needle cap 70 may be made of an insulating material such as plastic, or may be formed in a cylindrical shape that narrows toward the top, as illustrated in the drawings. The needle cap 70 forms the outer shape of the treatment tip 20, and houses the microneedle 50 in a housing space formed inside, thereby protecting the microneedle 50 from the external environment.

[0033] The microneedles 50 may be configured in multiple numbers. The multiple microneedles 50 are divided into a first group consisting of first microneedles and a second group consisting of second microneedles. Microneedles belonging to the same group may have the same polarity, and microneedles belonging to different groups may have opposite polarities. For example, if the first microneedle of the first group is a positive electrode (+ electrode), the second microneedle of the second group may be a negative electrode (- electrode).

[0034] The first microneedles and the second microneedles may be arranged alternately. In this case, two adjacent microneedles 50 may form a pair of opposing electrodes (a (+) electrode and a (-) electrode). During treatment, a (+) voltage may be applied to the group of microneedles 50 (the first group or the second group) that constitutes the positive electrode, and a (-) voltage may be applied to the group of microneedles 50 (the second group or the first group) that constitutes the negative electrode.

[0035] An end plate 72 having a uniform surface and a plate shape may be formed at the upper end of the needle cap 70. The upper surface (the surface exposed to the outside) of the end plate 72 becomes a treatment surface 73 that comes into direct contact with the skin during treatment, and needle through holes 74 through which multiple microneedles 50 are simultaneously retracted / pulled out may be formed perpendicular to the end plate 72. In this case, the needle through holes 74 may be formed to have a diameter larger than the microneedles 50, and multiple needle through holes 74 may be formed corresponding to each microneedle 50.

[0036] For example, if multiple microneedles 50 are arranged in a single row, the needle through-holes 74 formed in the end plate 72 of the needle cap 70 may also be formed in a single row accordingly, or if multiple microneedles 50 are arranged in a double row of two or more rows, the needle through-holes 74 formed in the end plate 72 of the needle cap 70 may also be formed in a double row of two or more rows so that one needle through-hole matches each microneedle 50.

[0037] The needle lifting table 60 can be raised or lowered within a range set by the lifting unit 40. By simultaneously fixing a plurality of microneedles 50 to the needle lifting table 60, the lifting and lowering of the plurality of microneedles 50 can be synchronized with the needle lifting table 60. More specifically, the plurality of microneedles 50 can be mounted on a single needle substrate 56 and stably mounted and fixed on the needle lifting table 60 via the needle substrate 56.

[0038] Although not shown, the treatment tip 20 may further include a guide block. In this case, the guide block may serve to guide the stable elevation of the plurality of microneedles 50 without deformation. The guide block may be fixed at a specified position inside the needle cap 70. For example, the guide block may be fixed inside the needle cap 70 between the needle elevator 60 and the end plate 72 of the needle cap 70, or may be connected to the needle elevator 60 inside the needle cap 70 and move together with the needle elevator 60.

[0039] The guide block may be made of a non-metallic insulating material such as rubber, silicone, or plastic to prevent short circuits between the microneedles 50, and may be provided with guide holes that are matched to each of the multiple microneedles 50 to guide their elevation, thereby preventing the microneedles 50 from being deformed by the resistance that increases just before they penetrate the skin, allowing them to penetrate stably into the skin.

[0040] Meanwhile, as mentioned above, the treatment tip 20 is separably assembled to the handpiece 10, and various types of treatment surface sizes and arrangements of the microneedles 50 are available. Therefore, the practitioner can select an appropriate treatment tip 20 according to the treatment site and the condition of the treatment site, and assemble it to the handpiece 10.

[0041] During treatment with the invasive high-frequency treatment device 1, the lifting unit 40 can be raised and lowered around the treatment zero point. Specifically, during treatment, the lifting unit 40 advances a predetermined position from the treatment zero point, thereby allowing the microneedles to penetrate into the skin of the practitioner. After treatment, the lifting unit 40 can return to the treatment zero point, thereby allowing the microneedles to return to their initial treatment position. That is, the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40 can correspond to the initial treatment position of the microneedle. Meanwhile, the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40 can be set in advance. For example, the preset treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40 can be a value that positions the microneedle at an appropriate initial treatment position.

[0042] For example, when the practitioner assembles the treatment tip 20, the lifting unit 40 moves to a preset treatment zero point, and the microneedle 50 can move to a corresponding treatment initial position. However, the initial treatment position of the microneedle corresponding to the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40, which is preset in advance, may vary depending on various factors such as the type (shape) of the treatment tip 20, the assembly state with the handpiece 10, the assembly state inside the handpiece 10, and the tolerance of the microneedle.

[0043] For example, even if the lifting unit 40 is accurately positioned at the treatment zero point, the initial treatment position of the microneedle may change if the treatment tip 20 to be coupled is changed. In this case, the initial treatment position of the microneedle 50 may not be uniformly positioned, which may result in a reduction in the treatment effect or side effects.

[0044] The invasive high-frequency treatment device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can set the initial treatment position of the microneedle 50 to a constant value regardless of the type of treatment tip 20, the assembly state with the handpiece 10, or the assembly state inside the handpiece 10. In particular, the invasive high-frequency treatment device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can set the initial treatment position of the microneedle 50 to a constant value relative to the treatment tip 20 (i.e., with the treatment tip 20 as the reference).

[0045] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the present invention showing the components necessary for determining the initial treatment position and the connections between these components. The main configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to this diagram. 6, a fixed position of the microneedle 50 can be determined relative to the treatment tip 20, and the position of the lifting unit 40 corresponding to the determined position can be determined as the treatment zero point. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the microneedle 50 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the treatment tip 20, a voltage change can be generated in the microneedle 50, and the fixed position of the microneedle 50 can be determined based on the voltage change.

[0046] In the embodiment, the control circuit 30 can readjust the initial treatment position of the microneedle through a series of steps: "controlling the microneedle ascent → detecting voltage changes in the microneedle as it is rising → stopping the elevation of the elevation unit when the amount of change in the detected voltage exceeds a predetermined reference value → determining the treatment zero point of the elevation unit from the position of the microneedle at the time the elevation was stopped."

[0047] The control circuit 30 can determine the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40 during the initialization stage of the invasive high-frequency treatment device 1. Specifically, the control circuit 30 controls the lifting unit 40 during the initialization stage to lift the microneedles 50, detects a voltage change in the microneedles 50 while the microneedles 50 are lifting, and when the amount of change in voltage exceeds a predetermined reference value, stops the lifting of the lifting unit 40 and determines the position of the lifting unit 40 where the lifting has been stopped as the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40.

[0048] Thereafter, during the treatment phase of the invasive high-frequency treatment device 1, the control circuit 30 controls the lifting unit 40 to raise and lower to a predetermined height from the treatment zero point, thereby returning the microneedle 50 to a certain initial treatment position. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the microneedle 50 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the treatment tip 20, a voltage change occurs in the microneedle 50, and the occurrence of this voltage change can be used as a reference to determine the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40. Therefore, the treatment zero point can be maintained constant regardless of the type of treatment tip 20, the assembly state with the handpiece 10, the assembly state inside the handpiece 10, etc.

[0049] On the other hand, if a conductor is positioned at a predetermined position on the treatment tip 20, a voltage change can be generated in the microneedle 50 when the microneedle 50 comes into contact with the conductor, thereby making it possible to determine a constant position of the microneedle 50 based on the treatment tip 20.

[0050] In Figure 6, reference numeral 90 denotes a conductive plate placed on the treatment surface 73 of the needle cap 70. As a preferred embodiment, a method is considered in which the conductive plate 90 is utilized as illustrated in the drawing (Figure 6) to detect a voltage change in the microneedle 50 and determine the initial treatment position of the microneedle from the position of the lifting part where the voltage change is detected.

[0051] In the embodiment of Figure 6 using a conductive plate, when the device is turned on, the lifting unit 40 lifts the microneedle 50 according to the set control sequence and contacts the conductive plate 90 on the treatment surface 73, causing an electrical short. The control circuit 30 detects this short and determines the position of the lifting unit 40 corresponding to the position (lift position) of the microneedle 50 at the time of short detection as the treatment zero point. At this time, the position of the conductive plate 90 is constant relative to the treatment tip 20, and therefore the position of the microneedle 50 at the time of short detection (i.e., the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40) is also constant relative to the treatment tip 20.

[0052] When the power supply of the device is turned on according to the control sequence set in the control circuit 30, the lifting unit 40 moves up and a predetermined voltage for determining the treatment zero point is applied to the microneedle 50. At this time, predetermined voltages of different polarities for determining the treatment zero point can be applied to the first microneedle 52 and the second microneedle 54. When the microneedles 52 and 54 contact the conductive plate 90 simultaneously, an electrical short circuit occurs in which the (+) voltage and the (-) voltage are directly connected, causing a large change in voltage.

[0053] In the embodiment, the control circuit 30 detects a large voltage change due to such an electrical short circuit, and determines the position of the lifting unit 40 corresponding to the position (lifting position) of the microneedle 50 at that time as the treatment zero point. More specifically, when the detected voltage change amount exceeds a predetermined reference value, the lifting of the lifting unit 40 is immediately stopped, the position of the lifting unit 40 corresponding to the position of the microneedle 50 at the time the lifting was stopped is measured, and the measured position of the lifting unit 40 is determined as the treatment zero point.

[0054] The position of the lifting / lowering unit 40 can be measured using various known position detection methods, including a method using a control value (control duty) applied to the lifting / lowering unit 40 and a method of detecting the movement (rising) displacement of the lifting / lowering unit 40 in real time. The control circuit 30 includes a control unit 32, a high-frequency generating unit 34, a voltage detecting unit 36, and a relay 38. The control unit 32 controls the driving of the lifting unit 40, and the high-frequency generating unit 34 generates high-frequency waves from an input power source and applies them to the microneedles 50. The voltage detecting unit 36 ​​is arranged in parallel with the high-frequency generating unit 34 in the circuit, and serves to apply a voltage to the microneedles 50 to determine the initial treatment position and to detect voltage changes due to short circuits.

[0055] When the amount of change in voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 36 ​​exceeds a predetermined reference value due to a short circuit, the voltage detection unit 36 ​​outputs a detection signal indicating that the amount of change in voltage exceeds the predetermined reference value. In response to the detection signal, the control unit 32 outputs a lift control signal to the lift unit 40 to stop the lift unit 40 from moving upward. The lifting unit 40 stops lifting in response to the lifting control signal and outputs lifting position information indicating the position of the lifting unit 40 at that time.

[0056] The control unit 32 determines the position of the lifting unit 40 where lifting has stopped based on the lifting position information, that is, the position of the lifting unit 40 when the voltage change of the microneedle 50 exceeds the reference value, as the treatment zero point. The control unit 32 may also correct the initial treatment position using a preset position correction value (Offset value). The preset position correction value is a value determined in advance according to the shape of the treatment tip 20, and serves to additionally correct the treatment zero point based on the detection of the voltage change described above.

[0057] Here, the position correction value (Offset value) can be set to a negative (-) value so that the initial treatment position of the microneedle 50 is determined at a position where the microneedle 50 has moved downward a predetermined distance (moved in the direction of retracting the microneedle into the needle cap) from the position where it contacts the conductive plate 90. The position correction value can be set in the range of -0.5 mm to -0.1 mm. Of course, the range of the position correction value differs depending on the specifications of the treatment tip 20, so it is not particularly limited to this range.

[0058] For example, if the set position correction value (Offset value) is -0.2 mm, the control unit 32 can determine the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40 to be the position where the raised microneedle 50 hits the conductive plate 90 and an electrical short circuit occurs, and move 0.2 mm downward from that position (in the direction of retracting the microneedle into the needle cap). The relay 38 may be disposed between the microneedle 50 and the high frequency generating unit 34 and the voltage detecting unit 36. In the embodiment, the relay 38 can electrically connect the microneedle 50 and the high frequency generating unit 34 under the control of the control unit 32. The relay 38 can also electrically connect the microneedle 50 and the voltage detecting unit 36. That is, the relay 38 can be driven under the control of the control unit 32 to selectively connect one of the high frequency generating unit 34 and the voltage detecting unit 36 ​​to the microneedle 50.

[0059] In an embodiment, the relay 38 may be switched to the first position in the initialization stage. Then, once the determination of the initial treatment position of the microneedle 50 is completed through a series of processes and the treatment stage begins, the relay 38 may be switched to the second position. The first position may be a position that electrically connects the microneedle 50 to the voltage detection unit 36, and the second position may be a position that electrically connects the microneedle 50 to the high-frequency generation unit 34.

[0060] Meanwhile, in the method using a conductive plate, the conductive plate 90 may be provided inside a tip cover 80 that is detachably coupled to the needle cap 70, as exemplified in the drawing (FIG. 6). In this case, the conductive plate 90 may be provided inside the tip cover 80 at a height that allows the surfaces (upper and lower surfaces in the drawing) facing the treatment surface 73 to come into close surface contact with the flat treatment surface 73 when the treatment surface 73 of the needle cap 70 is covered with the tip cover 80 (when the tip cover is coupled to a specified position on the needle cap).

[0061] Although not shown, the conductive plate 90 may be in the form of an adhesive tape, and may be configured as a consumable part that is adhesively fixed onto the treatment surface 73. Of course, the position, form, and coupling structure of the conductive plate 90 may be variously changed depending on the size and shape of the treatment tip 20 and the arrangement structure of the microneedles 50. Therefore, it is clear that any configuration that can achieve an electrical short circuit of the microneedles 50 protruding from the treatment surface 73 is applicable without any particular limitations.

[0062] Hereinafter, a treatment zero point determination process performed in an invasive high-frequency treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described with reference to the flowchart of Figure 7. For convenience of explanation, the components shown in Figure 6 will be described with reference to the corresponding reference numerals.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a treatment zero point of the lifting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7, in the initialization stage, the control unit 32 constituting the control circuit 30 outputs a switching command to the relay 38 (S100). For example, the initialization stage may be entered after the invasive high-frequency treatment device 1 is turned on, after the treatment tip 20 is coupled, after another dedicated button is operated, or after a preset treatment cycle / number of times, but is not limited thereto. The first position may be a position where the microneedle 50 and the voltage detection unit 36 ​​are electrically connected.

[0064] When the relay 38 is switched to the first position, the control unit 32 applies a voltage to the microneedle 50 via the voltage detection unit 36 ​​to determine the initial treatment position (S200). At the same time, the control unit 32 outputs a drive command to the lifting unit 40 to lift the microneedle 50 simultaneously or with a slight time lag (S300). As a result, the microneedle 50 lifts, and the voltage detection unit 36 ​​detects (or monitors) the voltage change of the microneedle 50 in real time while the microneedle 50 is lifting (S400).

[0065] If there is no change in the voltage of the microneedle 50, the control unit 32 controls the lifting unit 40 to continue lifting the microneedle 50 (see the "No" direction in step S400). In contrast, if a voltage change in the microneedle 50 is detected during lifting and the change exceeds a predetermined reference value, the voltage detection unit 36 ​​immediately transmits this information to the control unit 32, and upon receiving this information, the control unit 32 outputs a lifting stop command to the lifting unit 40 to stop the lifting of the microneedle 50 (S500).

[0066] For example, in the case of a method using a conductive plate 90 as shown in Figure 6, the voltage detection unit 36 ​​applies a predetermined (+) voltage and (-) voltage to the first microneedle 52 and the second microneedle 54, which have different polarities, respectively, and detects a large voltage change due to an electrical short circuit that occurs when the raised first microneedle 52 and the second microneedle 54 come into contact with the conductive plate 90 at the same time, and transmits the information to the control unit 32.

[0067] If the detected voltage change amount of the microneedle 50 exceeds a predetermined reference value, the control unit 32 outputs an ascent stop command to the lifting unit 40, and the lifting of the microneedle 50 is stopped in response to the command, and the control unit 32 recognizes the position of the lifting unit 40 at that time, i.e., when the lifting of the microneedle 50 is stopped (S600).Then, the recognized position value is determined as the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40 (S700).

[0068] Meanwhile, once the determination of the treatment zero point of the lifting unit 40 is completed through the above-mentioned series of processing steps, the control unit 32 controls the invasive high-frequency treatment device 1 to operate in the treatment stage. In the treatment stage, a command to switch the relay 38 to the second position (a position where the microneedles are connected to the high-frequency generating unit) is output to the relay 38 (S800), and as a result, the relay 38 is switched to the second position, allowing the invasive high-frequency treatment device 1 to enter the treatment stage.

[0069] According to the present invention described above, the initial treatment position of the microneedle can be set to a constant value regardless of fluctuations in the initial position of the microneedle due to factors such as the type of treatment tip, the assembly state with the handpiece, the assembly state inside the handpiece, etc. Therefore, various problems with the prior art that arise when the microneedle is positioned outside the planned initial treatment position (such as inaccurate treatment depth control and the resulting reduction in treatment effect or the occurrence of side effects from treatment, and discomfort and pain caused by the microneedle protruding above the treatment surface during standby treatment) can be resolved.

[0070] The above description has been given by way of example only to illustrate the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Invasive high-frequency therapy device 10 Handpieces 20 Treatment Tips 30 Control circuit 32 Control Unit 34 High frequency generator 36 Voltage detection section 38 Relay 40 Lifting section 42 Actuator 44 Elevating axis 50 microneedles 52 First microneedle 54 Second microneedle 56 Needle Board 60 Needle lifting platform 62 Shaft 70 Needle Cap 72 End Plate 73 Treatment Surface 74 needle penetration holes 80 Tip Cover 90 Conductive Plate

Claims

1. In invasive high-frequency treatment devices, a plurality of microneedles including a first microneedle and a second microneedle; an elevation unit for elevating and lowering the microneedle; a control circuit configured to control the lifting unit; The control circuit In the initialization stage of the invasive high-frequency treatment device, a treatment zero point of the lifting unit corresponding to the plurality of microneedles is determined; The invasive high-frequency treatment device is characterized in that, in a treatment step of the invasive high-frequency treatment device, the lifting unit is controlled to lift up and down to a predetermined height from the treatment zero point.

2. The control circuit, in the initialization stage, The lifting unit is controlled to lift the plurality of microneedles; detecting a voltage change in at least one of the plurality of microneedles; The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the lifting unit corresponding to the position of the microneedle when the voltage change exceeds a predetermined reference value is determined as the treatment zero point according to the detection result.

3. The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 2, further comprising a conductive plate disposed on the plurality of microneedles.

4. The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 3, further comprising needle caps disposed on the plurality of microneedles, wherein the conductive plate is configured in the form of an adhesive tape that is adhesively fixed to the treatment surface of the needle caps.

5. further comprising a needle cap disposed on the plurality of microneedles; The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the conductive plate is provided inside a tip cover that is detachably coupled to the needle cap.

6. The control circuit a control unit that controls the lifting unit; A high frequency generating unit that generates high frequency power from an input power source and applies the generated high frequency power to the microneedle; 2. The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising: a voltage detection unit that applies a voltage to the microneedle for determining an initial treatment position and detects a change in the voltage.

7. the voltage detection unit outputs a detection signal indicating that the change in the voltage exceeds a predetermined reference value; the control unit outputs a lift control signal to the lift unit in response to the detection signal, the lift control signal instructing the lift unit to stop lifting and lowering; the lifting unit stops the lifting in response to the lifting control signal and outputs lifting position information indicating a current position of the lifting unit; The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit determines a current position of the lift unit at which the lifting operation has been stopped as the treatment zero point based on the lifting position information.

8. The control circuit 2. The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the stored position correction value is read, and the treatment zero point is corrected based on the read position correction value.

9. The control circuit The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 6, further comprising a relay configured to selectively connect one of the high-frequency generating unit and the voltage detecting unit to the microneedle.

10. The relay is In the initialization step, the microneedle is switched to a first position that electrically connects the microneedle and the voltage detection unit, The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 9, wherein the treatment step is switched to a second position in which the microneedles and the high-frequency generation unit are electrically connected.

11. The control circuit The invasive high-frequency treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the invasive high-frequency treatment device is controlled to the initialization stage when the plurality of microneedles and the control circuit are newly electrically connected.

Citation Information

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