Skin treatment apparatus having NFC chip and method of operating the same

Abstract

To provide a skin treatment device including an NFC chip capable of wirelessly communicating with the outside in a non-contact manner, and an operation method thereof.SOLUTION: A skin treatment device of the present invention includes a treatment tip configured to come into contact with a patient's skin and deliver energy, and an applicator connected to the treatment tip and configured to control the treatment tip, wherein the treatment tip further includes an NFC chip configured to store treatment tip data, and the applicator is configured to read the treatment tip data from the NFC chip and perform a skin treatment operation based on the treatment tip data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a skin treatment device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly to a skin treatment device including an NFC chip capable of wirelessly communicating with the outside in a contactless manner, and an operating method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, various treatments have been developed for skin cosmetic treatment, obesity treatment, etc. Among them, invasive skin treatment devices have needles configured to penetrate skin tissue, and when the needles penetrate into the skin tissue, they apply high-frequency power or heat to treat or improve the skin tissue. Non-invasive skin treatment devices do not penetrate directly into the skin, but apply high-frequency power or heat to the skin while in contact with the skin to treat or improve the skin tissue.

[0003] On the other hand, due to the characteristics of skin treatment devices that penetrate or come into contact with the skin to perform treatment, the treatment tip that comes into direct contact with the skin is manufactured separately from the handpiece, which is the handle part of the treatment device, and is manufactured and supplied as a disposable product or a consumable product that is replaced and consumed every specified number of times. In the past, there was a problem that such treatment chips were not managed separately. However, as the sales of treatment chips has expanded, manufacturers have had to manage the treatment chips, and patients have an increasing need for treatment chips and treatment methods that suit their individual characteristics, which has led to the need for individual management measures for treatment chips. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-520091 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a skin treatment device including an NFC chip capable of wirelessly communicating with the outside in a contactless manner, and an operating method thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A skin treatment device for performing a skin treatment operation according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a treatment chip configured to contact a patient's skin and transmit energy, and an applicator connected to the treatment chip and configured to control the treatment chip, wherein the treatment chip further includes an NFC chip that stores treatment chip data, and the applicator is configured to read the treatment chip data from the NFC chip and perform the skin treatment operation based on the treatment chip data. A method for operating a skin treatment device including a treatment chip equipped with an NFC chip according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of detecting fastening of the treatment chip, reading treatment chip data from the NFC chip of the fastened treatment chip when the treatment chip is fastened, and performing a skin treatment operation based on the treatment chip data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The skin treatment device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a treatment chip having an NFC chip, and can be effectively used for treatment chip inventory management, history management, shipping management, etc. In particular, from the perspective of a treatment chip manufacturer, it can be used to track and manage the production, distribution, and sales processes of treatment chip products, and by assigning a unique identifier to each treatment chip product, it is possible to track the movement and quality of the product, which has the effect of making product history and inventory management easier. In addition, by including a digital signature in the treatment chip, it is possible to authenticate the genuine product and prevent illegal copying. Furthermore, the specifications of the individually packaged treatment chip can be checked on another NFC terminal without opening the package, making it easy and convenient to understand the specifications of the treatment chip, improving convenience and efficiency in use. Furthermore, when a treatment chip is attached to the applicator during treatment, the applicator reads the data stored in the treatment chip and operates based on that data, thereby increasing the stability and effectiveness of treatment for the patient. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a state in which a treatment tip and a handpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention are attached. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a treatment tip and a handpiece separated from each other according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a treatment tip according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure of a treatment chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an NFC chip provided on the first substrate of the treatment chip. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a planar structure of the first substrate shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the rear structure of the first substrate shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the structure of the distal end of a handpiece in which a plurality of radio-frequency supply terminals and signal transmission terminals are arranged, which are connected to radio-frequency input electrodes and signal transmission electrodes, respectively, formed on a first substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The skin treatment device 10 may include a handpiece 100, a treatment tip 200 detachably coupled to the handpiece 100, and a controller 300 configured to control the handpiece 100. The treatment tip 200 is attached to the tip of the handpiece 100 and can be detachably attached in the form of a replaceable cartridge. Components for skin treatment may be implemented in the treatment tip 200. For example, in the case of an invasive skin treatment device, a plurality of microneedles may be implemented in the treatment tip 200. For example, in the case of a non-invasive skin treatment device, a transducer or an RF electrode may be implemented in the treatment tip 200.

[0011] The handpiece 100 can be connected to the controller 300 via wires or wirelessly, and can be mechanically and electrically coupled to the treatment tip 200 . The handpiece 100 can control the operation of the treatment tip 200. According to an embodiment, the handpiece 100 can control the relative movement of the treatment tip 200 with respect to the handpiece 100. For example, if the treatment tip 200 is a treatment tip on which microneedles are arranged, the handpiece 100 can include a drive unit for driving the microneedles forward and backward. The drive unit can move a circuit board on which microneedles are mounted, which is provided on the needle tip 200, forward or backward within a certain stroke range.

[0012] The controller 300 can control the overall operation of the handpiece 100. According to an embodiment, the controller 300 can supply power for a skin treatment treatment to the handpiece 100. For example, if the skin treatment treatment is based on radio frequency (RF) power, the controller 300 can generate and transmit RF power to the handpiece 100, or generate and transmit power required for the RF power to the handpiece 100. Furthermore, for example, if the skin treatment treatment is based on ultrasound, the controller 300 can generate and transmit power for operating an ultrasonic transducer to the handpiece 100.

[0013] Meanwhile, the treatment tip 200 is a replaceable item that is replaced after each treatment or at regular intervals, and the handpiece 100 and the controller 300 can be used continuously regardless of the replacement of the treatment tip. From this perspective, the handpiece 100 and the controller 300 are sometimes collectively referred to as an applicator (20). That is, the applicator 20 can be understood as a device that is coupled to the treatment tip 200, guides the operation of the treatment tip 200, and performs a series of control operations to perform skin treatment operations using the treatment tip 200. Hereinafter, the operation of the applicator 20 described in this specification will be understood as the operation of the handpiece 100 and / or the controller 300.

[0014] A skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a treatment chip 200 including an NFC chip 224, and can operate based on treatment chip data stored in the NFC chip 224 of the treatment chip 200. The treatment chip data may store data related to the operation of the skin treatment device. According to an embodiment, the treatment chip data may include at least one of identification data for identifying whether the treatment chip 200 can be used normally, count data indicating the number of times the treatment chip 200 has been used, and operation data indicating the operating environment of the treatment chip 200, but is not limited to these.

[0015] Meanwhile, the treatment chip data may be recorded wirelessly via an external NFC terminal. For example, after the production and packaging of the treatment chip 200 is completed, predetermined information can be recorded as treatment chip data via an NFC writer. This has the effect of allowing the treatment chip data to be recorded on the treatment chip 200 without unsealing the treatment chip 200.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the NFC chip 224 may include an antenna, an NFC storage in which therapeutic chip data is stored, and an NFC controller that can access the NFC storage. The NFC controller can read (or read out) the therapeutic chip data stored in the NFC storage and record the therapeutic chip data in the NFC storage in response to a read / write command transmitted from the outside. The read / write command may be received wirelessly via an antenna included in the NFC chip 224, or may be input to the NFC controller in a wired signal manner via an electrical path.

[0017] When the treatment chip 200 is attached, the applicator 20 supplies a predetermined power source to the NFC chip 224 of the treatment chip 200, and can read the treatment chip data stored in the NFC chip 224. According to an embodiment, the applicator 20 transmits a command to an NFC controller included in the NFC chip 224, instructing the NFC controller to read the treatment chip data stored in an NFC storage accessible by the NFC controller, and in response to the command, the NFC controller can transmit the treatment chip data to the applicator 20. For example, the controller 300 can generate a command for reading the treatment chip data stored in the NFC storage and output it directly to the NFC chip 224 or output it to the NFC chip 224 via the handpiece 100, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0018] According to an embodiment, a data path for treatment chip data communication may be formed between the handpiece 100 and the NFC chip 224 of the treatment chip 200, and treatment chip data stored in the NFC chip 224 may be transmitted from the NFC chip 224 to the handpiece 100 via the data path. For example, the data path may be an I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) type data path, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the treatment chip data received by the handpiece 100 may be transmitted to the controller 300.

[0019] When the applicator 20 reads the treatment chip data stored in the NFC chip 224, the applicator 20 can operate based on the read treatment chip data. For example, the applicator 20 can compare the treatment chip data stored in the NFC chip 224 with reference treatment chip data stored in the applicator 20 and operate according to the comparison result. Alternatively, the applicator 20 can adjust operating variables of the applicator 20 based on the treatment chip data stored in the NFC chip 224 and operate according to the adjusted operating variables. Detailed operations will be described below.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, information related to the treatment chip 200 can be recorded and stored in the NFC chip 224 inside the treatment chip 200 in a contactless manner, which not only makes it easy to record treatment chip data in a lump after the production and packaging of the treatment chip 200, but also has the effect of being able to use such treatment chip data to control the operation of the skin treatment device during subsequent treatment.

[0021] 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the applicator 20 detects the fastening of the treatment tip 200 (S110). According to an embodiment, the applicator 20 can detect the fastening of the treatment tip 200 in an electrical or physical manner. For example, the handpiece 100 may be provided with a predetermined detection means, which can physically or electrically detect the fastening of the treatment tip 200 and transmit a detection signal to the controller 300. According to an embodiment, the applicator 20 can detect the fastening of the treatment tip every time the treatment tip 200 is newly fastened.

[0022] The applicator 20 receives the identification data from the NFC chip 224 (S120). According to an embodiment, the identification data is data for identifying whether the treatment chip 200 can be used normally. For example, the identification data may be data indicating the country in which the treatment chip 200 is used, whether the treatment chip 200 is genuine, or the serial number of the treatment chip 200. The applicator 20 can compare the read identification data with pre-stored reference identification data (S130). According to an embodiment, the comparison of the identification data and the reference identification data may be performed by the handpiece 100 or the controller 300. The reference identification data may be pre-stored in the applicator 20.

[0023] For example, if the identification data indicates the country in which the treatment chip 200 is used, the reference identification data may indicate the country in which the applicator 20 is used. Furthermore, if the identification data indicates whether the treatment chip 200 is genuine, the reference identification data may indicate the genuine product. Furthermore, if the identification data indicates the serial number of the treatment chip 200, the reference identification data may indicate the serial number of a properly generated treatment chip. As a result of the comparison (S130), if the identification data and the reference identification data are identical (or if the identification data is included in the reference identification data) (Y in S130), the applicator 20 can operate in the operation mode (S140). The operation mode may be a mode in which the applicator 20 can perform a skin treatment treatment in response to a predetermined input. That is, in the operation mode, the applicator 20 can operate normally by operation by the practitioner with the treatment chip 200 fastened.

[0024] For example, if the identification data indicates "Korea" and the reference identification data indicates "Korea, USA," the applicator 20 can operate in the operating mode and the practitioner can normally use the applicator 20 to perform a skin treatment procedure.

[0025] On the other hand, if the comparison result (S130) shows that the identification data is different from the reference identification data (or the identification data is not included in the reference identification data) (N in S130), the applicator 20 can operate in a non-operational mode (S150). The non-operational mode can be a mode in which the applicator 20 does not perform a skin treatment treatment despite a predetermined input. That is, in the non-operational mode, the applicator 20 stops operating even if the practitioner operates the applicator while the treatment tip 200 is fastened. For example, this can be understood as an interrupt or idle mode. According to an embodiment, if the applicator 20 enters the non-operational mode after fastening a specific treatment tip 200, the applicator 20 can cancel the non-operational mode and switch to the operation mode in response to the separation of the specific treatment tip 200 or a predetermined input signal.

[0026] For example, if the identification data indicates "Korea" and the reference identification data indicates "Japan," the applicator 20 can operate in a non-operational mode.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator 20 of the skin treatment device 10 operates normally only when the information about the fastened treatment tip 200 matches the information previously stored in the applicator 20, thereby preventing use when an unusable treatment tip 200 is fastened, thereby improving the stability of treatment for patients.

[0028] 3 is a flowchart showing an operation method of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Description of the same operations will be omitted. Referring to FIG. 3, the applicator 20 detects the attachment of the treatment tip 200 (S210). The applicator 20 receives count data from the NFC chip 224 (S220). According to an embodiment, the count data is data indicating the number of times the treatment tip 200 has been used. For example, if the treatment tip 200 has been attached to the applicator 20 and used once, the count data may indicate 1. On the other hand, if the treatment tip 200 has not been attached to the applicator 20 and used, the count data may indicate 0.

[0029] The applicator 20 may compare the read count data with pre-stored reference count data (S130). According to an embodiment, the comparison of the count data and the reference count data may be performed by the handpiece 100 or the controller 300. The reference count data may be pre-stored in the applicator 20. For example, if the treatment tip 200 is non-reusable, the reference count data may indicate a value indicating non-use (e.g., "1" or "0"). On the other hand, if the treatment tip 200 is reusable, the reference count data may indicate, but is not limited to, a value indicating the treatment tip 200's usage limit (e.g., "200"). If the comparison result (S230) indicates that the count data is less than the reference identification data (Y in S230), the applicator 20 may operate in the operating mode (S240). On the other hand, if the comparison result (S230) indicates that the count data is equal to or greater than the reference count data (N in S230), the applicator 20 may operate in the non-operating mode (S250).

[0030] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, when a skin treatment is performed after the treatment tip 200 is fastened, the applicator 20 can record the number of uses of the treatment tip 200 in the NFC chip 224 of the treatment tip 200 after each skin treatment (S260). For example, the applicator 20 can record the actual number of uses of the treatment tip 200 by transmitting a command to update the count data or (updated) count data indicating the number of skin treatments to the NFC chip 224 according to each skin treatment. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the applicator 20 of the skin treatment device 10 operates normally only when the number of uses (i.e., count data) of the fastened treatment tip 200 is less than a pre-specified recommended number of uses (i.e., reference count data), thereby preventing the treatment tip 200 from being reused, thereby improving the stability of treatment for patients.

[0031] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. A description of the same operations will be omitted. Referring to FIG. 4, the applicator 20 detects the fastening of the treatment tip 200 (S310). The applicator 20 receives operation data from the NFC chip 224 (S320). According to an embodiment, the operation data is data indicating the operation environment of the treatment tip 200. For example, the operation data may include, but is not limited to, data related to energy (high frequency, heat, ultrasound, etc.) transmitted through the treatment tip 200, or data related to the movement (forward and backward) of the treatment tip 200 during treatment.

[0032] For example, the operation data may include data regarding the intensity or frequency of the high-frequency power source when the treatment tip 200 is used. The operation data may also include data regarding the maximum advance distance of the treatment tip 200. The applicator 20 may set operation variables of the applicator 20 based on the operation data (S330). According to an embodiment, the applicator 20 may determine operation variables corresponding to the operation environment indicated by the operation data and store the operation variables as set values. For example, if the operation data indicates the frequency (e.g., 400 kHz) of the high-frequency power source when the treatment tip 200 is used, the applicator 20 may refer to the operation data and set the frequency value of the high-frequency power source used during treatment to a value (e.g., 400 kHz) corresponding to the operation data.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the applicator 20 may be provided with an interface (e.g., a button or a touch panel) for changing the operating variables. In this case, the applicator 20 may refuse to change the operating variables through the interface once the operating variables are set according to the operating data after the specific treatment chip 200 is engaged. However, if an external input (e.g., entering user mode) different from the normal change through the interface is input, the applicator 20 may provide the practitioner with a limited environment for changing the operating variables.

[0034] The applicator 20 can perform a treatment operation according to the set operating variables (S340). According to an embodiment, the applicator 20 can transmit energy to the treatment tip 200 according to the set operating variables, or move the treatment tip 200 according to the set operating variables.

[0035] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the applicator 20 of the skin treatment device 10 can improve the treatment effect for the patient by automatically setting the operating variables that are suitable for the operating environment of the fastened treatment tip 200 and performing the treatment operation. The patient selects the treatment tip 200 with the treatment environment that he or she desires, and the practitioner simply fastens the treatment tip 200 and performs the treatment. This has the effect of automatically setting the operating environment that is most suitable for the treatment tip 200 without any additional manual operation.

[0036] As described above, the skin treatment device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a treatment chip 200 having an NFC chip, which can be useful for inventory management, history management, shipping management, etc. of the treatment chip 200. In particular, from the perspective of a manufacturer of the treatment chip 200, it can be used to track and manage the production, distribution, and sales processes of treatment chip products, and by assigning a unique identifier to each treatment chip product, it is possible to track the movement and quality of the product, which has the effect of making product history and inventory management easier. In addition, by including a digital signature in the treatment chip 200, it is possible to authenticate the authenticity of the product and prevent illegal copying.

[0037] Furthermore, the specifications of the individually packaged treatment chip 200 can be checked on another NFC terminal without opening the packaging, and the specifications of the treatment chip 200 can be easily and simply understood, thereby improving the convenience and efficiency of use. Also, when the treatment chip 200 is attached to the applicator 20 during treatment, the applicator 20 reads the data stored in the treatment chip 200 and operates based on that data, thereby increasing the stability and effectiveness of treatment for patients.

[0038] Although the present invention is not limited to a specific type of treatment tip, the following describes various types of treatment tips, taking as an example a treatment tip 200 used in an invasive medical device. Figure 5 shows a treatment tip according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to a handpiece, and Figure 6 shows a treatment tip according to an embodiment of the present invention separated from the handpiece. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the treatment tip 200 of the present invention is attached to the tip of the handpiece 100 (the upper end of the handpiece in Figure 5). The treatment tip 200 is detachably attached to the tip of the handpiece 100 in a cartridge format so that it can be replaced as needed.

[0039] The treatment tip 200 includes a plurality of microneedles to which radio frequency (RF) current is applied from the handpiece 100. The microneedles 232 included in the treatment tip 200 penetrate the target skin tissue of the treatment recipient and deliver radio frequency (RF) thermal energy to the skin tissue. The treatment tip 200 can be provided in various types with different numbers and arrangements of needles 232 depending on the purpose of use, and the practitioner can select the treatment tip 200 appropriate for the treatment and attach it to the handpiece 100 to perform the treatment. Although not shown, the handpiece 100 includes a driver that linearly reciprocates the needles 232 inside the treatment tip 200, a radio frequency generator that generates radio frequency (RF) to be delivered to the needles 232, and a controller that controls the driver and radio frequency generator.

[0040] The driving unit can move the needle assembly 260, to which the needle 232 is attached, back and forth within a certain stroke range (up and down in FIG. 5), and the high frequency generator can convert power supplied from the main body of the skin cosmetic treatment device into high frequency current pulses and transmit them to the needle 232. The driving unit can be in various forms such as a motor and ball screw, a pneumatic actuator, an electromagnetic actuator, etc. The control unit is connected to various operation buttons provided on the outer surface of the handpiece 100 and can generate control signals in response to the user's operation of the operation buttons to control the operation of the driving unit and the high frequency generator.

[0041] 6, a portion of the drive shaft 110 connected to the drive unit within the handpiece 100 is exposed to the outside of the distal end of the handpiece 100, and the drive shaft 110 exposed at the distal end of the handpiece 100 is coupled to a holder 240 of a needle assembly 260 provided inside the treatment tip 200. Therefore, when the drive unit is operated, the needle assembly 260 coupled to the drive shaft 110 can move in the front-to-back direction of the handpiece 100 (up-and-down direction in FIG. 6). A plurality of high-frequency supply terminals 120 for supplying high-frequency current to the needles 232 inside the treatment tip 200 are provided around the drive shaft 110 exposed at the distal end of the handpiece 100. The plurality of high-frequency supply terminals 120 arranged around the drive shaft 110 are electrically connected to the first substrate 220 of the treatment tip 200 when the treatment tip 200 is attached to the distal end of the handpiece 100. That is, the plurality of high frequency supply terminals 120 are electrically connected to the plurality of high frequency input electrodes 225 formed on the first substrate 220 of the treatment tip 200 to transmit high frequency current to the needle assembly 260 inside the treatment tip 200.

[0042] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a treatment tip according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the treatment tip according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, the treatment tip 200 includes a body 210, a needle assembly 260, and a needle cap 270. The body 210 has an internal space capable of accommodating the needle assembly 260, and is detachably coupled to the tip of the handpiece 100. The needle assembly 260, which is connected to the drive shaft 110 of the handpiece 100 and can move in the front-to-back direction of the handpiece 100 (up and down in the figure), is disposed in the internal space of the body 210.

[0043] The body 210 is composed of a first body 212 and a second body 214, each having a shape that is divided into two parts. That is, the body 210 is formed by combining the first body 212 and the second body 214, which are divided into two parts. At this time, the first body 212 and the second body 214 can be detachably combined with each other. Since the body 210 is formed in such a separable structure, it may be easy to install the needle assembly 260 in the internal space of the body 210.

[0044] The first body 212, which forms the lower (rear) structure of the body 210, is detachably coupled to the tip of the handpiece 100. A first substrate 220, which electrically connects the handpiece 100 and the needle assembly 260, is provided inside the first body 212. That is, the first substrate 220 is fixedly provided inside the first body 212 and functions to electrically connect the high-frequency supply terminal 120 exposed at the tip of the handpiece 100 to the needle assembly 260. The second body 214, which forms the upper (front) structure of the body 210, is detachably coupled to the tip (upper end) of the first body 212. The needle assembly 260, which is connected to the drive shaft 110 of the handpiece 100, is disposed inside the second body 214. The needle assembly 260 connected to the drive shaft 110 of the handpiece 100 can move back and forth (up and down in the drawing) within the second body 214 when the drive shaft 110 is actuated.

[0045] The tip of the second body 214 is formed with a contact surface 215 that comes into contact with the skin of the treatment recipient. The contact surface 215 is formed with a plurality of needle holes 216 so that a plurality of needles 232 provided in the needle assembly 260 can enter and exit the contact surface 215. When performing treatment using the treatment tip 200, the contact surface 215 of the second body 214 presses against the skin of the treatment recipient, and the needle assembly 260 is advanced by the driving unit of the handpiece 100. The needles 232 are drawn out of the needle holes 216 and penetrate into the internal skin tissue. In this state, high frequency waves are applied to the needles 232 via the high frequency generator, transferring thermal energy to the skin tissue, thereby performing skin cosmetic and treatment work.

[0046] Meanwhile, the first substrate 220 fixed inside the first body 212 functions to electrically connect the handpiece 100 and the needle assembly 260. The first surface S1 of the first substrate 220 located at the bottom in the drawing is connected to the high-frequency supply terminal 120 of the handpiece 100, and the second surface S2 located at the top opposite the first surface S1 is connected to a connection pin 250 of the needle assembly 260 (described later). Here, the first surface S1 of the first substrate 220 refers to the surface facing the handpiece 100, and the second surface S2 refers to the surface facing the needle 232.

[0047] The needle assembly 260 includes a plurality of needles 232, a second board 230 on which the plurality of needles 232 are mounted, a holder 240 that supports the second board 230, and a pair of connection pins 250 that penetrate the holder 240 and are connected to the second board 230. The needle assembly 260 configured as described above is connected to the drive shaft 110 of the handpiece 100 and can move back and forth within a certain stroke range together with the drive shaft 110, thereby allowing the needles 232 to protrude back and forth outside the second body 214. The second board 230 on which the plurality of needles 232 are mounted is placed on one end of the holder 240 and coupled to the holder 240.

[0048] The holder 240 supports the second board 230 on which a plurality of needles 232 are mounted, and allows connection to the drive shaft 110 of the handpiece 100. That is, the holder 240 has a central pillar portion that penetrates the upper surface of the first body 212 and the first board 220 to be connected to the drive shaft 110 of the handpiece 100. A pair of connection pins 250 are connected to opposite sides of the second board 230. The pair of connection pins 250 connected to the second board 230 penetrate the holder 240 to be electrically connected to the first board 220. At this time, each end of the pair of connection pins 250 can penetrate the closed upper surface of the first body 212 to be connected to the first board 220. In this way, a pair of connection pins 250 connected to the second board 230 electrically connects the first board 220 and the second board 230, so that high-frequency current flowing from the handpiece 100 to the first board 220 can flow into the second board 230 via the pair of connection pins 250.

[0049] The pair of connection pins 250 connecting the first substrate 220 and the second substrate 230 may have a pogo pin structure that is extendable in length. That is, the connection pins 250 are formed with a pogo pin structure with a spring attached therein and configured to be extendable in the longitudinal direction. As such, since the pair of connection pins 250 are configured with a pogo pin structure that is extendable in the longitudinal direction, even when the needle assembly 260 moves back and forth within the second body 214, the second substrate 230 can always maintain an electrical connection with the first substrate 220 via the extendable pair of connection pins 250.

[0050] A needle cap 270 that can cover the needle 232 so that it is not exposed to the outside is attached to the tip of the second body 214. At this time, the needle cap 270 is attached to the tip of the second body 214 in a detachable structure, so that during treatment, the needle cap 270 can be separated from the second body 214 to perform treatment with the needle hole 216 exposed to the outside.

[0051] Meanwhile, the treatment tip 200 of the present invention is provided with an NFC chip 224. The NFC chip 224 in the treatment tip 200 is provided in a portion of the first substrate 220 that electrically connects the needle assembly 260 and the handpiece 100.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an NFC chip provided on a first substrate of a treatment chip, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing the planar and rear structures of the first substrate shown in FIG. 9, respectively. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the distal end structure of a handpiece in which a plurality of high-frequency supply terminals and signal transmission terminals are arranged, which are connected to high-frequency input electrodes and signal transmission electrodes, respectively, formed on the first substrate. Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, in the treatment chip 200 of the present invention, the first substrate 220 is fixedly installed in the internal space of the first body 212, which is directly coupled to the handpiece 100. The first substrate 220 has an opening 221 formed in its center, through which the column portion of the holder 240 passes. The high-frequency supply terminal 120 of the handpiece 100 is connected to one side of the first substrate 220, and the connection pin 250 of the needle assembly 260 is connected to the other side.

[0053] That is, the first substrate 220 has a first surface S1 facing the handpiece 100, on which a plurality of radio frequency input electrodes 225 are formed, each connected to a radio frequency supply terminal 120 of the handpiece 100, and a second surface S2 located opposite the first surface S1 has a pair of radio frequency output electrodes 222, 223 connected in a circuit with the radio frequency input electrodes 225 and each connected to a connection pin 250 of the needle assembly 260. In this case, the radio frequency output electrodes 222, 223 formed on the second surface S2 of the first substrate 220 are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other across the central opening 221.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the NFC chip 224 may be provided on a portion of the first substrate 220 where a plurality of electrode patterns are arranged for electrically connecting a pair of connection pins 250 connected to the second substrate 230 with the high-frequency supply terminal 120 of the handpiece 100. The NFC chip 224 provided on the first substrate 220 stores various data information related to the specifications of the treatment chip 200 and is capable of contactless wireless communication with an external NFC terminal.

[0055] Specifically, the NFC chip 224 may be provided in a region of the second surface S2 of the first substrate 220 facing the needle assembly 260. That is, the NFC chip 224 may be provided in the region of the second surface S2 of the first substrate 220 so as to be disposed in a peripheral position of the opening 221 that is relatively far away from the pair of radio frequency output electrodes 222, 223. In this case, the NFC chip 224 disposed in the peripheral region of the opening 221 of the second surface S2 may be disposed in a peripheral position of the opening 221 through which an imaginary second line L2 passes, the imaginary second line L2 perpendicularly intersecting the center C of an imaginary first line L1 connecting the pair of radio frequency output electrodes 222, 223 (see FIG. 10 ).

[0056] By arranging the NFC chip 224 in this structure, the distance between the NFC chip 224 and the high frequency output electrodes 222 and 223 can be kept constant, and the NFC chip 224 can be arranged at a position as far away as possible from the high frequency output electrodes 222 and 223. This can minimize degradation of NFC communication performance caused by electromagnetic interference between the NFC chip 224 and the high frequency output electrodes 222 and 223, and can improve the reliability of communication performance.

[0057] Meanwhile, on the first surface S1 of the first substrate 220, a group of signal transmission electrodes 226, i.e., a DC power supply electrode 226a, data communication electrodes 226b and 226c, and a ground electrode 226d, each connected by a circuit pattern to the NFC chip 224 mounted on the second surface S2, are arranged in a cluster in one area around the opening 221. Correspondingly, around the drive shaft 110 of the handpiece 100, a plurality of signal transmission terminals 130, each connected to the DC power supply electrode 226a, data communication electrodes 226b and 226c, and ground electrode 226d of the first substrate 220, are formed in a cluster in the same arrangement.

[0058] The DC power electrode 226a formed on the first substrate 220 functions as a power line that supplies power to the NFC chip 224. Therefore, the NFC chip 224 receives power from the handpiece 100 via the DC power electrode 226a and is capable of short-range communication with an external NFC terminal. The data communication electrodes 226b and 226c function as signal lines for communication with the handpiece 100. The data communication electrodes 226b and 226c include SDA (Serial Data) and SCL (Serial Clock). The SDA 226b and SCL 226c are directly connected to a main controller in the handpiece 100, enabling data exchange with the controller.

[0059] In this case, the SDA 226b functions as a signal line for transmitting and receiving data, and the NFC chip 224 can transmit and receive data to and from the control unit of the handpiece 100 via the SDA 226b. The SCL 226c functions as a signal line for synchronizing the data transmission speed, sending a signal at a regular interval during data transmission to provide timing between data transmissions. The ground electrode 226d stabilizes voltage or current fluctuations and removes noise generated within the circuit, thereby maintaining circuit stability and improving performance. The DC power electrode 226a, the data communication electrodes 226b and 226c, and the ground electrode 226d form a signal transmission electrode group 226 arranged in a cluster on the first surface S1 of the first substrate 220, located opposite the NFC chip 224.

[0060] As described above, a plurality of radio-frequency input electrodes 225 are formed on first surface S1 of first substrate 220, each connected to radio-frequency supply terminal 120 exposed at the tip of handpiece 100. Four of radio-frequency input electrodes 225 may be arranged in a line parallel to imaginary first straight line L1 in the peripheral region of opening 221. In this case, of the four radio-frequency input electrodes 225a to 225d, first and second radio-frequency input electrodes 225a and 225b may be connected to first radio-frequency output electrode 222 disposed on second surface S2, and third and fourth radio-frequency input electrodes 225c and 225d may be connected to second radio-frequency output electrode 223 disposed on second surface S2. In this case, first radio-frequency output electrode 222 is an electrode from which a (+) radio-frequency signal is output, and second radio-frequency output electrode 223 is an electrode from which a (-) radio-frequency signal is output.

[0061] On the other hand, the radio frequency input electrode 225 may be arranged at a position opposite to the group of the DC power supply electrode 226a, the data communication electrodes 226b and 226c, and the ground electrode 226d, with the central opening 221 in between (see FIG. 11). That is, the group of electrodes consisting of the DC power supply electrode 226a, the data communication electrodes 226b and 226c, and the ground electrode 226d and the four radio frequency input electrodes 225a to 225d may be arranged at a position opposite to each other in a direction toward the imaginary second straight line L2 passing through the center C of the opening 221. With this arrangement, the radio frequency input electrodes 225a to 225d through which the radio frequency current flows on the first substrate 220 and the group of the signal transmission electrodes 226a to 226d are arranged at positions as far away as possible from each other, thereby preventing a decrease in communication performance due to electromagnetic interference between the electrodes arranged on both sides and improving the reliability of the communication performance.

[0062] On the other hand, if the NFC chip 224 is configured to operate by receiving power wirelessly from an external NFC terminal rather than receiving power from the handpiece 100, electromagnetic interference between the electrodes on both sides may increase the power consumption of the NFC chip 224. Therefore, this arrangement can prevent the problem of reduced power efficiency of the NFC chip 224 caused by the NFC chip 224 consuming additional power due to electromagnetic interference between the electrodes on both sides, and can also overcome the reduced communication range of the NFC chip and unstable data transmission caused by attenuation of the NFC signal due to electromagnetic interference.

[0063] In addition, since the NFC chip 224 is installed in the part of the first substrate 220 where various electrode patterns connecting the handpiece 100 and the connection pin 250 are located, no additional equipment or wiring is required for installing the NFC chip 224, and it can be easily installed by changing only the circuit pattern structure of the first substrate 220. Therefore, the device structure inside the treatment chip 200 is not complicated, and the cost of installing the NFC chip 224 can be reduced.

[0064] In particular, by providing the NFC chip 224 around the opening 221 in the second surface S2 portion of the first substrate 220 and at a position where the imaginary second line L2 that perpendicularly intersects the center C of the imaginary first line L1 connecting the high frequency output electrodes 222, 223 on both sides passes through, the distance between the NFC chip 224 and the high frequency output electrodes 222, 223 on both sides can be maximized, thereby preventing communication errors caused by electromagnetic interference between them and improving NFC communication performance and reliability. In addition, the DC power supply electrode 226a, the data communication electrodes 226b, 226c, and the ground electrode 226d, which are arranged in a cluster on the first surface S1 of the first substrate 220 so as to be circuit-connected to the NFC chip 224, are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plurality of high frequency input electrodes 225 across the opening 221, thereby maximizing the separation distance between the plurality of high frequency input electrodes 225 through which high frequency current flows and the signal transmission electrodes 226a to 226d, thereby preventing degradation of communication performance due to electromagnetic interference and improving the reliability of NFC communication performance.

[0065] In addition, if the NFC chip 224 is configured to operate by receiving power directly and wirelessly from an external NFC terminal, it is possible to overcome the problem of reduced power efficiency of the NFC chip 224 caused by the NFC chip 224 consuming additional power due to electromagnetic interference between the electrodes on both sides, and the problem of reduced communication range and unstable data transmission caused by attenuation of the NFC signal due to electromagnetic interference. Furthermore, by configuring the body 210 of the treatment chip 200 as a first body 212 and a second body 214 that are detachable from each other, it is possible to more easily separate the second body 214 from the first body 212 and install the needle assembly 260 inside the second body 214. If NFC communication is not smooth, it is possible to separate the second body 214 from the first body 212 and then bring the NFC terminal as close as possible to the NFC chip 224 installed in the first body 212, thereby achieving smooth NFC communication.

[0066] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant field can appropriately modify the present invention within the scope described in the claims of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 20 Applicator 100 handpieces 110 Drive shaft 120 High frequency supply terminal 130 Signal transmission terminal 200 Treatment Chips 210 Body 212 First Body 214 Second Body 215 Contact surface 216 Needle Hole 220 First board 221 Opening 222, 223 High frequency output electrodes 224 NFC chip 225 High Frequency Input Electrode 225a First high frequency input electrode 225b Second high frequency input electrode 225c Third high frequency input electrode 225d Fourth high frequency input electrode 226 Signal transmission electrodes 226a DC power electrode 226b, 226c Data communication electrodes 226d Ground electrode 230 Second board 232 Needle 240 Holder 250 connecting pins 260 Needle Assembly 270 Needle Cap 300 Controller S1 1st page S2 side 2

Claims

1. In a skin treatment device that performs skin treatment operations, a treatment tip configured to contact the patient's skin and transmit energy; an applicator coupled to the treatment tip and configured to control the treatment tip; The treatment chip further includes an NFC chip for storing treatment chip data; The applicator comprises: Reading the treatment chip data from the NFC chip; A skin treatment device configured to perform the skin treatment operation based on the treatment chip data.

2. The applicator comprises: Detecting fastening between the treatment tip and the applicator; The skin treatment device of claim 1 , wherein when the treatment chip is fastened to the applicator, a command requesting reading of the treatment chip data is transmitted to the NFC chip.

3. The treatment chip data includes identification data for identifying whether the treatment chip is normally usable; The applicator comprises: receiving the identification data from the NFC chip; comparing the identification data with reference identification data stored in the applicator; operating in an operational mode if said identification data is included in said reference identification data; The skin treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the device operates in a non-operational mode if the identification data is not included in the reference identification data.

4. The identification data is The skin treatment device of claim 3 , wherein the device indicates at least one of the country of use of the treatment chip, whether the treatment chip is genuine, and the serial number of the treatment chip.

5. The treatment tip data includes count data indicating the number of times the treatment tip has been used, The applicator comprises: receiving the count data from the NFC chip; comparing the count data with reference count data stored in the applicator; If the count data is less than the reference count data, operate in an operating mode; The skin treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the device operates in a non-operational mode if the count data is equal to or greater than the reference count data.

6. The applicator comprises: The skin treatment device of claim 5 , wherein after operating in the operating mode, a value indicating the number of times the treatment chip has been used for skin treatment by the skin treatment device is transmitted to the NFC chip.

7. the treatment chip data includes operational data indicating an operating environment of the treatment chip; The applicator comprises: receiving the operational data from the NFC chip; determining operational variables corresponding to the operational environment indicated by the operational data; storing the determined operating variables as set points; The skin treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the skin treatment operation is performed according to the stored set values.

8. the operational data indicates characteristics of a high frequency power source for the skin treatment operation; the applicator determines an operating variable indicating a characteristic of the high frequency power source based on the operating data and stores the determined operating variable as a set value; The skin treatment device according to claim 7 , wherein high frequency power is output for the skin treatment operation based on the set value.

9. the operational data is data related to movement of the treatment tip; The applicator determines an operational variable indicating movement of the treatment tip based on the operational data and stores the determined operational variable as a set value; The skin treatment device according to claim 7 , wherein the treatment tip is moved based on the set value.

10. A method for operating a skin treatment device including a treatment tip provided with an NFC chip and an applicator configured to control the treatment tip, comprising: Detecting the fastening of the treatment tip; When the treatment chip is connected, reading treatment chip data from the NFC chip of the connected treatment chip; and performing a skin treatment operation based on the treatment chip data.

11. The treatment chip data includes identification data for identifying whether the treatment chip is normally usable; The step of performing the skin treatment operation includes: receiving the identification data from the NFC chip; comparing said identification data with reference identification data stored in said applicator; operating in an operational mode if the identification data is included in the reference identification data; The method of claim 10, further comprising: operating in a non-operational mode if the identification data is not included in the reference identification data.

12. The identification data is The method for operating a skin treatment device according to claim 11, further comprising indicating at least one of the country of use of the treatment chip, whether the treatment chip is genuine, and the serial number of the treatment chip.

13. The treatment tip data includes count data indicating the number of times the treatment tip has been used, The step of performing the skin treatment operation includes: receiving the count data from the NFC chip; comparing the count data with reference count data stored in the applicator; operating in an operational mode if the count data is less than the reference count data; The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: operating in a non-operational mode if the count data is equal to or greater than the reference count data.

14. The step of performing the skin treatment operation includes: The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of transmitting a value indicating the number of times the treatment chip has been used for skin treatment of the skin treatment device to the NFC chip after operating in the operating mode.

15. the treatment chip data includes operational data indicating an operating environment of the treatment chip; The step of performing the skin treatment operation includes: receiving the operational data from the NFC chip; determining operational variables corresponding to the operational environment indicated by the operational data; storing the determined operating variables as set points; and performing the skin treatment action in accordance with the stored setpoints.

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