A system for manufacturing lift yarn with cogs formed therein, and the lift yarn manufactured therein.

Abstract

A lift yarn manufacturing apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a supply unit for supplying raw yarn, a processing unit for forming multi-directional cogs on the surface of the raw yarn supplied from the supply unit to manufacture lift yarn, an assembly unit for assembling a tube and cover onto the lift yarn manufactured in the processing unit to manufacture a lift yarn assembly, and a packaging unit for sterilizing and packaging the lift yarn assembly manufactured in the assembly unit. The entire process, from processing the raw yarn to sterilizing and packaging the lift yarn assembly, is carried out continuously, improving the efficiency of the lift yarn manufacturing process, and the entire process is carried out at room temperature without applying heat to the raw yarn, enabling the production of lift yarn with high reliability in quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manufacturing system for a lift thread having cogs formed thereon and a lift thread manufactured thereby. This patent application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0138341, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 25, 2022, and the disclosure of the said patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a lift thread is applied to a procedure of inserting a thread having small cogs, such as rose thorns, into the skin and then tightening and stretching wrinkles. The lift thread implants a face raw thread (or raw thread) under the skin, uniformly pulls the soft tissue, lifts the sagging skin, and tightens the skin that has lost elasticity. Along with the effect of improving wrinkles, it can tighten muscle flabbiness and jaw flabbiness. Therefore, in addition to the effect of removing wrinkles such as forehead wrinkles and laugh lines, it is used for improving purposes such as double chins, jaw flabbiness, and cheek flabbiness. The thread lift procedure is performed using only a special raw thread and a needle with simple local anesthesia that does not strain the body, reducing the burden on the patient and allowing one to expect immediate face lift, wrinkle removal, and jaw line improvement effects.

[0003] The fascia of the human face is a slippery membrane composed of connective tissue and muscle beneath the skin and fat, and it consists of multiple layers, not just one. The fascia also plays a role in creating facial expressions by transmitting muscle movements to the skin, and it is the layer to which many lifting procedures are performed. Supporting ligaments are tissues that prevent soft tissue from sagging due to skin aging, and when the upper fat layer sags with age, the boundary becomes even more pronounced. At this time, the sagging phenomenon becomes more noticeable, and these can be used as fixing points or lifting points during thread lifting procedures. When the skin ages and the fat layer sags, a procedure using lifting threads can be performed. Thread lifting procedures utilize threads with cogs formed on them, and the projections of the threads inserted into the skin catch on tissues such as supporting ligaments and fibrous compounds, physically pulling the fascia (SMAS, Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer.

[0004] In this context, sutures are used to repair damaged tissues from surgery or trauma, or in reconstructive surgery, and they play a supporting role for the tissue. Sutures can be either non-absorbable or absorbable. In particular, while the thickness of the suture does not affect the absorption rate, it does affect tissue response and tissue stimulation. It is known that thinner sutures lead to faster healing and less tissue reaction than thicker sutures.

[0005] These lifting threads are inserted into the subcutaneous layer of sagging or drooping skin, and then cogs are formed in the thread to lift the skin in the desired direction. Unlike ordinary sutures, lifting threads are very thin, and therefore, in order to form fine cogs of uniform height and thickness on such thin sutures, the shaping process must be carried out with great precision, and highly controlled manufacturing equipment must be used.

[0006] Conventionally, a heat press molding method was used to form the cogs on the lift yarn, which involved molding under heating conditions. However, when heat-treating the raw yarn, there was a problem with the reliability of the quality due to changes in the physical properties of the yarn and deformation of its surface shape. Furthermore, conventionally, a manufacturing method was used in which the raw yarn was rotated in order to form the cogs in the lift yarn in multiple directions. However, this process of rotating the raw yarn had the problem of degrading the durability of the lift yarn, such as its tensile strength.

[0007] Furthermore, conventionally, the process of manufacturing and packaging lift yarn was carried out intermittently, and the process of forming cogs in the raw yarn, assembling covers and other components onto the lift yarn, and packaging the lift yarn were all performed separately, resulting in poor work efficiency. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus and lift yarn manufactured therefrom, which can form molded cogs in lift yarn without heating the raw yarn, without rotating the raw yarn, and can continuously perform the processes from raw yarn supply to lift yarn manufacturing and packaging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus that includes a supply unit for supplying raw yarn, a processing unit for forming multi-directional cogs on the surface of the raw yarn supplied from the supply unit to manufacture lift yarn, an assembly unit for assembling a tube and a cover onto the lift yarn manufactured in the processing unit to manufacture a lift yarn assembly, and a packaging unit for sterilizing and packaging the lift yarn assembly manufactured in the assembly unit. The entire process from processing the raw yarn to sterilizing and packaging the lift yarn assembly is carried out continuously, improving the efficiency of the lift yarn manufacturing process, and the entire process is carried out at room temperature without applying heat to the raw yarn, thereby producing lift yarn with high reliability in quality. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, even when forming a mold cog, by controlling the crimping-cutting-transfer method of the processing section, it is possible to manufacture a lift yarn with high reliability in quality, while performing the process at room temperature without applying heat to the raw yarn.

[0011] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even when a structure is adopted in which the processing part rotates to form cogs in multiple directions, it is not necessary to rotate the yarn, and it is possible to manufacture lift yarn in which the durability of the yarn, such as tensile strength, is maintained.

[0012] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus having a structure that can continuously carry out the process from supplying raw yarn to manufacturing and packaging lift yarn can be applied, which can greatly improve the efficiency of the lift yarn manufacturing process.

[0013] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by automatically evaluating the assembly state before packaging the product, it is possible to simultaneously improve quality reliability and manufacturing process efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a processed part according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the structure of a processed part according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the structure of a processed part according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly and packaging sections of a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the steps in which the lift yarn is assembled in the assembly section according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the stage at which the lift yarn is assembled in the assembly part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the stage at which the lift yarn is assembled in the assembly part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the stage at which the lift yarn is assembled in the assembly part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the stage at which the lift yarn is assembled in the assembly part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the inspection of the assembled state of the lift yarn by an inspection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the inspection of the assembled state of the lift yarn by an inspection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the stage at which the lift yarn assembly is packaged in the packaging part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the stage at which the lift yarn assembly is packaged in the packaging part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the stage at which the lift yarn assembly is packaged in the packaging part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the stage at which the lift yarn assembly is packaged in the packaging part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the lift yarn manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus of the lift yarn according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the lift yarn manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus of the lift yarn according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the lift yarn manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus of the lift yarn according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a lift yarn manufactured by a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a lift yarn manufactured by a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a lift yarn manufactured by a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a lift yarn manufactured by a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a lift yarn manufactured by a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various different forms. The present embodiments are merely provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to more fully inform those with ordinary knowledge of the content of the present invention.

[0016] When one element is referred to as being "above" or "below" another element in this specification, this includes all meanings that the one element is directly located "above" or "below" the other element, or additional elements may be interposed between those elements. In this specification, the terms "upper part" or "lower part" are relative concepts set from the observer's perspective. When the observer's perspective changes, "upper part" can mean "lower part", and "lower part" can mean "upper part".

[0017] In multiple drawings, the same reference numeral refers to substantially the same element. Furthermore, terms such as "includes" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the described feature, figure, stage, action, component, part, or combination thereof, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, figures, stages, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0018] Furthermore, the term "cut" in this invention refers to a method for forming cogs in the yarn, and includes both mold cuts and simple cuts.

[0019] Furthermore, in this invention, "raw yarn" refers to the stage before cogs are formed and the form supplied by the supply unit, "lift yarn" refers to the form in which cogs have been formed on the raw yarn, and "lift yarn assembly" can refer to the state in which a tube is installed on the lift yarn or the state in which a tube and a cover are installed.

[0020] The inventors of this invention recognized that when heat treatment is applied to the raw yarn during the conventional process of forming cogs in lift yarn, changes occur in the physical properties of the raw yarn, or the surface shape is deformed, resulting in unreliable quality of the manufactured lift yarn. Furthermore, when a method is used to rotate the raw yarn to form cogs in multiple directions, the durability, such as tensile strength, of the manufactured lift yarn deteriorates during the rotation process. To solve these problems and simultaneously invent a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus that can continuously perform the process from forming cogs in the raw yarn to packaging the lift yarn, the inventors of this invention have arrived at this invention after much trial and error.

[0021] The following will provide a detailed explanation based on the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the lift yarn manufacturing apparatus includes a supply unit 100 for supplying raw yarn, a processing unit 200 for forming multi-directional cogs on the surface of the raw yarn supplied from the supply unit 100 to manufacture lift yarn, an assembly unit 300 for assembling a tube and cover onto the lift yarn manufactured in the processing unit 200 to manufacture a lift yarn assembly, and a packaging unit 400 for sterilizing and packaging the lift yarn assembly manufactured in the assembly unit 300. The arrows shown in Figure 1 indicate the direction of movement of the yarn, and the present invention enables the entire process from yarn supply to packaging to be performed and inspected automatically without human intervention.

[0022] According to the lift yarn manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, all processes from raw yarn processing to sterilization packaging of the lift yarn assembly are carried out continuously, improving the efficiency of the lift yarn manufacturing process. Furthermore, all processes are carried out at room temperature without applying heat to the raw yarn, enabling the production of lift yarn with high reliability in quality.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a processed part according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2, the processing unit 200 includes a crimping unit 280 for crimping the raw yarn, a cutting unit 290 for forming cogs in the raw yarn, an operating drive unit 270 for controlling the driving of the crimping unit 280 and the cutting unit 290, and a rotational drive unit 220 for rotating the crimping unit 280, the cutting unit 290, and the operating drive unit 270.

[0024] The processing unit 200 of the lift yarn manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a rotary drive unit 220, which allows for the formation of cogs in multiple directions without rotating the yarn, thereby maintaining the durability of the yarn.

[0025] The crimping section 280 and the cutting section 290 are arranged sequentially in the direction of movement of the yarn. For example, the crimping section 280 and the cutting section 290 may each include two or more units based on the yarn. For example, the crimping section 280 includes a crimping section upper unit 281 and a crimping section lower unit 282, and at least one of the crimping section upper unit 281 and the crimping section lower unit 282 can move perpendicular to the direction of movement of the yarn. For example, the cutting section 290 includes a cutting section upper unit 291 and a cutting section lower unit 292, and at least one of the cutting section upper unit 291 and the cutting section lower unit 292 can move perpendicular to the direction of movement of the yarn.

[0026] The processing drive unit 270 may include a spindle drive unit 271 and a crimping unit drive unit 272 and a cutting unit drive unit 273 whose drives are controlled by the driving method of the spindle drive unit 271, in order to ensure that the four motion actions of "yarn movement - crimping - cutting - rotation" in the processing unit 200 proceed in a pre-programmed order. For example, the processing drive unit 270 may include a piston.

[0027] In the processing unit 200, four motion actions—"yarn movement - crimping - cutting - rotation"—can be controlled so that cogs are formed in multiple directions on the yarn.

[0028] For example, the process may include the following steps: the yarn moves to the crimping section 280, the crimping section 280 crimps a predetermined area (not shown) of the yarn, then releases the crimping, the released predetermined area (not shown) of the yarn moves to the cutting section 290, the cutting section 290 cuts the predetermined area (not shown) of the yarn, the crimping section 280 and the cutting section 290 rotate by the drive of the rotary drive section 220, the crimping section 280 crimps the rear end area (not shown) of the predetermined area (not shown), then releases the crimping, the released rear end area (not shown) of the yarn moves to the cutting section 290, the cutting section 290 cuts the rear end area (not shown) of the yarn, and the crimping section 280 and the cutting section 290 rotate by the drive of the rotary drive section 220. As an example, the steps described above may be performed in the order described above or simultaneously.

[0029] For example, the crimping is performed under processing conditions of a thickness of 0.2 to 0.5 mm and a processing time of 10 seconds or less, depending on the thickness of the lift thread 5. After the crimping is released, a cutting operation may be performed in a form having a width of 0.2 to 1.1 mm, depending on the thickness of the lift thread.

[0030] This invention enables continuous processing by performing the cutting process after the crimping is released, instead of cutting simultaneously with crimping. This allows for effective processing of shapes suitable for the intended molding conditions, thereby improving the reliability of the quality.

[0031] Furthermore, by controlling the four motion actions of "yarn movement - crimping - cutting - rotation" in this manner, the present invention can improve the reliability of the yarn quality by performing the processing steps at room temperature without applying heat to the yarn, even when forming not only simple cogs but also molded cogs.

[0032] Figure 3 shows the structure of a processed part according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, the processing unit 200 may include a support unit 210, a rotary drive unit 220, a side support plate 230, an upper support plate 240, a lower support plate 250, a fixing plate 260, a spindle drive unit 271, a crimping unit drive unit 272, a cutting unit drive unit 273, an upper crimping unit 281, a lower crimping unit 282, an upper cutting unit 291, and a lower cutting unit 292. The effects of the present invention described above can be achieved with the coupling relationship and operating method of such a configuration.

[0033] The support section 210 is provided to support the rotational movement of the processing section 200 without hindering the movement of the yarn 1 wound on the bobbin 2 of the supply section 100 by the yarn transfer means 3. For example, the support section 210 may have through holes (not shown) through which the yarn 1 passes, and the yarn transfer means 3 may be further provided in the through holes (not shown) so that the yarn 1 is transferred with appropriate tension. For example, the support section 210 may have a structure fixed to the processing section 200.

[0034] The rotary drive unit 220 is connected to the support unit 210 and is capable of rotational movement, and may include, for example, drive by a motor. For example, the rotary drive unit 220 may have through holes (not shown) through which the yarn 1 passes. The rotary drive unit 220 can rotate at a preset angle; for example, when the initial position is 0°, it can rotate at +30°, +60°, -30°, and -60°. This makes it possible to form a helical multi-directional cog in a total of six directions.

[0035] The side support plate 230 is connected to the rotary drive unit 220 and can be rotated by the rotational movement of the rotary drive unit 220. For example, the rotary drive unit 220 may have through holes (not shown) through which the yarn 1 passes.

[0036] The fixing plate 260 extends from one end of the side support plate 230 in the direction of movement of the yarn 1 and can be rotated by the rotational movement of the side support plate 230.

[0037] The upper support plate 240 and the lower support plate 250 are arranged facing each other with the fixed plate 260 in between, and can be interconnected by at least one spindle drive unit 271. For example, to improve the efficiency of space utilization, the spindle drive unit 271 may have a structure that penetrates the fixed plate 260.

[0038] Between the upper support plate 240 and the lower support plate 250, the crimping portion 280 and the cutting portion 290 described above can be sequentially arranged in the direction of movement of the yarn 1, as shown in Figure 2.

[0039] The upper crimping unit 281 is fixed to the fixing plate 260, and the lower crimping unit 282 can be connected to the lower support plate 250 and the crimping drive unit 272.

[0040] The upper cutting unit 291 is connected to the upper support plate 240 and the cutting unit drive unit 273, and the lower cutting unit 292 can be fixed by connecting it to the fixing plate 260 with a separate connecting member (not shown).

[0041] The structures constituting the aforementioned processing unit 200 are such that some of them can move perpendicular to the direction of movement of the raw yarn, thanks to the spindle drive unit 271, the crimping unit drive unit 272, and the cutting unit drive unit 273.

[0042] For example, the fixing plate 260, the crimping section upper unit 281, and the cutting section lower unit 292 are fixed, while the upper support plate 240, the lower support plate 250, the crimping section lower unit 282, and the cutting section upper unit 291 can move perpendicular to the direction of movement of the yarn 1. As an example, the upper support plate 240 and the lower support plate 250 can move together by driving the main spindle drive unit 271. As an example, the upper support plate 240 or the lower support plate 250 may be equipped with a conventional drive member (not shown) that applies a driving force to move the upper support plate 240 and the lower support plate 250 perpendicular to the direction of movement of the yarn 1. For example, the conventional drive member may be provided on the side of the drive unit 200 or on the upper part of the upper support plate 240. The driving force from the conventional drive member is transmitted to the upper support plate 240 and the lower support plate 250, and not only to the upper support plate 240 and the lower support plate 250, but also to the crimping unit 280 and the cutting unit 290 which are connected to them by the movable drive unit 270, thereby controlling the crimping-cutting operation.

[0043] For example, the lower support plate 250 moves toward the upper support plate 240 when driven by the spindle drive unit 271, allowing the lower crimping unit 282 and the upper crimping unit 281 to crimp the yarn 1 placed between them. Subsequently, the crimping force applied to the yarn 1 can be released when the upper support plate 240 moves toward the lower support plate 250 when driven by the spindle drive unit 271. After that, the yarn 1 is moved by the yarn moving means 3, and the crimped area can be placed between the upper cutting unit 291 and the lower cutting unit 292. Subsequently, the upper support plate 240 moves toward the lower support plate 250 when driven by the spindle drive unit 271, allowing the upper cutting unit 291 and the lower cutting unit 292 to cut the yarn 1 placed between them. Subsequently, the upper cutting unit 291 can be separated from the lower cutting unit 292 when the lower support plate 250 moves toward the upper support plate 240 when driven by the spindle drive unit 271. Subsequently, the movement of the yarn 1 by the yarn moving means 3 and the driving of the rotational drive unit 220 can cause the crimping unit 280, the cutting unit 290, and the processing drive unit 270 to rotate around the yarn 1.

[0044] Figure 4 shows the structure of a processed part according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the processing section 200a may include at least a pair of the crimping section and the cutting section, at least a pair of the operating drive sections, and at least a pair of the rotation drive sections for rotating the at least a pair of the crimping section and the cutting section. Although Figure 4 is shown including the pair of processing sections shown in Figure 3, it may also include more than the processing section structures shown in Figure 3 between the pair of support sections and the rotation drive sections. The names and arrangements of each structure in Figure 4 can be directly applied from those described with reference to Figure 3.

[0045] For example, the processing section 200a may have a first support section 211 and a second support section 212 forming both ends, and may be provided with a first rotational drive section 221 connected to the first support section 211 and a second rotational drive section 222 connected to the second support section 212.

[0046] A first side support plate 231 may be connected to the first rotation drive unit 221, and a second side support plate 232 may be connected to the second rotation drive unit 222.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a configuration in which the first side support plate 231 and the second side support plate 232 are connected to a single fixing plate 260. However, the first side support plate 231 and the second side support plate 232 are each connected to different fixing plates, and each fixing plate can rotate by the rotation of the first side support plate 231 and the second side support plate 232.

[0048] In the processing section 200a shown in Figure 4, the structure located at the front end may include a first upper support plate 241, a first lower support plate 251, a first spindle drive unit 271a, a first crimping section drive unit 272a, a first cutting section drive unit 273a, a first crimping section upper unit 281a, a first crimping section lower unit 282a, a first cutting section upper unit 291a, and a first cutting section lower unit 292a. The structure located at the rear end may include a second upper support plate 242, a second lower support plate 252, a second spindle drive unit 271b, a second crimping section drive unit 272b, a second cutting section drive unit 273b, a second crimping section upper unit 281b, a second crimping section lower unit 282b, a second cutting section upper unit 291b, and a second cutting section lower unit 292b. Although not shown in Figure 4, the nth or higher-order structures may include the nth upper support plate, the nth lower support plate, the nth main shaft drive unit, the nth crimping unit drive unit, the nth cutting unit drive unit, the nth crimping unit upper unit, the nth crimping unit lower unit, the nth cutting unit upper unit, and the nth cutting unit lower unit.

[0049] The specific arrangement and driving methods of the front and rear end structures can be applied as described above, with reference to Figure 3.

[0050] For example, according to the structure of the processing section 200a shown in Figure 4, at least one pair of the crimping section and the cutting section can simultaneously form cogs in a region separated by a predetermined distance from the raw yarn 1.

[0051] For example, the cog shape formed by the upper unit 291a and the lower unit 292a of the first cut section and the cog shape formed by the upper unit 291b and the lower unit 292b of the second cut section may be the same or different, and the cog formation angles may be the same or different.

[0052] For example, the cog formed by the upper unit 291a and the lower unit 292a of the first cut section and the cog formed by the upper unit 291b and the lower unit 292b of the second cut section may have the same shape, but their inclination angles may be formed in opposite directions.

[0053] The lift yarn is supplied from the supply unit 100 to the processing units 200 and 200a, manufactured, cut into predetermined length units, and then transported to the assembly unit in cut units. For example, the cut units can be transported along a conveyor, or they can be transported by a jig, or a combination of these methods.

[0054] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly and packaging sections of a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5, the assembly section 300 includes a tube installation section 310 and a cover assembly section 320, and the packaging section 400 includes a first packaging material input section 410 and a second packaging material input section 420. In Figure 5, the arrows indicate the direction of movement of the lift thread, and the process from assembly to packaging can be carried out and inspected continuously without worker intervention.

[0055] The tube installation section 310 installs a tube on one end of the lift yarn, and the cover assembly section 320 assembles a cover onto the lift yarn with the tube installed to form a lift yarn assembly. These will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0056] Figures 6 to 10 show the stages in which the lift yarn is assembled in the assembly section according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the assembly unit 300 may include a rotating plate 360, and referring to Figures 8 to 10, the assembly unit 300 may include an assembly unit transfer unit 340.

[0057] The rotating plate 360 ​​is equipped with multiple lift yarn holding units 330 that hold the lift yarn 5, and can rotate. The lift yarn 5, which has been processed in the processing unit (100) from the raw yarn (1 in Figure 3), can be transported and held in the lift yarn holding units 330.

[0058] The assembly unit transfer unit 340 can grasp the lift thread 5 held by the lift thread holding unit 330, detach it from the rotating plate 360, and transfer it to the packaging unit (400 in Figure 1).

[0059] After the lift yarn 5 processed in the processing section (200 in Figure 1) is held in the lift yarn holding unit 330, the tube installation section 310 can install a tube 4 on one of the lift yarns 5 held in one of the lift yarn holding units 330, as shown in Figure 6. For example, when the lift yarn holding unit 330 is positioned in a predetermined location by the rotation of the rotating plate 360, the tube installation section 310 can reciprocate, install the tube 4, and return to the predetermined position. Once the tube 4 is installed on the lift yarn 5, the rotating plate 360 ​​rotates at a predetermined angle in the direction of the arrow shown, and then, as shown in Figure 7, the tube installation section 310 can install a tube 4 on another lift yarn 5 held behind the first lift yarn 5, with the rotation direction of the rotating plate 360 ​​as the reference. Simultaneously or sequentially, as shown in Figure 8, the assembly section transfer unit 340 can grasp the lift yarn 5 with the tube 4 installed and release it from the lift yarn holding unit 330, as shown in Figure 9. For example, the assembly unit transfer unit jig 341 installed on the assembly unit transfer unit 340 can grasp the lift thread 5. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 10, the lift thread 5 can be assembled to the cover 6 by the movement of the assembly unit transfer unit 340.

[0060] For example, the tube 4 can function to secure the lift thread 5 to the needle and may include tubes made of polystyrene foam.

[0061] For example, in Figure 8, after the assembly unit transfer jig 341 grasps the lift thread 5, the assembly unit transfer unit 340 moves vertically upward relative to the rotating plate 360 ​​and the lift thread holding unit 330. Then, in Figure 9, the assembly unit transfer jig 341 rotates 90° relative to the assembly unit transfer unit 340, and in Figure 10, the assembly unit transfer unit 340 moves vertically downward relative to the rotating plate 360 ​​and the lift thread holding unit 330, allowing the lift thread 5 to be assembled to the cover 6. This method improves the efficiency of space utilization in which the process is carried out.

[0062] Referring to Figure 25, the cover 6 may include a needle cap 6a, a catheter cannula 6b, a hub 6c, and a stopper 6d.

[0063] The needle cap 6a can function as a cover to protect the tip of the catheter cannula 6b and the lifting thread 5.

[0064] The catheter cannula 6b can also be called a needle tube and is the part that is inserted into the body. It can function as a needle for inserting absorbable lift thread 5 into the tissue (skin).

[0065] The Hub 6c can be used as a handle during treatment.

[0066] The stopper 6d can perform the function of fixing the lift thread 5 to the hub 6c.

[0067] For example, the assembly transfer unit 340 descends vertically relative to the rotating plate 360 ​​and the lift thread holding unit 330, and after the lift thread 5 is sandwiched between the catheter cannula, the hub, and the stopper assembly, it is assembled to the needle cap to manufacture the lift thread assembly 5a.

[0068] Figures 11 and 12 show the inspection of the assembly state of the lift yarn by an inspection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The inspection unit 350 can perform at least one of the following: inspecting the installation configuration of the lift yarn 5 and tube 4, as shown in Figure 11, and inspecting the assembly configuration of the lift yarn assembly 5a, as shown in Figure 12.

[0070] For example, as explained with reference to Figure 9, after the assembly unit transfer unit jig 341 rotates 90° relative to the assembly unit transfer unit 340, the inspection unit 350 can temporarily check the installation status of the lift thread 5 and tube 4, as shown in Figure 11. For example, the presence or absence of abnormalities in the installation status can be determined from the video information captured by the inspection unit 350, and the result can be displayed on the display. If there is an abnormality, the lift thread 5 can be transferred to a separately provided loading section (not shown) instead of being sent to the assembly stage.

[0071] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the assembly unit transfer unit 340 first descends after inspection by the inspection unit 350, allowing the inspection unit 350 to secondarily check for any abnormalities in the area opposite to where the tube 4 is installed on the lift thread 5. Subsequently, the assembly unit transfer unit 340 rises again, moves to the location where the cover 6 is placed, then descends secondarily, allowing the cover 6 to be assembled onto the lift thread 5. After that, the assembly unit transfer unit 340 rises again, moves to the location where the inspection unit 350 is placed, then descends tertiarily, allowing the assembly state of the cover 6 and lift thread 5 to be checked tertiarily. For example, during the tertiary inspection, the assembly state of the needle cap and the catheter cannula, the assembly state of the stopper, etc., can be inspected. For example, at least one of the primary to tertiary inspections may include a vision test.

[0072] Thus, the present invention can greatly improve the reliability of quality by inspecting the quality of the lift yarn assembly 5a in three stages.

[0073] Figures 13 to 16 show the stages in which a lift yarn assembly is packaged in the packaging section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to Figures 5 and 13-16, the packaging section (400 in Figure 1) includes a first packaging material input section 410 and a second packaging material input section 420.

[0075] Referring to Figure 13, a lift yarn assembly 5a that has been inspected by an inspection unit (350 in Figures 11 and 12) may be provided, as shown in Figure 12.

[0076] Referring to Figure 14, the assembly unit transfer unit 340 can load the lift yarn assembly 5a into the first packaging material 7 at the first packaging material input unit 410.

[0077] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the first packaging material 7, in which the lift yarn assembly 5a is packaged, can be fed into the second packaging material 8 at the second packaging material input section 420.

[0078] For example, the first packaging material input section 410 and the second packaging material input section 420 may be spatially separated. As an example, the second packaging material input section 420 may be located below the first packaging material input section 410, and the lift yarn assembly 5a can be fed into the second packaging material 8 after being fed into the first packaging material 7, without the need for a separate jig, thereby improving the efficiency of space utilization.

[0079] For example, the first packaging material 7 may include an aluminum pouch, and the second packaging material 8 may include sterile paper.

[0080] For example, the packaging process in the packaging section (400 in Figure 1) may include attaching a label to the first packaging material 7, inserting one or more lift thread assemblies 5a into the open opening of the first packaging material 7, sealing the opening of the first packaging material 7, inserting the first packaging material 7 into the open opening of the second packaging material 8, sealing the opening of the second packaging material 8, and discharging the second packaging material 8 to a storage section (not shown). In this case, the sealed first packaging material 7 may further be sterilized with EO gas before being inserted into the second packaging material 8. Furthermore, the insertion of the first packaging material 7 into the open opening of the second packaging material 8 and the sealing of the opening of the second packaging material 8 may be performed inside a glove box.

[0081] Figures 17 to 24 show lift yarn produced by a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] As described above, in the present invention, both mold cutting and simple cutting can be performed in the processing unit, and embodiments of the mold cutting are shown in Figures 17 to 23, and embodiments of the simple cutting are shown in Figure 24.

[0083] Referring to Figure 3, the present invention allows the aforementioned processing unit to control three motion actions: "yarn movement - crimping - cutting," thereby forming a flat, one-dimensional cog. It also allows the processing unit to control four motion actions: "yarn movement - crimping - cutting - rotation," thereby forming a cog in two, three, or more dimensions.

[0084] Figure 17 shows the shape of the lift yarn produced by the processing unit described above with reference to Figure 3, Figure 18 shows the shape of the lift yarn produced by the processing unit described above with reference to Figure 4, in which the cogs 9a and 9b have the same shape but the inclination angle is in opposite directions, and Figure 19 shows the lift yarn produced by one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 19, it can be seen that in the lift yarn according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cogs 9 are formed in multiple directions in a spiral shape on the raw yarn.

[0085] Figures 20 to 22 show how, with reference to Figure 3, the four motion actions of "yarn movement - crimping - cutting - rotation" are controlled in the processing unit described above, and how the cog 9 is formed in a three-dimensional direction. Figure 21 shows an enlarged view of the region c shown in Figure 20, and Figure 22 shows Figure 20 viewed in the length direction of the lift yarn, i.e., in the y direction. Referring to Figures 19 and 22, it can be seen that the lift yarn manufactured by one embodiment of the present invention has the cog 9 formed uniformly in a certain direction.

[0086] Figure 23, referring to Figure 3, shows that the four motion actions of "yarn movement - crimping - cutting - rotation" are controlled in the processing section described above, and that a cog 9c is formed in a two-dimensional direction. This figure shows that a butterfly-shaped cog 9c is formed, which is different from the hook-shaped cog of the lift yarn shown in Figures 17 to 22.

[0087] Figure 24 shows a cog 9d manufactured by the simple cut described above. For example, the cog may be formed by cutting out a predetermined angle from the side of the yarn to a predetermined depth in the cut portion described above.

[0088] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the yarn used to form the cog can be made of an elastic material.

[0089] For example, the filament may be manufactured from a non-biobsorbable medical polymer material, which is selected from bioabsorbable medical polymer materials, polyprophylene, nylon, and mixtures thereof. For example, the filament may be manufactured from a polydioxanone filament conforming to the USP2-USP5-0 standard. For example, the bioabsorbable medical polymer material may contain one selected from polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLLA), polyglycolic acid (PCL), polycaprolactone, and copolymers formed from combinations thereof.

[0090] Polydioxanone (PDO) is hydrolyzed and excreted in urine. During decomposition, it stimulates collagen production, promoting skin regeneration and improving skin elasticity. It is heat-sensitive and can decompose over a period of 6-8 months.

[0091] Polylactic acid (PLLA, poly-(l-lactic)acid) is a raw material for Sculptra, and after about two months, it begins to decompose into H2O, CO2, and glucose, and through this decomposition, it can generate sustained collagen. Threads made from polylactic acid material have very little elasticity, making them stiff and rigid, which can induce a foreign body sensation and pain after insertion, and this can persist for up to 18 months.

[0092] Polycaprolactone is a raw material for Ellansé, and it decomposes into H2O and CO2, allowing for sustained collagen production through decomposition. Threads made from polycaprolactone material are flexible and soft, with less foreign body sensation, but they have less elasticity and are difficult to shape. Polycaprolactone can be maintained for 24 months. For example, lift threads can utilize various forms of PDO filaments, such as cut threads, bidirectional cog threads (2D), Epiticon, N-Fix, Concertina, Scaffold, and TESSLIFT-SOFT (including cut cog core threads and mesh).

[0093] As explained above, the specific description of the present invention has been given by embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. However, since the embodiments described above are merely examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should not be understood that the present invention is limited only to the embodiments described above. The scope of the rights of the present invention should be understood as the claims and their equivalent concepts described later.

[0094] For example, the drawings are schematic representations of each component to aid understanding, and the thickness, length, number, etc., of each component shown may differ from the actual dimensions due to the drawing process. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc., of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited; various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1: Yarn 2: Bobbin 3: Yarn transfer mechanism 4: Tube 5: Lift thread 5a: Lift thread assembly 6: Cover 6a: Needle cap 6b: Catheter cannula 6c: Hub 6d: Stopper 7: First packaging material 8: Second packaging material 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d: Cog 100: Supply unit 200, 200a: Processing section 300: Assembly section 400: Packaging section 101: Bobbin 201: First processing section 202: Second processing section 210: Support section 211: First support section 212: Second support section 220: Rotary drive section 221: First rotary drive section 222: Second rotary drive unit 230: Side support plate 231: First side support plate 232: Second side support plate 240: Upper support plate 241: First upper support plate 242: Second upper support plate 250: Lower support plate 251: First lower support plate 252: Second lower support plate 260: Fixing plate 270: Machining drive unit 271: Spindle drive unit 271a: First spindle drive unit 271b: Second spindle drive unit 272: Crimping section drive unit 272a: First crimping section drive unit 272b: Second crimping section drive unit 273: Cutting section drive unit 273a: First cutting section drive unit 273b: Second cutting section drive unit 280: Crimping section 281: Upper unit of the crimping section 281a: Upper unit of the first crimping section 281b: Upper unit of the second crimping section 282: Lower unit of the crimping section 282a: Lower unit of the first crimping section 282b: Lower unit of the second crimping section 290: Cutting section 291: Upper unit of the cutting section 291a: Upper unit of the first cut section 291b: Upper unit of the second cut section 292: Lower unit of the cut section 292a: Lower unit of the first cut section 292b: Lower unit of the second cut section 310: Tube installation section 320: Cover assembly unit 330: Lift yarn holding unit 340: Assembly unit transfer unit 341: Assembly unit transfer jig 350: Inspection unit 360: Rotating plate 410: 1st packaging material input section 420: 2nd packaging material input section

Claims

1. In a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus, The system includes a supply unit for supplying raw yarn, a processing unit for forming multi-directional cogs on the surface of the raw yarn supplied from the supply unit to produce lift yarn, an assembly unit for assembling a tube and a cover onto the lift yarn produced in the processing unit to produce a lift yarn assembly, and a packaging unit for sterilizing and packaging the lift yarn assembly produced in the assembly unit. The entire process, from processing the raw yarn to sterilizing and packaging the lift yarn assembly, is carried out continuously, improving the efficiency of the lift yarn manufacturing process, and the entire process is carried out at room temperature without applying heat to the raw yarn, thereby producing lift yarn with high reliability in quality. The processing unit includes a rotary drive unit and is a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus that can maintain the durability of the yarn by forming the cogs in multiple directions without rotating the yarn.

2. The aforementioned processing section is A crimping section for crimping the aforementioned raw yarn, The aforementioned yarn has a cut portion for forming the cog, An operating drive unit that controls the driving of the crimping section and the cutting section, A lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the crimping section, the cutting section, and the rotational drive section for rotating the operating drive section.

3. The processing section is arranged such that the crimping section and the cutting section are sequentially positioned in the direction of movement of the raw yarn, in order to form the cog in multiple directions. The yarn moves to the crimping portion, After the crimping portion has crimped a predetermined area of ​​the yarn, the crimping is released. The predetermined area of ​​the yarn from which the crimping has been released moves to the cut portion. The cutting portion cuts the predetermined area of ​​the yarn, The crimping section and the cutting section rotate due to the drive of the aforementioned rotary drive unit. After the crimping portion has crimped the predetermined rear end area, the crimping is released. The rear end area of ​​the yarn, from which the crimping has been released, moves to the cut portion. The cutting portion cuts the rear end area of ​​the yarn, and The rotation of the crimping section and the cutting section is performed by the drive of the rotary drive unit, The lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when forming a molded cog on the yarn, the processing step is carried out at room temperature without applying heat to the yarn, thereby improving the reliability of the quality of the yarn.

4. The aforementioned processing section is The apparatus for manufacturing lift yarn according to claim 2, comprising at least a pair of crimping sections and cutting sections, at least a pair of operating drive sections, and at least a pair of rotary drive sections for rotating the at least a pair of crimping sections and cutting sections.

5. The lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the at least one pair of crimping portions and the cutting portion simultaneously form the cog in a region separated by a predetermined distance from the raw yarn.

6. The lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cogs formed simultaneously have mutually opposite directions for forming the inclination angles.

7. The aforementioned assembly section is A tube installation section for installing a tube at one end of the lift thread, A lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a cover assembly section for assembling a cover on the lift yarn on which the tube is installed to form a lift yarn assembly.

8. Multiple lift yarn holding units are provided, each holding the aforementioned lift yarn, and a rotating plate is provided that rotates. The assembly unit further includes an assembly unit that grips the lift thread held by the lift thread holding unit and detaches it from the rotating plate, The tube installation section installs the tube on one of the lift threads held by one of the lift thread holding units. The rotating plate rotates at a predetermined angle, and The lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, comprising the following steps: the lift yarn on which the tube is installed is grasped by the assembly unit transfer unit and detached from the rotating plate; and the tube installation unit installs the tube on the other lift yarn held behind the one lift yarn with respect to the rotation direction of the rotating plate.

9. To inspect the installation configuration of the lift thread and the tube, and To inspect the assembly form of the aforementioned lift yarn assembly, The apparatus for manufacturing lift yarn according to claim 8, further comprising an inspection unit that performs at least one of the following.

10. The aforementioned packaging part is A first packaging material input unit for inserting the aforementioned lift yarn assembly into the first packaging material, A lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a second packaging material input unit for inputting the first packaging material in which the lift yarn assembly is packaged into a second packaging material.

11. A lift yarn manufactured by a lift yarn manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. In the processing section for forming cogs in the raw yarn and manufacturing lift yarn, The aforementioned processing section is A crimping section for crimping the aforementioned raw yarn, A cutting section is positioned behind the crimping section in the direction of movement of the yarn, and is used to form the cog on the yarn. An operating drive unit that controls the driving of the crimping section and the cutting section, The crimping section, cutting section, and operating drive section are included, and the rotation drive section rotates them. In order to form the aforementioned cogs in multiple directions, The yarn moves to the crimping portion, After the crimping portion has crimped a predetermined area of ​​the yarn, the crimping is released. The predetermined area of ​​the yarn from which the crimping has been released moves to the cut portion. The cutting portion cuts the predetermined area of ​​the yarn, The crimping section and the cutting section rotate due to the drive of the aforementioned rotary drive unit. After the crimping portion has crimped the predetermined rear end area, the crimping is released. The rear end area of ​​the yarn, from which the crimping has been released, moves to the cut portion. The cutting portion cuts the rear end area of ​​the yarn, and The rotation of the crimping section and the cutting section is performed by the drive of the rotary drive unit, A processing unit for a lift yarn manufacturing system that improves the reliability of the quality of the raw yarn by performing the processing step at room temperature without applying heat to the raw yarn when forming a molded cog on the raw yarn.

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