Conductor-based microwave treatment skin beauty device for high-efficiency energy delivery and control method thereof

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device comprising: a microwave terminal comprising: a first conductor arranged along a first axis and a second conductor disposed partially spaced apart from the first conductor; a dielectric disposed partially in contact with the first conductor and spaced apart from the second conductor; a reflector disposed between the dielectric and the second conductor; a semiconductor thermoelectric module disposed to be in contact with a first surface of the reflector; and a heat exchange module disposed to be in contact with a first surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module; and a central control terminal that supplies power to the microwave terminal and controls the microwave.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a skin beauty device comprising a microwave terminal and a method for controlling the skin beauty device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a skin beauty device comprising a microwave terminal capable of realizing skin beauty effects such as lifting, improvement of elasticity, reduction of the fat layer, and skin regeneration by selectively delivering microwaves to subcutaneous tissue, epidermis, dermis, or fat layer to induce thermal stimulation or tissue response, and a method for controlling the skin beauty device using the same. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of aesthetic medicine, non-invasive techniques have been continuously developed to reduce fat cells or improve skin elasticity and texture by delivering thermal stimulation to the dermis and subcutaneous fat layers without making incisions on the skin surface. While early invasive treatments such as liposuction offered rapid body contouring effects, there is a growing trend toward replacing them with non-invasive energy-based devices due to issues such as post-procedure pain, bruising, the risk of infection, and long recovery periods. Amidst this trend, ultrasound, laser, and radiofrequency energy devices have emerged, and methods to generate heat in tissues utilizing their respective physical characteristics have been studied.

[0003] Among these, technology utilizing high-frequency electromagnetic fields has garnered significant attention for its ability to implement selective heating based on impedance differences by inducing current to flow through the epidermis and dermis into the fat layer. In fact, devices have been proposed that utilize coaxial inner and outer conductors to form an electromagnetic field in contact with the skin surface and transmit conduction and displacement currents to the fat layer. Such devices can non-invasively heat adipose tissue to induce apoptosis or cell lysis, and have a structure that prevents patient pain and burns by removing heat from the epidermis through a cooling system. In particular, prior art induces energy dissipation in the fat layer using relatively high frequencies ranging from approximately 2 GHz to 6 GHz; since this frequency falls within the microwave band in electromagnetic wave classification, it offers the advantage of controlling the intensity of heat generation according to the genetic characteristics of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.

[0004] However, existing technologies find it difficult to simultaneously satisfy both uniformity and safety in energy delivery in situations where skin structure and tissue characteristics vary significantly from person to person. Since energy in the microwave band is converted into heat due to dielectric loss, the heat distribution in the fat layer and dermis can vary greatly depending on tissue characteristics; consequently, it is not easy to prevent overheating of the epidermis while securing sufficient heat in the fat layer at the desired depth. In existing devices, methods to lower the epidermal temperature using cooling windows or cooling conduits have been proposed, but there was also a problem in that it was difficult to completely control the rise in epidermal temperature during high-power procedures due to limitations in cooling efficiency.

[0005] Furthermore, in radiation methods utilizing coaxial structures, the electric field distribution within the tissue is significantly influenced by the shape, spacing, and protrusion of the inner and outer conductors; consequently, the electric field pattern can easily vary depending on the curvature of the treatment site, skin contact conditions, and pressure changes. This can lead to variations in the actual internal heat distribution even under identical output conditions, potentially reducing the reproducibility of treatment results. Meanwhile, most existing antenna structures for delivering microwaves to the skin rely on simple radiation methods, which limits the uniform delivery of energy to deep fat layers. Conversely, there is a risk of excessive energy absorption near the epidermis, potentially causing unnecessary pain or surface burns.

[0006] To address these issues, a new type of transmission structure is required to deliver microwave energy into tissues more precisely and stably. In particular, there is a growing need for technologies that can effectively increase energy density in the dermis and subcutaneous fat layer while maintaining cooling of the epidermis, technologies that maintain a constant electric field despite changes in skin curvature or pressure, and technologies capable of finely controlling the energy profile according to the depth of treatment. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand for devices and methods that can selectively heat the subcutaneous and skin layers based on the transmission and absorption characteristics of microwaves, and dynamically adjust output and distribution according to the treatment site.

[0007] Ultimately, there is an urgent need to develop a skin beauty device with a novel structure that can overcome the limitations of existing RF or microwave-based devices and stably deliver the required amount of energy to target tissues while safely protecting the skin surface, as well as a control method for such a device. Prior art literature

[65535] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2297904 (Published Sep. 7, 2021) "Skin treatment device using microwaves" The problem to be solved

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a skin beauty device capable of improving the output stability of microwave energy and the safety of the procedure by providing a multilayer thermal management structure including a heat exchange module, a semiconductor thermoelectric module, and a buffer chamber to solve the problems of rapid temperature rise and local overheating that occur during a skin beauty procedure using microwaves. Through this, thermal fluctuations occurring during the microwave transmission process are minimized, inaccurate overheating stimulation that the skin may receive during the procedure is prevented, and safety can be maintained even with prolonged or repeated use.

[0009] In addition, the embodiments provide an energy-controlled microwave structure in which microwave energy is uniformly radiated toward the skin and stably reaches a target depth by optimizing the conductor structure, dielectric structure, and reflector structure to improve the non-uniformity of the electromagnetic field formed inside the microwave terminal and the problem of reflection loss occurring at the conductor-dielectric interface. This enables selective heating of the subcutaneous tissue and improves the reproducibility and energy efficiency of the procedure.

[0010] In addition, the embodiments provide a smart thermal management type skin beauty device that integrates the active cooling function of a semiconductor thermoelectric module, the circulating cooling function of a heat exchange module, and the thermal buffering function of a buffer chamber, thereby stably maintaining the internal temperature state of the device in real time regardless of various environmental changes or user operations. Furthermore, by implementing an automatic output control function based on a temperature sensor through a central control system, the device prevents safety accidents caused by sudden overheating or malfunctions and ensures consistent treatment quality regardless of whether the user is a beginner or skilled.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved in the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems may be considered by those skilled in the art from the various embodiments described below. means of solving the problem

[0012] To solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device comprising: a microwave terminal comprising: a first conductor arranged along a first axis and a second conductor disposed partially spaced apart from the first conductor; a dielectric material disposed partially in contact with the first conductor and spaced apart from the second conductor; a reflector disposed between the dielectric material and the second conductor; a semiconductor thermoelectric module disposed to be in contact with a first surface of the reflector; and a heat exchange module disposed to be in contact with a first surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module; and a central control terminal that supplies power to the microwave terminal and controls the microwave.

[0013] In addition, to solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device characterized in that the microwave terminal further includes a buffer chamber, and the buffer chamber is in partial contact with the dielectric and the reflector and is disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor.

[0014] In addition, to solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device characterized in that the buffer chamber has a closed annular shape.

[0015] In addition, to solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device characterized in that the microwave terminal further includes an insulating support disposed in contact with the first conductor.

[0016] In addition, to solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device characterized in that the heat exchange module includes a cooling water passage in which cooling water circulates, the cooling water passage includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and the inlet port and the outlet port are arranged in a direction opposite to the second surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module.

[0017] In addition, to solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device characterized in that the heat exchange module is arranged to completely cover the first surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module, and the inlet port and the outlet port are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the semiconductor thermoelectric module.

[0018] In addition, to solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device characterized in that the buffer chamber is formed such that the first inner wall and the second inner wall have different thermal conductivity, and the thermal conductivity of the first inner wall is greater than the thermal conductivity of the second inner wall.

[0019] In addition, to solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device characterized in that the refrigerant filled inside the buffer chamber comprises at least one of silicone oil, perfluoropolyether (PFPE), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a), nitrogen (N2), and paraffinic phase change material (PCM).

[0020] In addition, to solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a skin beauty device characterized in that the central control terminal receives a signal from a temperature sensor monitoring the temperature status of the semiconductor thermoelectric module and the buffer chamber, and controls the microwave output intensity to automatically decrease or stop oscillation when the temperature exceeds a reference value. Effects of the invention

[0021] A microwave-based skin beauty device according to one embodiment of the present invention may provide a multilayer thermal management structure including a heat exchange module, a semiconductor thermoelectric module, a buffer chamber, etc., to precisely control temperature changes occurring during the process of applying thermal stimulation to the dermis or subcutaneous layer of the skin using microwave energy. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent local overheating that may occur during the procedure while maintaining microwave transmission efficiency and energy stability, thereby simultaneously improving the quality of the procedure and user safety.

[0022] In addition, a microwave terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is designed such that an electromagnetic structure composed of a first conductor, a second conductor, a dielectric, and a reflector, and a thermal management structure are interconnected, thereby enabling precise control of the uniformity of microwave energy distribution and penetration depth. Through this, the amount of energy reaching the treatment site can be consistently maintained, and output fluctuations due to skin condition or usage environment can be minimized, thereby ensuring stable and highly reproducible treatment results.

[0023] In addition, since the semiconductor thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present invention can control the temperature in real time during a procedure using the Peltier effect, immediate cooling or heating control is possible depending on changes in microwave output. Along with this, by combining the cooling water circulation structure within the heat exchange module and the thermal buffering function of the refrigerant filled in the buffer chamber, the risk of overheating can be rapidly stabilized, and thermal balance within the device can be maintained even under conditions of repetitive procedures. This configuration enables stable operation without equipment performance degradation or component deterioration even during continuous use for a long time.

[0024] Furthermore, the closed annular structure of the buffer chamber ensures uniformity of the heat transfer path and is designed not to interfere with the main propagation path of the microwave electromagnetic field, thereby minimizing imbalances in treatment depth, output, and energy density. This reduces the risk of burns to the skin surface and allows for the efficient delivery of energy to target tissues, enabling more precise cosmetic effects (e.g., lifting, tightening, collagen regeneration).

[0025] Furthermore, the system of the present invention monitors the temperature status of the semiconductor thermoelectric module, buffer chamber, and microwave oscillator in real time through a central control terminal, and can automatically adjust the output or stop oscillation when the reference temperature is exceeded, thereby preemptively preventing safety accidents that may occur during the use of the device. This automatic control function maintains consistent treatment quality regardless of the operator's skill level and has the effect of significantly enhancing user safety.

[0026] Furthermore, the thermal management structure of the present invention, including a heat exchange module and a buffer chamber, effectively disperses and absorbs internal heat, thereby stably maintaining the temperature of the entire equipment even in high-output or continuous-output modes. As a result, the durability and reliability of the microwave terminal are significantly improved, and it can be utilized as a high-performance skin beauty device capable of responding to various skin conditions and treatment intensity conditions. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a skin beauty device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating, exemplarily, the appearance of a microwave terminal of a skin beauty device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the lower exterior of a microwave terminal of a skin beauty device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a microwave terminal of a skin beauty device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, cut along the ZY plane. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a buffer chamber of a microwave terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a buffer chamber of a microwave terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a top view showing the buffer chamber structure of a microwave terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0029] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related description items or any one of the multiple related description items.

[0030] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0031] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the terms “first” and “second” are used in this specification solely for distinction purposes and should not be understood as implying, in any way, order or priority.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0033] Throughout the specification and claims, when a part is described as including a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a skin beauty device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the skin beauty device (1) of the present invention may be configured to include a central control terminal (100), a microwave terminal (200), a sensor module (20), and a pump for cooling water circulation. These components may be interconnected to form an integrated system for stably and efficiently delivering microwave energy suitable for the user's skin condition.

[0037] The central control terminal (100) may be a core control terminal that oversees the overall operation of the device. The central control terminal (100) may internally include a database (110), a communication module (120), a cooling module (130), and a display (140), and each module may perform various functions throughout the entire stage of the microwave irradiation process.

[0038] The database (110) may store user information, skin characteristic data, previous treatment records, temperature and reflectance information collected from the sensor module (20), and the output history of the microwave terminal. This data is used to automatically determine optimized output conditions for repeated treatments on the same user and can provide basic information for analyzing reaction patterns, particularly in sensitive skin areas or specific temperature ranges.

[0039] The communication module (120) can perform data exchange between the central control terminal (100), the microwave terminal (200), and the sensor module (20). The communication module (120) can use wired or wireless protocols and can synchronize the operation of the entire skin beauty device (1) by stably transmitting and receiving real-time sensor data, output commands, cooling control signals, etc. In particular, when a temperature rise of the microwave terminal (200) is detected, the communication module (120) can immediately coordinate with the cooling module (130) of the central control terminal (100) to adjust the flow rate of the cooling water.

[0040] The cooling module (130) maintains the cooling water at an appropriate temperature and can be configured to control a pump so that the cooling water continuously circulates inside the microwave terminal. The cooling module effectively removes heat generated from the semiconductor thermoelectric module and heat exchange module placed inside the microwave terminal (200) to maintain a stable temperature during a long procedure. The cooling water is delivered into the terminal through an inlet port (201) by a pump controlled by the central control terminal (100), and after undergoing the cooling process, it can be recovered through an outlet port (203).

[0041] The display (140) is a component that provides a user interface and displays skin condition information, microwave output intensity, temperature value measured by the sensor module, coolant flow status, and the degree of heat generated by the microwave terminal in real time. The user can intuitively operate settings such as output intensity, irradiation time, and mode switching through the menu provided on the display, and can maintain a safer and more stable treatment environment by referring to the displayed heat generation information.

[0042] The sensor module (20) measures various information, such as the temperature of the skin surface, microwave reflectance, and contact pressure, throughout the irradiation process from the moment the microwave terminal (200) comes into contact with the skin. This information is very important for ensuring the stability of the microwave output, and if the sensor data rises above a reference value or deviates from certain conditions, the central control terminal (100) immediately lowers the output intensity or stops the irradiation operation. This prevents safety issues such as overheating or skin damage.

[0043] The microwave terminal (200) is a core component of the present invention and can perform the function of delivering microwaves to the skin. The microwave terminal (200) may include internal components such as a semiconductor thermoelectric module, a reflector, and a heat exchange module, and these components are designed to ensure the intensity, distribution, and thermal stability of the microwaves delivered to the skin. The semiconductor thermoelectric module rapidly removes heat accompanying the microwave generation process, and the reflector enables the microwaves to be stably irradiated in a specific direction. The heat exchange module includes cooling water and a structure to improve heat transfer efficiency, thereby maintaining the temperature of the terminal at a constant level.

[0044] A cooling water inlet port (201) and an outlet port (203) are arranged at the top of the microwave terminal (200), and the supplied cooling water circulates inside the terminal to release the generated heat to the outside. This cooling structure acts as a key safety device to prevent overheating even when the user's skin is exposed to microwaves for a long time.

[0045] The skin beauty device (1) according to the present invention configured as described above has microwave irradiation, temperature monitoring, and cooling control functions organically linked around a central control terminal (100), and can stably provide energy optimized for the user's skin condition. In addition, through a sensor-based automatic control function, it minimizes safety issues that may occur during the procedure and has the advantage of simultaneously improving user convenience and the quality of the procedure.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of a microwave terminal of a skin beauty device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the lower exterior of a microwave terminal of a skin beauty device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of a microwave terminal of a skin beauty device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention cut along the ZY plane.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a microwave terminal (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed by including a first conductor (270) arranged along a first axis and a second conductor (240) disposed at a partial distance from the first conductor (270). A dielectric (260) may be interposed between the first conductor (270) and the second conductor (240), and the dielectric (260) may define the electromagnetic field space of the microwave while in contact with a part of the first conductor (270) and at a distance from the second conductor (240).

[0048] A reflector (250) may be disposed between the dielectric (260) and the second conductor (240), and the reflector (250) may include a first surface facing the second conductor (240) and a second surface facing the first conductor (270) to reflect and / or adjust the microwave propagation path. A semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) may be disposed in contact with the first surface of the reflector (250), and a heat exchange module (220) may be disposed in contact with the other first surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) to transfer and remove heat generated from the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) to the outside.

[0049] The heat exchange module (220) may include a cooling water passage through which cooling water circulates, and the cooling water passage may be formed to include an inlet port (201) and an outlet port (203). The inlet port (201) and the outlet port (203) are arranged in a direction opposite to the second surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) so that cooling water can be efficiently supplied and discharged. The inlet port (201) and the outlet port (203) may be spaced apart from each other and arranged parallel to each other, extending along a first axis.

[0050] Additionally, the microwave terminal (200) may be configured to further include a buffer chamber (290). The buffer chamber (290) is formed in a position in contact with a portion of the dielectric (260) and the reflector (250) and is positioned between the first conductor (270) and the second conductor (240) to mitigate thermal and / or electrical non-uniformity that may occur during microwave irradiation. The buffer chamber (290) may have a closed annular shape and may be filled with a refrigerant or the like to prevent structural overheating and contribute to maintaining a uniform distribution of the electromagnetic field.

[0051] Additionally, the microwave terminal (200) may further include an insulating support (280) disposed in contact with the first conductor (270). The insulating support (280) stably supports the first conductor (270), dielectric (260), reflector (250), and buffer chamber (290) inside the second conductor (240), and can maintain spacing between each component and ensure electrical insulation.

[0052] The microwave terminal (200) of the present invention configured in this manner can provide the effect of improving the stability of microwave output, thermal management performance, and procedure safety by sequentially combining a reflector (250), a semiconductor thermoelectric module (230), a heat exchange module (220), a buffer chamber (290), and an insulating support (280) on a basic microwave structure formed by a first conductor (270) arranged along a first axis, a second conductor (240) arranged at a partial distance from the first conductor (270), and a dielectric (260) interposed between them.

[0053] The heat exchange module (220) is located at the top of the microwave terminal (200) and can form a cooling water passage through which cooling water circulates, including an inlet port (201) through which cooling water flows into the device and an outlet port (203) through which cooling water is discharged to the outside. The heat exchange module (220) is positioned to be in contact with the upper surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) so that heat transferred from the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) can be effectively transferred to and removed by the cooling water.

[0054] The semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) is positioned to be in contact with the first surface of the reflector (250), and by utilizing the Peltier effect to absorb heat on one side and release heat on the other side, the temperature near the reflector (250) and the first conductor (270) can be actively controlled. The semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) is interposed between the heat exchange module (220) and the reflector (250), so that it can rapidly absorb the heat generated during microwave irradiation and transfer it to the heat exchange module (220).

[0055] The reflector (250) is a metal or metal-coated structure positioned on the lower side of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) and can perform the function of reflecting and inducing microwaves supplied from the central control terminal (100) into the space between the first conductor (270) and the second conductor (240). The reflector (250) is configured with a shape corresponding to the upper part of the first conductor (270), thereby allowing microwaves to be uniformly distributed around the first conductor (270).

[0056] The first conductor (270) is formed as a cylindrical or ring-shaped conductor on the lower side of the reflector (250) and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the second conductor (240), and can function as a main conductor of microwaves. The second conductor (240) is a ground conductor forming the outer periphery of the microwave terminal (200), and surrounds the first conductor (270) from the outside and bottom, and can form a resonance structure or waveguide structure between the two conductors.

[0057] The dielectric (260) is interposed between the first conductor (270) and the second conductor (240) to electrically insulate the two conductors, and at the same time, can function as a medium that defines the space in which microwave energy is formed and propagated. The dielectric (260) is arranged along the outer circumference of the first conductor (270) in a ring shape or a cylindrical shape, and can control the resonance frequency and energy distribution through its dielectric constant and thickness.

[0058] The buffer chamber (290) may be placed in the space between the first conductor (270) and the second conductor (240) while in contact with a portion of the dielectric (260) and the reflector (250), and may have a closed annular shape. The buffer chamber (290) may be filled with a refrigerant or a medium with high heat capacity to mitigate thermal non-uniformity occurring during the microwave irradiation process and contribute to securing a uniform distribution of the electromagnetic field.

[0059] The insulating support (280) can be positioned to stably support the reflector (250), the first conductor (270), the dielectric (260), and the buffer chamber (290) inside the second conductor (240). The insulating support (280) is made of a material with excellent electrical insulation properties, and by maintaining the position and spacing of each component, the reproducibility of microwave resonance characteristics and structural stability can be ensured.

[0060] The microwave terminal (200) configured in this manner can effectively control generated heat through the heat exchange module (220) and the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230), form a uniform and stable microwave energy distribution by the combination of the reflector (250), the first conductor (270), the second conductor (240), the dielectric (260), and the buffer chamber (290), and secure mechanical and electrical stability of the entire structure by the insulating support (280).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the heat exchange module (220) may be arranged to cover the entire first surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230). More specifically, the lower surface of the heat exchange module (220) may be formed to make surface contact with the upper first surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230), and configured to be in close contact across the entire effective heat generation area of ​​the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230). Accordingly, heat generated on the upper surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) can be transferred to the heat exchange module (220) through the entire surface area rather than a localized area.

[0062] A cooling water passage through which cooling water circulates may be formed inside the heat exchange module (220), and a cooling water inlet port (201) may be formed on one side of the cooling water passage, and a cooling water outlet port (203) may be formed on the opposite side. At this time, the inlet port (201) and the outlet port (203) may be symmetrically arranged at positions facing each other with respect to the center of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230). For example, the inlet port (201) and the outlet port (203) may be formed to be spaced approximately 180 degrees apart with respect to a virtual second axis passing through the center of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230).

[0063] In this way, the heat exchange module (220) is arranged to cover the entire first surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230), and the cooling water inlet port (201) and outlet port (203) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230), so that the cooling water can flow while being evenly distributed over the entire upper region of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230). Therefore, the flow of the cooling water is not concentrated in a specific area, and the heat generated in the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) can be removed efficiently and uniformly. This contributes to maintaining a uniform temperature distribution of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230), thereby suppressing localized overheating phenomena and ensuring stable thermal management performance even during long-term operation of the microwave terminal (200).

[0064] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a buffer chamber of a microwave terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a buffer chamber of a microwave terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the structure of a buffer chamber of a microwave terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention from a top view.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, the buffer chamber (290) may be formed as a closed annular structure positioned adjacent to the lower electromagnetic structure of the microwave terminal (200). The buffer chamber (290) may be composed of a first upper surface (290a) and / or a second upper surface (290c), an outer wall (290b), a first inner wall (290d), a second inner wall (290e), a third inner wall (not shown), and a lower surface (not shown), and these walls may be continuously formed in a ring shape to define a closed internal volume. The internal space is continuously formed along the circumferential direction, and the interior may be filled with a refrigerant and / or a heat transfer medium with a large heat capacity to rapidly absorb thermal changes occurring during microwave irradiation and driving processes, thereby improving the thermal stability of the entire structure.

[0066] The first upper surface (290a) is in contact with the reflector (250) and can immediately diffuse heat transferred from the reflector into the buffer chamber, and the second upper surface (290c) is in contact with the dielectric (260) and can stably control the temperature rise occurring around the dielectric (260). The outer wall (290b) is in contact with the outer periphery of the reflector (250) and can disperse heat concentration occurring outside the reflector into the refrigerant inside the buffer chamber. The first inner wall (290d) and / or the second inner wall (290e) are in contact with the insulating support (280) to provide an internal support structure of the buffer chamber, and the third inner wall (not shown) is in contact with the first conductor (270) and can efficiently absorb heat generated directly from the first conductor (270).

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, the central control terminal (100) may be electrically connected to one or more temperature sensors (160) for monitoring the temperature status of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) and the buffer chamber (290). The temperature sensors (160) may be positioned, for example, attached to the side of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230), an adjacent area of ​​the reflector (250), the outer wall (290b) of the buffer chamber (290), or the bottom of the first conductor (270). The temperature sensors (160) may be implemented in the form of a thermistor, a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD), an infrared temperature sensor, or a semiconductor temperature sensor, and the temperature information measured therefrom may be transmitted to the central control terminal (100) in real time or periodically.

[0068] The central control terminal (100) can determine whether the temperature around the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) and the buffer chamber (290) exceeds a preset reference value or an allowable temperature range based on temperature data received from the temperature sensor (160). If the temperature rises above the reference value, the central control terminal (100) can control the driving signal applied to the microwave oscillation circuit to gradually reduce the output intensity of the microwave or, if necessary, temporarily stop the microwave oscillation itself. Such control can be applied to microwave output in pulse mode as well as continuous mode, and may be implemented by adjusting the output duty cycle or the pulse repetition period.

[0069] In addition, the central control terminal (100) can apply control logic that considers not only the instantaneous temperature value but also the rate of temperature rise and accumulated heat amount by analyzing the temporal trend of temperature fluctuations. For example, if the rate of temperature rise increases rapidly beyond a certain standard, preemptive control can be performed to adjust the output intensity in advance before reaching the standard temperature. In parallel with this, the central control terminal (100) can enhance cooling performance by increasing the driving current of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) or increasing the driving speed of the cooling water pump in the heat exchange module (220).

[0070] In this way, the central control terminal (100) controls the microwave output intensity to automatically decrease or stop oscillation based on the temperature status of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) and the buffer chamber (290) collected from the temperature sensor (160), thereby preventing damage to components and damage to the user's skin tissue caused by overheating of the microwave terminal (200). In addition, by ensuring that the device operates within a safe temperature range on its own regardless of the operator's skill level or operational error, it can have the effect of significantly improving the safety and reliability of the skin beauty device.

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the internal cavity of the buffer chamber (290) may be composed of a first cylindrical shape (R1) and / or a second cylindrical shape (R2) having different diameters. The first diameter (R1) may define a relatively small inner cylindrical region adjacent to the center, and the second diameter (R2) may define an outer annular region having a larger radius. This dual cylindrical structure can increase the storage volume of the buffer chamber (290) and improve thermal buffering capacity by ensuring that the internal refrigerant is uniformly distributed throughout the annular structure. The difference between R1 and R2, i.e., the thickness of the annular structure, can be optimized according to the thermal load and electromagnetic field distribution characteristics occurring in the substructure of the reflector (250), dielectric (260), and first conductor (270).

[0072] The center of the buffer chamber (290) can be formed with an open structure and designed so as not to obstruct the main propagation path of the microwave electromagnetic field transmitted toward the skin through the first conductor (270). Thus, the buffer chamber is positioned outside the effective emission area of ​​the electromagnetic field, thereby ensuring temperature stabilization of the surrounding structure without electromagnetic interference.

[0073] The buffer chamber (290) configured in this manner can effectively mitigate thermal concentration or local temperature rise occurring in the lower terminal region, and can perform repetitive and periodic thermal buffering operations through the refrigerant and / or heat transfer medium filled inside. In addition, since the refrigerant is distributed throughout the annular structure, the thermal uniformity and stability of the structure can be maintained even under long-term operating conditions.

[0074] The refrigerant and / or heat transfer medium filled inside the buffer chamber (290) can serve as a key factor in determining the thermal management performance of the microwave terminal (200). In an exemplary embodiment, the refrigerant may be selected as a material that satisfies high heat capacity, excellent electrical insulation, chemical stability in a microwave environment, non-corrosiveness, viscosity stability, etc. The refrigerant may consist of various groups such as liquid media, compressed refrigerants, inert gases, fluorinated fluids, and phase change materials (PCM), and may be applied alone or in a mixed form depending on the usage environment, operating cycle, and cooling requirements of the device.

[0075] Liquid refrigerants may include water (H2O), aqueous solution of ethylene glycol (C2H6O2), aqueous solution of propylene glycol (C2H8O2), silicone oil (polydimethylsiloxane series), mineral oil (paraffinic hydrocarbon mixture), and vegetable insulating oil (ester-based insulating oil). These liquid refrigerants can provide stable cooling performance in repetitive thermal cycles based on their high specific heat, and in particular, silicone oil and mineral oil have excellent electrical insulation properties, which can be advantageous for stable operation in microwave devices.

[0076] Compressed or vaporized refrigerants such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a), 1,1-difluoroethane (R152a), pentafluoropropane (R245fa), and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234yf) may be used. These refrigerants can effectively control rapid temperature changes by absorbing latent heat during partial vaporization and can provide excellent thermal buffering performance even under high-power microwave irradiation conditions.

[0077] Inert gas refrigerants may include nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar), and helium (He). Since these substances are chemically stable and possess excellent electrical insulation properties, they do not cause unstable reactions even under internal pressure changes or repetitive temperature cycles, thereby contributing to the maintenance of structural safety.

[0078] Fluorinated heat transfer fluids may include perfluoropolyethers (PFPE series), perfluorocarbons (PFC series), and 3M Novec® engineered fluids (e.g., Novec 7000, Novec 7100, Novec 7200, etc.). These are non-conductive, flame-retardant, have low surface tension, and excellent thermal stability, making them particularly suitable for high-performance cooling environments in medical and industrial applications.

[0079] Phase Change Materials (PCMs) may include paraffin-based PCMs (alkane hydrocarbons), polyethylene glycol (PEG series), and ethanol / water mixed low-melting point PCMs. The above PCMs can effectively control temporary high heat loads by absorbing a large amount of latent heat during the solid-to-liquid transition process and can be very useful for maintaining a constant temperature range.

[0080] As previously described, the interior of the buffer chamber (290) may be filled with a refrigerant and / or a heat transfer medium. In an exemplary embodiment, the refrigerant may include at least one of silicone oil, perfluoropolyether (PFPE), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a), nitrogen (N2), and a paraffin-based phase change material (PCM).

[0081] Silicone oil has excellent electrical insulation properties and stable viscosity characteristics, and can be chemically stable over a wide temperature range, so it can maintain cooling performance and safety even in thermal cycles that occur repeatedly in microwave environments. Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) is a fluorinated synthetic fluid characterized by non-conductivity, flame retardancy, and low surface tension, and can be used as a thermally and chemically very stable medium even in high temperature and high frequency environments.

[0082] 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) can provide thermal buffering capabilities by absorbing latent heat through partial vaporization when the temperature rises, and can be used as a refrigerant to absorb excess heat by utilizing changes in pressure and temperature inside the buffer chamber (290). Nitrogen (N2) is an inert gas and has high electrical insulation and is chemically stable, so it can contribute to thermal buffering and structural safety in response to pressure changes inside the sealed buffer chamber (290).

[0083] Paraffinic phase change materials (PCMs) can absorb a significant amount of latent heat during the phase transition process between solid and liquid, which can be advantageous for suppressing temperature fluctuations of the structure based on a certain temperature range. When a paraffinic PCM is included in the buffer chamber (290), the heat generated above a certain temperature during the operation of the microwave terminal (200) is absorbed gradually over a long period, thereby effectively controlling the rapid temperature rise.

[0084] Accordingly, by filling the buffer chamber (290) with at least one of the above-mentioned silicone oil, perfluoropolyether (PFPE), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a), nitrogen (N2), and paraffin-based PCM, the thermal management performance of the microwave terminal (200) can be stably secured under various operating conditions. This may have an advantageous effect in reducing thermal fatigue of the structure even during long-term use of the skin beauty device and maintaining the temperature of the skin contact part and internal circuit within a safe range.

[0085] These refrigerants and / or heat transfer media are uniformly distributed throughout the annular volume of the buffer chamber (290) to reduce thermal non-uniformity and stably control rapid thermal changes that occur during microwave irradiation. In addition, cooling capacity, viscosity, thermal response speed, etc., can be finely adjusted by controlling the combination or mixing ratio of various refrigerants, thereby enabling optimal thermal management performance suitable for the usage environment and output conditions of the microwave terminal (200).

[0086] Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, with reference to FIGS. 5 through 7, the buffer chamber (290) may be formed as a multilayer annular structure comprising a first inner wall (290d) and a second inner wall (290e). The first inner wall (290d) and the second inner wall (290e) may be positioned at a spaced-apart location and may each be formed of a different material or a different thickness to have different thermal conductivity. For example, the first inner wall (290d) may be formed of a metal or a metal-containing composite material with relatively high thermal conductivity, and the second inner wall (290e) may be formed of a ceramic or resin-based material with relatively low thermal conductivity. Alternatively, even if the materials are the same, the thickness of the first inner wall (290d) may be formed thinner than the thickness of the second inner wall (290e), so that the effective thermal conductivity of the first inner wall (290d) is greater.

[0087] At this time, the first inner wall (290d) may be positioned closer to the first conductor (270) or positioned to be in direct contact with the first conductor (270). On the other hand, the second inner wall (290e) is formed to be in contact with the insulating support (280), thereby ensuring both structural support and electrical insulation simultaneously. Through this arrangement, heat generated from the first conductor (270) can be transferred more quickly into the buffer chamber (290) through the first inner wall (290d), which has high thermal conductivity, and the second inner wall (290e), which has relatively low thermal conductivity, can serve to control the rapid release of heat to the outside.

[0088] In this way, the first inner wall (290d) is formed to have a greater thermal conductivity than the second inner wall (290e), thereby controlling the path and distribution of heat flowing into the buffer chamber (290), and rapidly transferring the local temperature rise occurring around the first conductor (270) into the buffer chamber (290), while simultaneously controlling heat loss to the outer structure. Accordingly, the buffer chamber (290) can perform the role of a thermal filter that effectively absorbs heat while stably maintaining the thermal balance of the entire structure, and may have the effect of preventing overheating of the microwave terminal (200) and improving thermal response characteristics.

[0089] A method for controlling a skin beauty device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include steps performed by the control of a microwave terminal (200) and a central control terminal (100). The method may include a step (S11) in which power to the beauty device is applied to switch to an initial standby state; a step (S12) in which one or more state detection sensors are driven to detect whether there is contact with the skin, the position of the terminal, the temperature state, etc.; a step (S13) in which it is determined whether microwave irradiation is possible based on detection information collected from the sensors; and a step (S14) in which the output, intensity, or irradiation of the microwave is controlled according to the determination result.

[0090] A state detection sensor (e.g., sensor module (20) of FIG. 1) may include a contact sensor, a temperature sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an accelerometer sensor, and / or a position sensor. The contact sensor may be used to determine whether the microwave terminal (200) is in stable contact with the skin, and the gyroscope sensor or accelerometer sensor may be used to determine whether the operator is in the intended irradiation position by providing information on the tilt, movement, and direction of the terminal. The temperature sensor may be placed in part or all of the area around the reflector (250), the first conductor (270), the dielectric (260), and the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) to detect temperature changes occurring during the procedure in real time.

[0091] In step (S13), the central control terminal (100) can determine whether skin contact is stable, whether the terminal is at an angle where it can be irradiated, and whether the cooling and thermal management system is operating normally by integrally analyzing multiple signals collected from the sensor. In particular, the operating status of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) and the heat exchange module (220), the expected thermal load of the buffer chamber (290), and whether the degree of temperature rise around the dielectric (260) exceeds a reference value can be considered together.

[0092] In step (S14), the central control terminal (100) can select whether to operate the microwave oscillation circuit. If the sensor information falls within a reference range, an oscillation signal may be applied so that the microwave is stably output into the space between the first conductor (270) and the second conductor (240). Conversely, if skin contact is insufficient, the terminal is tilted excessively, or the temperature rise is determined to be above a threshold, the oscillation circuit may be automatically shut off or the output reduced.

[0093] In one embodiment, sensor information may be collected periodically and / or in real time even during microwave irradiation, so that steps (S12) to (S14) can be performed repeatedly. Accordingly, dangerous situations such as overheating, incorrect direction irradiation, or air irradiation that may occur during the procedure can be prevented in advance, and thermal stability of the microwave terminal (200) and procedure safety can be simultaneously ensured.

[0094] Additionally, the central control terminal (100) can dynamically adjust the microwave output intensity based on the rate of temperature rise, the movement pattern of the terminal, and changes in contact pressure, and, if necessary, can perform control to strengthen the cooling mode of the semiconductor thermoelectric module (230) or increase the amount of cooling water circulation to the heat exchange module (220). This method can precisely control the temperature of the treatment site, thereby reducing the possibility of skin damage and enabling uniform energy delivery.

[0095] The method of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible regarding the type of sensor, judgment algorithm, output control method, etc.

[0096] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A microwave terminal comprising: a first conductor arranged along a first axis and a second conductor disposed partially spaced apart from the first conductor; a dielectric partially in contact with the first conductor and disposed spaced apart from the second conductor; a reflector disposed between the dielectric and the second conductor; a semiconductor thermoelectric module disposed in contact with a first surface of the reflector; a heat exchange module disposed in contact with a first surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module; and a buffer chamber disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor, partially in contact with the dielectric and the reflector. A conductor-based microwave treatment skin beauty device for high-efficiency energy transfer, comprising a central control terminal that supplies power to the microwave terminal and controls the output of the microwave generated by the oscillation circuit by applying an oscillation signal to the oscillation circuit that generates the microwave, wherein the reflector reflects or guides the microwave supplied from the central control terminal into the space between the first conductor and the second conductor so that the microwave is output into the space between the first conductor and the second conductor, and wherein the buffer chamber includes a first inner wall and a second inner wall formed to have different thermal conductivity, and wherein the thermal conductivity of the first inner wall is greater than the thermal conductivity of the second inner wall. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A conductor-based microwave treatment skin beauty device for high-efficiency energy transfer, characterized in that, in claim 1, the buffer chamber has a closed annular shape. Claim 4 A conductor-based microwave treatment skin beauty device for high-efficiency energy transfer, characterized in that, in claim 1, the microwave terminal further comprises an insulating support disposed in contact with the first conductor. Claim 5 A conductor-based microwave treatment skin beauty device for high-efficiency energy transfer, characterized in that, in claim 1, the heat exchange module includes a cooling water passage in which cooling water circulates, the cooling water passage includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and the inlet port and the outlet port are arranged in a direction opposite to the second surface of the semiconductor thermoelectric module.

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