Needle cartridge-type skin care device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a needle cartridge-type skin care device, comprising: a needle cartridge having a needle module embedded therein; a needle cartridge surface electrode formed on the surface of the needle cartridge; a high-frequency module for applying high-frequency energy to the deep part of the skin through the needle cartridge surface electrode, and needles projecting from the needle cartridge and penetrating into the deep part of the skin; and a processor that sets the polarities of the needles and the needle cartridge surface electrode, controls the high-frequency module, and applies a current to the needles and the needle cartridge surface electrode, to apply high-frequency energy to the deep part of the skin.

Description

Needle cartridge type skin care device

[0001] The present invention relates to a needle cartridge type skin care device that can apply high-frequency energy to a deep part of the skin through a surface electrode of a cartridge and a needle, or a surface electrode of a cartridge and a skin-attached electrode plate.

[0002] In general, skin care devices for removing wrinkles, restoring skin elasticity, and removing sebum include those that deliver HIFU energy to skin tissue (HIFU type), those that deliver high-frequency energy to skin tissue (RF type), and those that irradiate laser light to skin tissue (Optical type).

[0003] A device that delivers high frequency waves to skin tissue repeatedly penetrates the deep layer of the skin (e.g., the dermal layer) of the skin (e.g., the face) with an RF needle electrode that moves back and forth in a vertical direction, and uses the heat generated by the high frequency to remove damaged collagen, elastic fibers, etc. from the deep layer of the skin at the target point and promote new formation.

[0004] Furthermore, these skin care devices improve skin pigmentation, acne scars, and wrinkles. They intentionally induce wounds by applying various energies to targeted areas of the skin, stimulating collagen in the dermis and inducing collagen regeneration, thereby regenerating the skin.

[0005] However, conventional skin care devices were unable to deliver abundant or efficient electrical energy to a specific depth of the skin.

[0006] Therefore, conventional skin care devices, when performing a procedure, cannot accurately irradiate abundant electric energy or efficient electric energy, resulting in low accuracy of the procedure.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention was created to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose is to provide a needle cartridge type skin care device that can apply high-frequency energy to the deep part of the skin through a surface electrode of the cartridge and a needle, or a surface electrode of the cartridge and a skin-attached electrode plate.

[0008] A needle cartridge type skin care device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by including: a needle cartridge having a built-in needle module; a needle cartridge surface electrode formed on a surface of the needle cartridge; a high-frequency module for applying high-frequency energy to a deep part of the skin through a needle protruding from the needle cartridge and penetrating a deep part of the skin and the needle cartridge surface electrode; and a processor for setting polarities of the needle and the needle cartridge surface electrode, controlling the high-frequency module, and applying current to the needle and the needle cartridge surface electrode, thereby applying high-frequency energy to the deep part of the skin.

[0009] In the present invention, the processor can check whether the skin-attached electrode plate is attached to the skin by applying a detection current smaller than the current for generating high-frequency energy to the surface electrode of the needle cartridge and the skin-attached electrode plate when the skin-attached electrode plate is connected to a designated port, and is characterized in that, according to the needle cartridge control mode, the processor controls so that no current is applied to the skin-attached electrode plate even if the skin-attached electrode plate is attached to the skin.

[0010] In the present invention, the processor is characterized in that it actively controls the protrusion length of the needle by electrically controlling the needle module of the needle cartridge in order to adjust the depth of transmission of high-frequency energy.

[0011] In the present invention, the processor is characterized in that it is implemented so that the surface electrode of the needle cartridge can be set as a positive electrode (+) and the needle tip can be set as a negative electrode (-), or the surface electrode of the needle cartridge can be set as a negative electrode (-) and the needle tip can be set as a positive electrode (+).

[0012] In the present invention, the processor is characterized in that it is implemented so that the surface electrode of the needle cartridge can be set as a positive electrode (+) and the skin-attached electrode plate can be set as a negative electrode (-), or the surface electrode of the needle cartridge can be set as a negative electrode (-) and the skin-attached electrode plate can be set as a positive electrode (+).

[0013] In the present invention, the needle cartridge surface electrode is formed using an insulating film, and the insulating film is characterized in that an electrode or circuit can be printed or an electronic component can be attached by designating an area, and some areas are formed transparent or translucent.

[0014] In the present invention, it is characterized by further including a skin impedance detection module that detects the impedance of the skin in contact when the needle cartridge is driven.

[0015] In the present invention, the processor is characterized in that, when the needle cartridge comes into contact with the skin, the needle penetrates the deep part of the skin according to a preset protrusion length, detects skin impedance in a skin contact state before penetrating the skin with the needle or in a skin contact state after penetrating the skin with the needle, calculates a final high-frequency energy setting value by reflecting a high-frequency energy correction value corresponding to the skin impedance value to a preset high-frequency energy setting value, and applies high-frequency energy corresponding to a high-frequency energy intensity reflecting the final high-frequency energy setting value to the human body through the needle cartridge surface electrode and the needle.

[0016] In the present invention, the processor is characterized in that, when the needle cartridge comes into contact with the skin, the needle penetrates the deep part of the skin according to a preset protrusion length, detects skin impedance in a skin contact state before penetrating the skin with the needle, or in a skin contact state after penetrating the skin with the needle, and when the skin impedance is detected, the needle protrusion length is corrected in response to the skin impedance based on a skin thickness lookup table compared to a preset skin impedance, and the needle protrusion length is automatically adjusted in an electric manner according to the corrected needle protrusion length.

[0017] In the present invention, when the first needle cartridge control mode is set, the processor is characterized in that it protrudes a needle from the needle cartridge to a specified length, and when the needle protrudes and penetrates the skin, the needle is set to one of the positive / negative electrodes (+, -), and a surface electrode of the needle cartridge is set to one of the negative / positive electrodes (-, +) as a corresponding electrode, and high-frequency energy is applied; and when the second needle cartridge control mode is set, the needle is not protruded from the needle cartridge, and when the needle is not protruded, the skin-attached electrode plate is set to one of the positive / negative electrodes (+, -), and a surface electrode of the needle cartridge is set to one of the negative / positive electrodes (-, +) as a corresponding electrode, and high-frequency energy is applied.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention enables high-frequency energy to be applied to deep skin through a surface electrode and a needle of a cartridge, or a surface electrode and a skin-attached electrode plate of a cartridge, and improves energy utilization efficiency for skin care by adjusting the length of the needle or energy intensity suitable for the skin thickness or skin condition.

[0019] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic configuration of a needle cartridge type skin care device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a problem in a conventional method of applying high-frequency energy through a needle tip by having a needle protrude from a needle cartridge penetrate the skin.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for forming an electrode of a needle cartridge for increasing the range of application of high-frequency energy and increasing the intensity of high-frequency energy in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method for a processor to perform an energy intensity control method in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method for adjusting the needle protrusion length of the needle cartridge in FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first needle cartridge control mode of the needle cartridge type skin care device in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second needle cartridge control mode of the needle cartridge type skin care device in FIG. 1.

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a needle cartridge-type skincare device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines and the sizes of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on their functions in the present invention and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0027]

[0028] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic configuration of a needle cartridge type skin care device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the needle cartridge type skin care device according to the present embodiment includes a skin impedance detection module (110), a processor (120), a needle cartridge (130), and a cartridge vibration module (140).

[0030] The skin impedance detection module (110) detects the impedance of the skin in contact when the needle cartridge (130) is driven.

[0031] For reference, skin impedance varies depending on the area, skin condition, amount of subcutaneous fat, presence of skin damage and lesions, age, gender, time, and individual differences. In other words, the impedance of the human body varies depending on the area and condition. For example, skin, adipose tissue, and bones have higher impedance than muscles or nerves. While the body's internal resistance is generally very low, around 500Ω, blood vessels, rich in electrolytes, have a resistance of only a few Ω. Skin contains keratin and has a low water content, resulting in a high impedance to current. Skin impedance varies depending on the area, hydration status (e.g., sweat and moisture), and skin temperature. Dry skin has a high impedance of 15KΩ to 1MΩ (500KΩ), while wet skin has a low impedance of 1KΩ. Impedance increases with the amount of subcutaneous fat. Damage to the stratum corneum, such as from abrasions, tears, or shaving, can reduce skin impedance by 50-100%.

[0032] Accordingly, the skin impedance detection module (110) detects skin impedance information that can determine the condition of the skin when the needle cartridge (130) is driven.

[0033] The processor (120) controls the needle module (131) and the high-frequency module (132) built into one needle cartridge (130) to apply high-frequency energy to the skin together.

[0034] When a skin-attached electrode plate (not shown) is connected to a designated port, the processor (120) can check whether the skin-attached electrode plate (not shown) is attached to the skin by applying a detection current (a current smaller than the current for generating high-frequency energy) to the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) and the skin-attached electrode plate (not shown).

[0035] The processor (120) can control the port control so that no current is applied even if the skin-attached electrode plate (not shown) is attached to the skin.

[0036] Meanwhile, although not specifically shown in this embodiment, a sensor module (not shown) for detecting skin contact on the surface of the hybrid cartridge (130) may be included.

[0037] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a problem in a conventional method of applying high-frequency energy through a needle tip by having a needle protrude from a needle cartridge penetrate the skin.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, conventional needle cartridges use multiple needles as positive / negative electrodes (+, -), respectively, to apply high-frequency energy to the deep skin from the tips (non-insulating portions) of the multiple needles.

[0039] When using the needle tip (non-insulating portion) in this way, there is a disadvantage in that the high-frequency energy that can be applied is very limited. In other words, there is a problem in that the range of high-frequency energy application cannot be increased and the increase in high-frequency energy intensity is limited.

[0040] In addition, since the protrusion length of the needle of the conventional needle cartridge is fixed, there is a problem in that the depth of transmission of high-frequency energy cannot be actively controlled.

[0041] To address these issues, referring to FIG. 1, the needle module (131) of the needle cartridge (130) according to the present embodiment actively controls the protrusion length (skin penetration depth) of the needle in an electric manner. Accordingly, the present embodiment can adjust the depth of transmission of high-frequency energy through the needle module (131).

[0042] The cartridge vibration module (140) vibrates the needle cartridge (130) in an electrical manner using a motor (not shown) when the needle cartridge (130) comes into contact with the skin before the needle is inserted into the human body (e.g., deep into the skin), thereby causing the skin in contact with the needle cartridge (130) to vibrate as well, and then the needle is inserted into the skin. In this way, when the skin is vibrated and then the needle is inserted, there is an effect of alleviating the pain felt by the person receiving the treatment due to the needle insertion.

[0043] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for forming an electrode of a needle cartridge for increasing the range of application of high-frequency energy and increasing the intensity of high-frequency energy in FIG. 1.

[0044] Figure 3 (a) is an exemplary diagram for explaining the needle hole and the cartridge surface electrode in a state where the needle does not protrude from the needle cartridge (130), and Figure 3 (b) is an exemplary diagram for explaining that the range of application of high-frequency energy is formed widely in a state where the needle protrudes from the needle cartridge (130) and invades the skin.

[0045] As described with reference to FIG. 2, conventional needle cartridges have a problem of limiting the increase in the range of application of high-frequency energy and the increase in high-frequency energy intensity because they apply high-frequency energy using the needle tip (non-insulating portion).

[0046] To solve this problem, as shown in FIG. 3, the present embodiment forms the entire surface area of ​​the needle cartridge (130) as an electrode, and forms the needle tip (non-insulating portion) as a counter electrode.

[0047] For example, the entire surface area of ​​the needle cartridge (130) can be set as a positive electrode (+) and the needle tip (non-insulating part) can be set as a negative electrode (-), or conversely, the entire surface area of ​​the needle cartridge (130) can be set as a negative electrode (-) and the needle tip (non-insulating part) can be set as a positive electrode (+).

[0048] Although not shown in the drawing at this time, the processor (120) may include a plurality of switching elements (not shown) for internally connecting the entire surface area of ​​the needle cartridge (130) and each needle to a power source (not shown) in order to selectively set (or change the setting) the positive / negative electrodes (+, -) for the entire surface area of ​​the needle cartridge (130) and the needle tip portion (non-insulating portion).

[0049] Meanwhile, the processor (120) can increase high-frequency energy through the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) and the skin-attached electrode plate (not shown) when a skin-attached electrode plate (not shown) is connected to a designated port. That is, the wider the electrode, the more high-frequency energy can be increased.

[0050] Referring to (b) of FIG. 3, it can be seen that the range of application of high-frequency energy is widened by generating high-frequency energy through the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) and the needle tip (non-insulating portion) while the needle protrudes from the needle cartridge (130) and penetrates the skin.

[0051] When the range of application of high-frequency energy is formed wide in this way, the number of treatments and the duration of the treatment can be reduced, which has the effect of reducing the pain of the patient (pain caused by needle invasion).

[0052] At this time, the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) can be formed using an insulating film (e.g., FPCB), and the insulating film (e.g., FPCB) can be formed to have an area designated to have an electrode or circuit printed on it or an electronic component attached to it, and some areas can be formed to be transparent or translucent.

[0053] The needle cartridge (130) includes a needle module (131) for penetrating deep into the skin and a high-frequency module (132) for generating high-frequency energy.

[0054] The processor (120) can set the needle to one of the positive / negative electrodes (+, -), and can set the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) as one of the negative / positive electrodes (-, +) as a corresponding electrode.

[0055] The high-frequency module (132) can apply high-frequency energy to the human body (i.e., deep skin) through the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) and the needles invasive into the skin, or can apply high-frequency energy to the human body (i.e., deep skin) through the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) and the skin-attached electrode plate (not shown).

[0056] The processor (120) can control the protrusion length (skin penetration depth) of the needle module (131) and control the energy intensity of the high-frequency module (132).

[0057] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method for a processor to perform an energy intensity control method in FIG. 1.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, when the needle cartridge (130) is driven after coming into contact with the human body (e.g., skin), the processor (120) intrudes the needle into the deep part of the skin according to a preset protrusion length (S101).

[0059] The processor (120) detects skin impedance in a skin contact state before the needle penetrates the skin, or in a skin contact state after the needle penetrates the skin (S102).

[0060] When skin impedance is detected, the processor (120) calculates a final high-frequency energy setting value by reflecting a high-frequency energy correction value corresponding to the skin impedance value to a preset high-frequency energy setting value (S103). At this time, the high-frequency energy correction value corresponding to the skin impedance value is set to correspond to the skin impedance value within a pre-specified margin range (i.e., the highest high-frequency energy correction value to the lowest high-frequency energy correction value).

[0061] The processor (120) reflects a high-frequency energy correction value corresponding to the skin impedance value to the preset high-frequency energy setting value and applies high-frequency energy corresponding to the high-frequency energy intensity reflecting the final high-frequency energy setting value to the human body (S104).

[0062] That is, the processor (120) applies high-frequency energy to the human body based on the high-frequency energy intensity set by the user (or administrator), but applies high-frequency energy corrected within a designated margin range in response to the skin impedance according to the skin condition before the needle penetrates the skin or the skin condition after the needle penetrates the skin, thereby enabling the application of high-frequency energy adjusted to suit the skin condition, thereby having the effect of improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method for adjusting the needle protrusion length of the needle cartridge in FIG. 1.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, when the needle cartridge (130) is driven after coming into contact with the human body (e.g., skin), the processor (120) intrudes the needle into the deep part of the skin according to the preset protrusion length (S201).

[0065] The processor (120) detects skin impedance in a skin contact state before the needle penetrates the skin, or in a skin contact state after the needle penetrates the skin (S202).

[0066] When skin impedance is detected, the processor (120) corrects the needle protrusion length corresponding to the skin impedance based on a preset lookup table (i.e., a skin thickness lookup table versus skin impedance) (S203).

[0067] The processor (120) automatically adjusts the needle protrusion length in an electric manner according to the corrected value (i.e., the corrected needle protrusion length) (S204).

[0068] In this way, by automatically adjusting the needle protrusion length, for example, when performing a procedure on facial skin, multiple skin, or thigh skin, the needle protrusion length is automatically adjusted to apply high-frequency energy to the human body (i.e., deep skin), that is, by applying high-frequency energy adjusted to suit the skin thickness, there is an effect of improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first needle cartridge control mode of the needle cartridge type skin care device in FIG. 1.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 6, when the first needle cartridge control mode is set (S301), the processor (120) vibrates the needle cartridge (130) through the cartridge vibration module (140) when the needle cartridge (130) comes into contact with the skin (S302), and then protrudes the needle from the needle cartridge (130) to a specified length (i.e., penetrates the skin) after a specified time (e.g., 1 second) (S303).

[0071] At this time, the protrusion length of the needle can be automatically set according to the skin thickness detected through skin impedance, as described in Fig. 5.

[0072] When the needle protrudes and penetrates the skin in this way, the processor (120) sets the needle to one of the positive / negative electrodes (+, -), and sets the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) as one of the negative / positive electrodes (-, +) as the corresponding electrode to apply high-frequency energy (S304).

[0073] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second needle cartridge control mode of the needle cartridge type skin care device in FIG. 1.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 7, when the second needle cartridge control mode is set (S401), the processor (120) does not protrude the needle from the needle cartridge (130) (S402).

[0075] In this state where the needle is not protruding, after the surface of the needle cartridge (130) comes into contact with the skin, the processor (120) sets the skin-attached electrode plate to one of the positive / negative electrodes (+, -), and sets the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) as one of the negative / positive electrodes (-, +) as the corresponding electrode to apply high-frequency energy (S403).

[0076] In this way, the present embodiment can increase high-frequency energy through the surface electrode of the needle cartridge (130) and the skin-attached electrode plate (not shown). This has the effect of allowing high-frequency energy to be applied to a wider area than before, and further increasing high-frequency energy compared to before.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from the drawings. Accordingly, the technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims. In addition, the implementations described in this specification may be implemented as, for example, a method or process, a device, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed features may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., a device or a program). The device may be implemented by suitable hardware, software, firmware, etc. The method may be implemented in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to a processing device including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. The processor also includes a communication device such as a computer, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), and other devices that facilitate the communication of information between end-users.

Claims

Needle cartridge with built-in needle module; A needle cartridge surface electrode formed on the surface of the needle cartridge; A high-frequency module that applies high-frequency energy to the deep skin through a needle protruding from the needle cartridge and penetrating into the deep skin and a surface electrode of the needle cartridge; and A needle cartridge type skin care device characterized by comprising a processor that sets the polarity of the needle and the needle cartridge surface electrode, controls the high-frequency module, and applies high-frequency energy to the deep part of the skin by applying current to the needle and the needle cartridge surface electrode. In paragraph 1, The above processor, If a skin-attached electrode plate is connected to the designated port, By applying a detection current smaller than the current for generating high-frequency energy to the surface electrode of the above-mentioned needle cartridge and the above-mentioned skin-attached electrode plate, it is possible to check whether the above-mentioned skin-attached electrode plate is attached to the skin. A needle cartridge type skin care device characterized in that, according to the needle cartridge control mode, current is not applied to the skin-attached electrode plate even if the skin-attached electrode plate is attached to the skin. In paragraph 1, The above processor, A needle cartridge type skin care device characterized in that the needle module of the needle cartridge is electrically controlled to actively control the protrusion length of the needle in order to control the depth of transmission of high-frequency energy. In paragraph 1, The above processor, A needle cartridge type skin care device characterized in that the surface electrode of the needle cartridge is set to a positive electrode (+) and the needle tip is set to a negative electrode (-), or the surface electrode of the needle cartridge is set to a negative electrode (-) and the needle tip is set to a positive electrode (+). In paragraph 1, The above processor, A needle cartridge type skin care device characterized in that the surface electrode of the needle cartridge is set as a positive electrode (+) and the skin-attached electrode plate is set as a negative electrode (-), or the surface electrode of the needle cartridge is set as a negative electrode (-) and the skin-attached electrode plate is set as a positive electrode (+). In paragraph 1, The above needle cartridge surface electrode is formed using an insulating film, A needle cartridge type skin care device characterized in that the insulating film designates an area on which an electrode or circuit can be printed or an electronic component can be attached, and some areas are formed transparent or translucent. In paragraph 1, A needle cartridge type skin care device further comprising a skin impedance detection module that detects the impedance of the skin in contact when the needle cartridge is driven. In paragraph 1, The above processor, When the needle cartridge comes into contact with the skin, the needle penetrates deep into the skin according to the preset protrusion length. The skin impedance is detected in a skin contact state before the needle is invasive into the skin, or in a skin contact state after the needle is invasive into the skin. The final high-frequency energy setting value is calculated by reflecting the high-frequency energy correction value corresponding to the skin impedance value to the preset high-frequency energy setting value, A needle cartridge type skin care device characterized in that it applies high frequency energy corresponding to a high frequency energy intensity reflecting the final high frequency energy setting value to the human body through the above-mentioned needle cartridge surface electrode and the above-mentioned needle. In paragraph 1, The above processor, When the needle cartridge comes into contact with the skin, the needle penetrates deep into the skin according to the preset protrusion length. The skin impedance is detected in a skin contact state before the needle is invasive into the skin, or in a skin contact state after the needle is invasive into the skin. When skin impedance is detected, the needle protrusion length is corrected in response to the skin impedance based on a preset skin impedance versus skin thickness lookup table. A needle cartridge type skin care device characterized in that the needle protrusion length is automatically adjusted in an electric manner according to the above-mentioned corrected needle protrusion length. In paragraph 1, The above processor, When the first needle cartridge control mode is set, the needle is protruded from the needle cartridge to a specified length, and when the needle is protruded and penetrates the skin, the needle is set to one of the positive / negative electrodes (+, -), and the corresponding electrode is set to one of the negative / positive electrodes (-, +) to apply high-frequency energy. A needle cartridge type skin care device characterized in that when the second needle cartridge control mode is set, high-frequency energy is applied by setting the skin-attached electrode plate to one of the positive / negative electrodes (+, -) without protruding the needle from the needle cartridge and setting the needle cartridge surface electrode to one of the negative / positive electrodes (-, +) as a corresponding electrode.

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