Hybrid skin care device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hybrid skin care device comprising: a hybrid cartridge in which a HIFU module for applying HIFU energy to skin in contact therewith and a high-frequency module for applying high-frequency energy to skin in contact therewith are integrally formed; and a processor for controlling the energy intensity of each of the HIFU module and the high-frequency module of the hybrid cartridge, and the application order and application position of the HIFU energy and the high-frequency energy.

Description

Hybrid skincare device

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid skin care device that can improve energy utilization efficiency by controlling the direction of energy application and the intensity of energy application when applying HIFU energy and radiofrequency energy to the skin together through one cartridge.

[0002] In general, a treatment using HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) energy is a treatment that burns and removes tissue by utilizing the high heat of 65-100℃ generated at the focus when high-intensity focused ultrasound energy is focused on one spot deep in the skin. When ultrasound that is about 100,000 times stronger than the intensity of ultrasound normally used for diagnosis is focused on one spot, heat is generated at the focus area. This is similar to the principle of heat being generated at the focus area when sunlight is focused with a convex lens.

[0003] At this time, the ultrasound itself is harmless to the human body, and it concentrates energy only at the focal point where the ultrasound is concentrated, delivering energy to the fascia layer in a narrow and deep range. It is known to be effective for deep wrinkles including nasolabial folds and overall skin sagging, and accordingly, skin care devices that can generate HIFU energy are being developed in the field of skin beauty (e.g., skin care, obesity care, etc.).

[0004] Additionally, skin care devices include devices that generate heat in the surface layer of the skin by applying high frequency waves. When high frequency waves are applied, energy is transmitted to the dermis layer in a relatively wide and shallow range compared to ultrasound. The heat generated at this time is known to be effective for fine wrinkles and useful when you want to fill in the volume of the skin by promoting cell function and increasing blood flow.

[0005] Recently, research is being conducted on skincare devices that utilize both ultrasound and radiofrequency waves to achieve complementary effects. For example, research is underway on skincare devices that incorporate both ultrasound and radiofrequency generation elements into a single device, enabling both ultrasound and radiofrequency applications.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention was created to solve the above problems, and the purpose is to provide a hybrid skin care device that can improve energy utilization efficiency through energy application direction control and energy application intensity control when applying HIFU energy and high-frequency energy to the skin together through one cartridge.

[0007] A hybrid skin care device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by including a hybrid cartridge in which a HIFU module for applying HIFU energy to contacted skin and a radio frequency module for applying radio frequency energy to the contacted skin are integrally formed; and a processor for controlling the respective energy intensities of the HIFU module and the radio frequency module of the hybrid cartridge, and the order and position of application of the HIFU energy and the radio frequency energy.

[0008] 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 hybrid cartridge is driven.

[0009] In the present invention, the processor is characterized in that it sequentially and alternately applies high-frequency energy and high-frequency energy.

[0010] In the present invention, the hybrid cartridge is characterized in that the surface area that comes into contact with the skin is formed in a square shape, and three areas are divided lengthwise based on one side, and the second area, which is the central area, is set as a high-frequency energy application area, and the first area and the third area located on both sides of the second area are set as high-frequency energy application areas.

[0011] In the present invention, the hybrid cartridge is characterized in that a plurality of positive / negative electrodes (+, -) are respectively arranged to apply high-frequency energy to the first region and the third region.

[0012] In the present invention, the hybrid cartridge is characterized in that the surface area is formed to be closely adhered by an insulating film, the insulating film transmits HIFU energy, and an electrode or circuit is printed or an electronic component is attached to a designated area.

[0013] In the present invention, the processor is characterized in that it moves the position of a HIFU energy output unit that outputs HIFU energy from the HIFU module in a designated area at a designated interval, and applies HIFU energy to the human body in units of spot distance.

[0014] In the present invention, the processor is characterized in that, when the hybrid cartridge comes into contact with the skin, it applies HIFU energy to the human body, detects a skin impedance value in the skin contact state, reflects a high-frequency energy correction value corresponding to the skin impedance value to a preset high-frequency energy setting value, calculates a final 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 skin.

[0015] In the present invention, the processor is characterized in that, when the hybrid cartridge comes into contact with the skin, it applies HIFU energy to the human body, checks the application location of the HIFU energy applied while the HIFU module moves, and selectively controls positive / negative electrodes (+, -) formed in a high-frequency energy application area on both sides of the application location of the HIFU energy, thereby applying high-frequency energy around the application location of the HIFU energy.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, when applying HIFU energy and high-frequency energy to the skin together through one cartridge, the present invention can improve the efficiency of energy use for skin care by controlling the directionality of energy application and the intensity of energy application.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic configuration of a hybrid skin care device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the characteristics of high-frequency energy and high-frequency energy applied to the human body in Figure 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a surface area of ​​the hybrid cartridge in contact with the skin in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of positive / negative electrodes (+, -) arranged in the first and third regions of the hybrid cartridge in FIG. 3.

[0021] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a configuration for attaching an insulating film to a surface area of ​​a hybrid cartridge in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a method for a processor to perform an energy intensity control method in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method for a processor to perform energy application direction control in FIG. 1.

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a hybrid 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 of this specification.

[0025]

[0026] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic configuration of a hybrid skin care device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hybrid skin care device according to the present embodiment includes a skin impedance detection module (110), a processor (120), and a hybrid cartridge (130).

[0028] The skin impedance detection module (110) detects the impedance of the skin in contact when the hybrid cartridge (130) is driven.

[0029] 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%.

[0030] Accordingly, the skin impedance detection module (110) detects skin impedance information that can determine the condition of the skin when the hybrid cartridge (130) is driven.

[0031] The processor (120) controls the HIFU module (131) and the high-frequency module (132) built into one hybrid cartridge (130) to apply HIFU energy and high-frequency energy together to the skin.

[0032] At this time, the meaning of applying HIFU energy and high-frequency energy to the skin together does not necessarily mean applying HIFU energy and high-frequency energy simultaneously, but includes the concept of applying HIFU energy and high-frequency energy sequentially and alternately and repeatedly (see Fig. 2).

[0033] In order to enable applying HIFU energy and high-frequency energy together to the skin contact surface, the hybrid cartridge (130) according to the present embodiment is formed with a HIFU module (131) and a high-frequency module (132) integrally formed.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the characteristics of high-frequency energy and high-frequency energy applied to the human body in Figure 1.

[0036] Referring to (a) of Fig. 2, high-frequency energy is applied over a wide range for a long time, and referring to (b) of Fig. 2, high-frequency energy is applied over a narrow range for a short time.

[0037] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a surface area of ​​the hybrid cartridge in contact with the skin in FIG. 1.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the surface area of ​​the hybrid cartridge (130) is formed as a square overall, and is divided into three regions in the longitudinal direction based on one side, and the second region (131a), which is the central region, is set as a high-frequency energy application region, and the first region (132a) and the third region (132b) arranged on both sides of the second region (131a) are set as high-frequency energy application regions.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, the processor (120) can control the position movement of the HIFU energy output unit that outputs HIFU energy in the HIFU module (131).

[0040] For example, since HIFU energy is applied narrowly and deeply like a needle, if HIFU energy is applied to only one part of the human body, the human body may be damaged. Therefore, the processor (120) moves the position of the HIFU energy output unit inside the hybrid cartridge (130) according to a specified interval in the longitudinal direction of the second region (131a), and applies HIFU energy to the human body in units of spot distance.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of positive / negative electrodes (+, -) for applying high-frequency energy are respectively arranged in the first region (132a) and the third region (132b).

[0042] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of positive / negative electrodes (+, -) arranged in the first and third regions of the hybrid cartridge in FIG. 3.

[0043] The plurality of positive / negative electrodes (+, -) arranged in the first region (132a) and the third region (132b) of the hybrid cartridge (130) may be arranged so that the positive electrodes (+) and the negative electrodes (-) face each other in the length direction and the width direction as shown in (a) of FIG. 4, may be arranged so that they face each other only in the length direction as shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 4, and may be arranged so that the entire region is arranged with only positive electrodes (+) or only negative electrodes (-) as shown in (d) of FIG. 4.

[0044] However, the arrangement of the multiple positive / negative electrodes (+, -) shown in Fig. 4 is shown to help understanding and is not intended to be limiting.

[0045] The processor (120) can select a plurality of positive / negative electrodes (+, -) arranged in the first region (132a) and the third region (132b) of the hybrid cartridge (130) and apply high-frequency energy to the human body through the selected positive / negative electrodes (+, -).

[0046] The processor (120) may also select a plurality of electrodes arranged in the first region (132a) and the third region (132b) of the hybrid cartridge (130) to designate positive / negative electrodes (+, -).

[0047] Although not shown in the drawing at this time, the processor (120) may include a plurality of switching elements (not shown) for internally connecting each electrode and a power source (not shown) to select a plurality of positive / negative electrodes (+, -) or to select a plurality of electrodes and designate the positive / negative electrodes (+, -).

[0048] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a configuration for attaching an insulating film to a surface area of ​​a hybrid cartridge in FIG. 1.

[0049] Meanwhile, in order to prevent the positive / negative electrodes (+, -) formed in the first region (132a) and the third region (132b) of the hybrid cartridge (130) from directly contacting the skin and to allow HIFU energy to be transmitted through the second region (131a) and applied to the human body, an insulating film (e.g., FPCB) is formed (attached) in close contact with the surface region of the hybrid cartridge (130).

[0050] At this time, the insulating film (e.g. FPCB) can be formed into areas where electrodes or circuits can be printed or electronic components can be attached, and some areas can be formed to be transparent or translucent.

[0051] The processor (120) controls the directionality of energy application through selection of positive / negative electrodes (+, -) formed in the first region (132a) and the third region (132b) based on the application location of HIFU energy, and controls energy intensity based on the skin impedance detection value, thereby improving the efficiency of energy use for skin care.

[0052] The hybrid cartridge (130) includes a HIFU module (131) that generates HIFU energy and a high-frequency module (132) that generates high-frequency energy.

[0053] The HIFU module (131) applies HIFU energy to the human body, and the high-frequency module (132) applies high-frequency energy to the human body.

[0054] The processor (120) can control the energy intensity of the HIFU module (131) and the high-frequency module (132), and controls the position of the HIFU energy output unit inside the HIFU module (131) to be moved and the HIFU energy to be applied.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a method for a processor to perform an energy intensity control method in FIG. 1.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6, when the hybrid cartridge (130) is driven after coming into contact with the human body (e.g., skin), the processor (120) applies HIFU energy corresponding to a preset energy intensity to the human body (S101).

[0057] The processor (120) detects skin impedance in a skin contact state before applying HIFU energy to the human body, or in a skin contact state after applying HIFU energy to the human body (S102).

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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 skin impedance according to the skin condition before applying the HIFU energy to the human body or the skin condition after applying the HIFU energy to the human body, thereby enabling the application of high-frequency energy adjusted to suit the skin condition, thereby having the effect of improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method for a processor to perform energy application direction control in FIG. 1.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 7, when the hybrid cartridge (130) is driven after coming into contact with the human body (e.g., skin), the processor (120) applies HIFU energy corresponding to a preset energy intensity to the human body (S201).

[0063] At this time, the processor (120) moves the second area (131a) set on the surface area of ​​the hybrid cartridge (130), i.e., the HIFU energy application area, in the longitudinal direction in units of a designated spot distance, as described with reference to FIG. 3, and applies HIFU energy to the human body. For example, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that there are 9 spots to which HIFU energy is to be applied, and that the HIFU energy is applied while moving the spot distance in units of 100 ms.

[0064] The processor (120) checks the current application location of high-frequency energy (S202).

[0065] For example, check the spot that applies HIFU energy among the 9 spots set on the surface area of ​​the hybrid cartridge (130).

[0066] The processor (120) controls electrodes (i.e., positive / negative electrodes (+, -) formed in the first region (132a) and the third region (132b) on both sides of the spot location) to apply high-frequency energy to the location where HIFU energy is applied (i.e., the spot location where HIFU energy is applied) (S203).

[0067] That is, the processor (120) controls the HIFU module (131) to move in a spot distance unit and, when applying HIFU energy to the human body, applies high-frequency energy to the surroundings of the spot to which HIFU energy is applied through electrode control of the high-frequency module (132).

[0068] For example, the processor (120), as described with reference to FIG. 2, applies high-frequency energy to the human body after applying high-frequency energy to the surrounding human body to which the high-frequency energy has been applied. This has the effect of improving energy utilization efficiency by supporting the human body's ability to recover by generating heat around the human body (skin) that has been microscopically injured by the high-frequency energy.

[0069] 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

1. A hybrid cartridge in which a HIFU module for applying HIFU energy to the contacted skin and a high-frequency module for applying high-frequency energy to the contacted skin are formed integrally; and A hybrid skin care device comprising: a processor for controlling the energy intensity of each of the HIFU module and the high-frequency module of the hybrid cartridge, and the order and position of application of HIFU energy and high-frequency energy.

2. In paragraph 1, A hybrid skin care device further comprising a skin impedance detection module that detects the impedance of the skin in contact when the hybrid cartridge is driven.

3. In paragraph 1, The above processor, A hybrid skincare device characterized by sequentially and alternately applying HIFU energy and radiofrequency energy.

4. In paragraph 1, The above hybrid cartridge, The surface area that comes into contact with the skin is formed in a square shape, Three regions are divided lengthwise based on one side, and the second region, which is the central region, is set as the hyper energy application region. A hybrid skin care device characterized in that the first and third regions arranged on both sides of the second region are set as high-frequency energy application regions.

5. In paragraph 4, The above hybrid cartridge, A hybrid skin care device characterized in that a plurality of positive / negative electrodes (+, -) are respectively arranged to apply high-frequency energy to the first and third regions.

6. In paragraph 4, The above hybrid cartridge, The surface area is formed to be tightly adhered by an insulating film, A hybrid skin care device characterized in that the insulating film is transparent to HIFU energy and electrodes or circuits are printed or electronic components are attached to a designated area.

7. In paragraph 1, The above processor, A hybrid skin care device characterized in that the position of a HIFU energy output unit that outputs HIFU energy in the HIFU module is moved at a specified interval in a specified area, and HIFU energy is applied to the human body in units of spot distance.

8. In paragraph 1, The above processor, When the above hybrid cartridge comes into contact with the skin, it applies HIFU energy to the human body and detects the skin impedance value in the skin contact state. 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 hybrid 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 skin.

9. In paragraph 1, The above processor, When the above hybrid cartridge comes into contact with the skin, it applies HIFU energy to the human body, and the HIFU module moves and checks the application location of the HIFU energy being applied. A hybrid skin care device characterized in that it selectively controls positive / negative electrodes (+, -) formed in a high-frequency energy application area on both sides of the high-frequency energy application location, thereby applying high-frequency energy around the high-frequency energy application location.

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