Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment and cooling cap therefor
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure KR2025004156_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment and cooling cap for the same
[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment and a cooling cap thereof, and more specifically, to an ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment in which a cooling cap is coupled to a handpiece tip to cool the treatment area, and a cooling cap thereof.
[0002]
[0003] Recently, skin and aesthetic medical devices are being developed using various energy sources. These include lasers, RF (radio frequency), and HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound). Among these, HIFU devices are a non-invasive treatment technique that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound technology to heat or ablate tissue by focusing high-intensity ultrasound waves onto target tissue, and are increasingly being used in aesthetic medicine for purposes such as skin lifting.
[0004] HIFU treatment has the advantage of causing thermal damage only to the treatment area where the ultrasound is focused, as it focuses high-intensity ultrasound energy onto a specific area beneath the skin to induce thermal denaturation only at the focal point, while not damaging the skin surface or surrounding tissues.
[0005] However, HIFU treatment can cause the skin to heat up during the process of inducing thermal denaturation within the skin, and due to the nature of ultrasound treatment, it can be accompanied by significant pain.
[0006] In this case, such problems can be alleviated by cooling the treatment area. For instance, cooling the skin not only suppresses heat generation at the treatment site but also dulls skin sensation, resulting in significantly less pain from the procedure.
[0007] However, conventional ultrasonic medical devices had limited internal space in the ultrasonic cartridge, making it difficult to incorporate a structure for skin cooling. Additionally, a passage to supply refrigerant is required for cooling, but there was also a problem in maintaining airtightness at the connection point between the handpiece and the ultrasonic cartridge when connecting the refrigerant passage from the handpiece to the ultrasonic cartridge.
[0008]
[0009] The technical problem to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment capable of cooling the treatment area during an ultrasonic procedure, and a cooling cap for the same.
[0010] Another technical problem to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment and a cooling cap therefor that can cool the treatment area without having a cooling means and a refrigerant flow path inside the ultrasonic cartridge, taking into account the narrow internal space of the ultrasonic cartridge.
[0011] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.
[0012]
[0013] An ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment according to embodiments of the present invention, for solving the above technical problem, comprises a main body that generates electrical energy and a handpiece that converts the electrical energy into ultrasound and irradiates it onto the skin. The handpiece comprises a wand connected to the main body by a cable to receive the electrical energy from the main body, and an ultrasonic cartridge coupled to the wand to convert the electrical energy into ultrasound and irradiate the converted ultrasound onto the skin through an acoustically transparent window. The ultrasonic cartridge may include a cooling cap coupled thereto, the cooling cap may include a housing having a hollow column shape with a space formed inside and a central part penetrating, and a refrigerant contained in the space.
[0014] A cooling cap for a medical device according to embodiments of the present invention, for solving the above technical problem, comprises a housing having a space formed therein and a refrigerant contained in said space, wherein the housing has a hollow column shape with a central opening and is coupled to a handpiece of a medical device that irradiates energy toward human skin, and can cool said skin through the contact surface of said housing that contacts said skin.
[0015]
[0016] According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, an ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment capable of cooling a treatment area during an ultrasonic procedure and a cooling cap for the same are provided.
[0017] In addition, since the cooling means is provided in a detachable manner to the ultrasonic cartridge, there is no need to allocate a separate space for cooling within the ultrasonic cartridge, and the cooling means can be applied directly to the existing ultrasonic cartridge without additional design changes or modifications.
[0018] In addition, since it provides a cooling cap with a structure that can be easily replaced during the procedure, if the temperature of the cooling cap in use rises, it can be replaced with a new one, thereby providing continuous cooling throughout the procedure.
[0019] In addition, the operator can use it by attaching the cooling cap to the ultrasound cartridge alone, eliminating the need for a separate cooling device or an assistant. This can contribute to lowering overall procedure costs and device maintenance costs.
[0020] The technical effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.
[0021]
[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment and a cooling cap for the same, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are drawings for explaining the internal structure of a cooling cap according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the external structure of a cooling cap according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a coupling structure between a cooling cap and a handpiece according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a coupling structure between a cooling cap and a handpiece according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0027]
[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the attached drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.
[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. The terms used herein are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text.
[0030] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the present invention. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by such terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "joined" between each component.
[0031] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment and a cooling cap for the same, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the ultrasonic medical device includes a main body (10) and a handpiece (20). The handpiece (20) includes an ultrasonic cartridge (22), and a detachable cooling cap (100) may be attached to the ultrasonic cartridge (22).
[0033] The main body (10) generates electrical energy as an energy source for skin treatment. The generated electrical energy is transferred to the handpiece (20). To this end, a cable for transferring electrical energy may be connected between the main body (10) and the handpiece (20).
[0034] In one embodiment, the main body (10) is equipped with a display and can display a user interface for operating a medical device on the display.
[0035] The handpiece (20) is configured to convert electrical energy provided by the main body (10) into ultrasound and irradiate it onto human skin, and may include a wand (21) connected to the main body (10) by a cable to receive electrical energy from the main body (10), and an ultrasound cartridge (22) coupled to the wand (21).
[0036] The wand (21) is the part where the operator holds the handpiece (20) during the ultrasonic procedure, and may be equipped with a control button for operating the ultrasonic cartridge (22).
[0037] The ultrasonic cartridge (22) includes a transducer (not shown) inside and converts the electrical energy received by the wand (21) into ultrasound through the transducer. The ultrasound converted by the transducer can be irradiated onto the skin through an acoustically transparent window provided on the output surface of the ultrasonic cartridge (22), that is, the surface that contacts the skin during the ultrasound procedure. Here, an acoustically transparent window refers to a component that transmits energy transmitted in the form of sound waves, such as ultrasound, with zero or low loss.
[0038] At this time, a cooling cap (100) can be attached to the ultrasonic cartridge (22).
[0039] The cooling cap (100) is a cover-shaped tip designed to be coupled to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), and the cooling cap (100) may be made of a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity.
[0040] The cooling cap (100) has a housing having a hollow column shape with a hollow center, and can be coupled to the ultrasonic cartridge (22) by inserting a protruding part of the ultrasonic cartridge (22) into the hollow part of the housing. To this end, the profile of the hollow boundary surface of the housing of the cooling cap (100) may have a shape that corresponds at least partially to the outer surface profile of the ultrasonic cartridge (22). When the cooling cap (100) is coupled to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), the acoustically transparent window of the ultrasonic cartridge (22) is located in the hollow part of the cooling cap (100).
[0041] Meanwhile, an empty space is formed inside the housing of the cooling cap (100), and a cold-cooled refrigerant can be accommodated in the empty space.
[0042] When an ultrasonic procedure is performed with the cooling cap (100) attached to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), the bottom surface of the cooling cap (100) comes into contact with the treatment area, specifically the skin near the treatment area. At this time, since the cooling cap (100) is cooled by the internal refrigerant, the treatment area or the surrounding skin is cooled by heat conduction through contact with the skin.
[0043] Meanwhile, the ultrasonic cartridge (22) may be provided in various types depending on the depth of the skin layer to be treated, and for each treatment, an ultrasonic cartridge (22) suitable for the current treatment purpose can be selected and attached to the wand (21). Even in this case, the cooling cap (100) can be used universally regardless of the type of ultrasonic cartridge (22) being replaced.
[0044] For example, since the cooling cap (100) is used by attaching it to the outer surface of the ultrasonic cartridge (22), it is not affected by changes in the internal components or design of the ultrasonic cartridge (22). Therefore, even if the ultrasonic cartridge (22) is replaced with a different type, the existing cooling cap (100) can be used as is as long as the outer profile of the ultrasonic cartridge (22) is standardized. This increases the usability of the cooling cap (100) and allows for a further reduction in the cost of introduction and maintenance.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling cap housing according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 2(a) illustrates an embodiment in which the cooling cap (100) has a single-wall housing (110), and FIG. 2(b) illustrates an embodiment in which the cooling cap (100) has a double-wall housing (110, 120).
[0047] First, referring to FIG. 2(a), the cooling cap (100) has only an outer first housing (110). A space (S) is formed inside the first housing (110), and the space (S) is filled with a refrigerant.
[0048] In one embodiment, the space (S) may be a sealed space in which fluid movement with the outside is blocked by the first housing (110).
[0049] The first housing (110) may be made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, and a portion of the space (S) may be left unfilled with refrigerant so as to cover volume fluctuations of the refrigerant due to phase changes of the refrigerant contained therein.
[0050] In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may be made of a material made of stainless steel, titanium, copper and / or a combination thereof.
[0051] The refrigerant is a substance contained within the space (S) of the housing (110) and acts as a cooling source for the cooling cap (100). Since the refrigerant must be contained within the sealed space (S) of the cooling cap (100), it should preferably have a small volume change and a low freezing point so that there is no phase change during normal storage or use. In addition, it is desirable for the refrigerant to have a large heat capacity to maintain the cooling effect of the cooling cap (100) for a long time. Meanwhile, gaseous refrigerants are not suitable as the refrigerant for the cooling cap (100) according to the present invention because they require a pressure system for heat circulation, and a refrigerant that is liquid at room temperature is suitable.
[0052] In one embodiment, the refrigerant may be a substance that is liquid at room temperature, does not undergo a phase change at room temperature to -20°C, and has a heat capacity of 50 J / K or more.
[0053] As one embodiment, the refrigerant may include tetrafluoroethane, R1234yf, isobutane, and / or chlorodifluoromethane.
[0054] Meanwhile, if a single-wall structure cooling cap (100) is adopted as in (a) of FIG. 2, the internal structure is simple, so the manufacturing cost of the cooling cap (100) can be low. However, in this case, there may be a problem with condensation occurring. That is, because the temperature difference between the internal refrigerant and the external atmosphere is large with the first housing (110) in between, condensation may occur on the outer surface of the cooling cap (100).
[0055] Condensation is a phenomenon in which moisture contained in the air condenses into water droplets when air comes into contact with a cold surface, and it can occur more easily when the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the surface is large. If condensation occurs on the outer surface of the cooling cap (100), water droplets may fall on the patient's face or skin during the procedure, causing discomfort. In addition, there is a possibility that the cartridge (22) may be damaged due to moisture caused by condensation, and water droplets falling onto the skin may seep into the treatment area, reducing the effectiveness of the ultrasound treatment.
[0056] FIG. 2(b) illustrates a double-walled housing (110, 120) for preventing condensation on a cooling cap (100). Referring to FIG. 2, the cooling cap (100) includes a first housing (110) and a second housing (120).
[0057] The first housing (110) is configured to come into contact with the outer surface (22) of the ultrasonic cartridge when the cooling cap (100) is coupled to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), and defines a first space (S1) inside that is separated from the outside of the cooling cap (100). The first housing (110) may also be referred to as the outer wall of the cooling cap (100).
[0058] The second housing (120) is a configuration formed within the first space (S1) and is completely surrounded by the first housing (110) so as not to be exposed to the outside of the cooling cap (100). The second housing (120) defines a second space (S2) inside that is separated from the first space (S1), and in this embodiment, a refrigerant can be contained within the second space (S2). The second housing (120) may also be referred to as the inner wall of the cooling cap (100).
[0059] The first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the first space (S1) can also be defined as the space between the housing (110) and the second housing (120).
[0060] In one embodiment, the cooling cap (100) may include a spacer (130) for maintaining a gap between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).
[0061] As shown in Fig. 2(b), if the cooling cap (100) is configured as a double-wall structure of a first housing (110) and a second housing (120), condensation caused by the temperature difference between the refrigerant and the outside air mainly occurs on the outer surface of the second housing (120) (i.e., the second space (S2) portion), and almost no condensation occurs on the outer surface of the first housing (110).
[0062] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing various embodiments for improving thermal conductivity when the cooling cap (100) is configured as a double-wall structure.
[0063] If a double-wall structure is adopted to prevent condensation on the cooling cap (100), condensation on the outside of the cooling cap (100) can be prevented, but the cooling effect may be reduced because the cold air of the refrigerant is transferred through the first space (S1). To improve this, the following embodiments may be applied.
[0064] FIG. 3(a) is a drawing showing an embodiment according to one embodiment of the present invention, having a heat conduction portion (141) between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) of a cooling cap (100).
[0065] Referring to FIG. 3(a), the heat conduction part (141) is provided in a first space (S1), which is a spaced-apart space between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), and is configured to partially connect the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), and can serve to better transfer the coldness of the refrigerant contained in the second housing (120) to the first housing (110) in contact with the skin.
[0066] In one embodiment, the heat conduction part (141) may be composed of a metal material with high thermal conductivity. When a heat conduction path between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) is provided by the heat conduction part (141), cold air from the refrigerant is transferred more effectively to the first housing (110), thereby improving the cooling effect.
[0067] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), if a heat conduction part (141) made of metal material is provided, the heat conduction between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) can be effectively increased, but the processing cost of the cooling cap (100) is increased, which may increase the manufacturing cost.
[0068] FIG. 3(b) shows an embodiment for increasing the thermal conductivity between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) without providing a metal thermal conductive part (141) inside the cooling cap (100).
[0069] In FIG. 3(b), one or more holes are formed in the first housing (110), and an opening / closing part (142) is provided to close or open the holes. When the opening / closing part (142) is opened to open the holes, cold water can be injected through the holes to fill the first space (S1) with cold water.
[0070] In this case, the low-temperature water acts as a heat-conducting material, thereby increasing the heat conductivity between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).
[0071] In one embodiment, the opening / closing part (142) may be made of silicone or rubber material so that when closed, the one or more holes are well sealed.
[0072] FIG. 4 is a side view and a bottom view of a cooling cap according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0073] The first housing (110) of the cooling cap (100) may be made of a metal material. Since the second housing (120) is not mentioned in this embodiment, the first housing (110) will be briefly referred to as the housing (110).
[0074] When the cooling cap (100) is combined with the ultrasonic cartridge (22), the acoustically transparent window (W) of the ultrasonic cartridge (22) is located in the hollow portion of the housing (110).
[0075] The housing (110) may include a stem portion (A) and a skin contact portion (B). The stem portion (A) is a part that is coupled to the ultrasonic cartridge (22) and may be provided with a configuration for securing the cooling cap (100) to the ultrasonic cartridge (22). The skin contact portion (B) is a part that directly contacts the skin of the patient to transmit cold air to the skin.
[0076] In one embodiment, the housing (110) may include a first portion (P1) whose outer diameter increases or decreases as it progresses in a first direction (i.e., the direction of the skin), which is the direction of ultrasonic irradiation. The first portion (P1) may include a skin contact portion (B). Additionally, the housing (110) may further include a second portion (P2) whose outer diameter is constant along the length direction. The second portion (P2) may include a stem portion (A).
[0077] FIG. 4(a) illustrates an embodiment in which the outer diameter of the first part (P1) decreases as it proceeds in the first direction. FIG. 4(a) is an embodiment proposed to maximize the field of view of the treatment area.
[0078] Since the cooling cap (100) according to the present invention is in the form of being placed over the ultrasonic cartridge (22), the area around the treatment site is covered by the cooling cap (100) or the housing (110), thereby limiting the field of view of the treatment site. This may hinder the operator from accurately identifying the treatment site.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 4(a), if the housing (110) is manufactured such that the outer diameter of the first part (P1) decreases as it proceeds in the first direction, the best possible view of the treatment area and / or its surroundings can be secured. In this case, the skin contact part (B) has a smaller outer diameter than the stem part (A).
[0080] FIG. 4(b) illustrates an embodiment in which the outer diameter of the first part (P1) increases as it proceeds in the first direction. FIG. 4(b) is an embodiment proposed to maximize the cooling effect on the treatment site.
[0081] Since the cooling cap (100) according to the present invention has a structure in which the skin contact portion (B) comes into contact with the skin and transmits cold air, the larger the surface area of the skin contact portion (B), the more excellent the cooling effect is exhibited.
[0082] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4(b), if the housing (110) is manufactured such that the outer diameter of the first part (P1) increases as it proceeds in the first direction, it can have a large area of skin contact portion (B), thereby increasing the cooling effect. In this case, the skin contact portion (B) has a larger outer diameter than the stem portion (A).
[0083] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, an undercut (C) may be formed in at least a part of the first part (P1) or the skin contact part (B).
[0084] As shown in FIG. 4(b), while increasing the surface area of the skin contact portion (B) may increase the cooling effect, it also restricts the field of view of the treatment area. Therefore, to compensate for this, an undercut (C) for securing a field of view can be formed at any location of the first portion (P1) or the skin contact portion (B), as shown in FIG. 4(b).
[0085] According to this, a high cooling effect is achieved through a large area of skin contact (B), while simultaneously ensuring sufficient visibility of the treatment area through an undercut (C).
[0086] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a coupling structure between a cooling cap and a handpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an example of coupling a cooling cap (100) to a handpiece (20) using a magnetic module (23, 150) is illustrated.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, the ultrasonic cartridge (22) of the handpiece (20) may include a first magnetic module (23), and the cooling cap (100) may include a second magnetic module (150). In this case, the first magnetic module (23) and the second magnetic module (150) are magnets, and a magnetic attraction may act between the first magnetic module (23) and the second magnetic module (150). For example, the first magnetic module (23) and the second magnetic module (150) may be magnets of different polarities (e.g., permanent magnets).
[0088] In one embodiment, the first magnetic module (23) may be a strip or block-shaped magnet provided along the outer surface of the ultrasonic cartridge (22).
[0089] In one embodiment, the second magnetic module (150) may be a strip or block-shaped magnet provided along the hollow boundary surface of the housing (110) of the cooling cap (100).
[0090] In one embodiment, the first magnetic module (23) and / or the second magnetic module (150) may include neodymium, ferrite, alnico, and / or samarium cobalt, etc.
[0091] According to this, when the cooling cap (100) is coupled to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), a magnetic attraction is exerted between the first magnetic module (23) and the second magnetic module (150), thereby enabling the cooling cap (100) to be fixed to the ultrasonic cartridge (22).
[0092] Meanwhile, if the first magnetic module (23) and the second magnetic module (150) are composed of permanent magnets, it may be difficult to set the magnetic force to an appropriate level.
[0093] For example, if the first magnetic module (23) and / or the second magnetic module (150) are composed of magnets with strong magnetic force, the mutual attraction is strong so that the cooling cap (100) can be securely fixed to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), but there may be difficulties when attempting to detach the cooling cap (100) after use or for replacement.
[0094] Conversely, if the first magnetic module (23) and / or the second magnetic module (150) are configured with magnets of weak magnetic force, the cooling cap (100) can be easily detached after use or when replacing, but the fixing force of the cooling cap (100) is weak, making it difficult to securely fix the cooling cap (100) to the ultrasonic cartridge (22).
[0095] An alternative embodiment for this is described in FIG. 6.
[0096] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an embodiment in which the first magnetic module (23) is configured as an electromagnet circuit. FIG. 6 (a) illustrates an example in which the first magnetic module (23) is configured only as an electromagnet circuit, and FIG. 6 (b) illustrates an example in which the first magnetic module (23) is configured as an electromagnet circuit (23a) and a permanent magnet (23b) with a weak magnetic force.
[0097] First, referring to FIG. 6(a), the handpiece (20) may include a wand (21), an ultrasonic cartridge (22), a first magnetic module (23), and an operating button (24).
[0098] The first magnetic module (23) can be controlled by an operating button (24) and can be configured as an electromagnet circuit. An electromagnet is a magnet that forms a magnetic field while current flows, and the magnetic field disappears when current does not flow. Since the electromagnet is magnetic only when current flows, it is used in places where the magnetic field needs to be controlled, and since the strength of the electromagnet's magnetic field can be controlled, it is possible to implement an electromagnet that exhibits a strong magnetic field.
[0099] The operation button (24) is a button that activates or deactivates the first magnetic module (23) through an on / off operation, and may be provided on the wand (21). When the operation button (24) is turned on, the first magnetic module (23) is activated and a magnetic field is formed around the first magnetic module (23). When the operation button (24) is turned off, the first magnetic module (23) is deactivated and the magnetic field around the first magnetic module (23) disappears.
[0100] When attaching the cooling cap (100) to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), the operator controls the operating button (24) to activate the first magnetic module (23). At this time, a magnetic field is formed around the first magnetic module (23), and accordingly, a magnetic attraction acts between the first magnetic module (23) and the second magnetic module (150) to firmly secure the cooling cap (100) to the ultrasonic cartridge (22).
[0101] When separating the cooling cap (100) from the ultrasound cartridge (22), the operator controls the operating button (24) to deactivate the first magnetic module (23). At this time, the magnetic field around the first magnetic module (23) is extinguished, and accordingly, no magnetic attraction acts between the first magnetic module (23) and the second magnetic module (150), so that the cooling cap (100) can be easily separated from the ultrasound cartridge (22).
[0102] Meanwhile, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6(a), if the operator unintentionally presses the operating button (24) during the procedure and the first magnetic module (23) is deactivated, there is a possibility that the cooling cap (100) will be immediately removed and fall onto the patient's face, causing injury.
[0103] As a complementary embodiment to this, an embodiment in which a permanent magnet (23b) with a weak magnetic force is further included in the first magnetic module (23) is described with reference to FIG. 6 (b).
[0104] Referring to FIG. 6(b), the first magnetic module (23) includes a permanent magnet (23b) with a weak magnetic force together with an electromagnet circuit (23a).
[0105] Here, the meaning of a permanent magnet (23b) with a weak magnetic force is a permanent magnet having a magnetic force less than or equal to a predetermined strength, and means a permanent magnet having a magnetic force such that, although it can fix the cooling cap (100) when the cooling cap (100) is coupled to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), the fixing force is weak, and the cooling cap (100) can be separated even if only a slight external force is applied. The magnetic force value of the permanent magnet (23b) with a weak magnetic force can be determined differently depending on the weight of the cooling cap (100) and the magnetic force strength of the second magnetic module (150), and once the specific detailed design specifications of the cooling cap (100) are determined, the magnetic force value of the permanent magnet (23b) with a weak magnetic force can also be determined to a specific value accordingly.
[0106] The operation of the operating button (24) and the operation of the electromagnet circuit (23a) accordingly are the same as those described in (a) of FIG. 6.
[0107] That is, the electromagnet circuit (23a) of the first magnetic module (23) is activated or deactivated by the on / off operation of the operating button (24). When the cooling cap (100) is attached to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), the operator controls the operating button (24) to activate the electromagnet circuit (23a). When the cooling cap (100) is detached from the ultrasonic cartridge (22), the operator controls the operating button (24) to deactivate the electromagnet circuit (23a).
[0108] However, since the present embodiment is additionally equipped with a permanent magnet (23b) with a weak magnetic force, the operation of the operating button (24) and the connection and / or separation of the cooling cap (100) can be made more stable.
[0109] For example, when attaching the cooling cap (100) to the ultrasonic cartridge (22), it may be possible to attach the cooling cap (100) to the cartridge (22) before turning on the operating button (24) to activate the electromagnet circuit (23a). At this time, the cooling cap (100) is fixed to the ultrasonic cartridge (22) with a weak force by the permanent magnet (23b) with a weak magnetic force, even though the operating button (24) has not yet been operated. Subsequently, when the operating button (24) is turned on to activate the electromagnet circuit (23a), a strong magnetic field is formed by the electromagnet circuit (23a), thereby firmly fixing the cooling cap (100) to the ultrasonic cartridge (22).
[0110] As another example, when the cooling cap (100) is removed from the ultrasonic cartridge (22), the cooling cap (100) is weakly fixed to the ultrasonic cartridge (22) by a permanent magnet (23b) with a weak magnetic force, even if the operating button (24) is turned off. Therefore, even if the operating button (24) is accidentally pressed during the procedure, the cooling cap (100) is not immediately removed, and thus, unexpected accidents caused by errors in operating the operating button (24) can be prevented.
[0111] Meanwhile, when the cooling cap (100) is separated from the ultrasonic cartridge (22) by applying a small external force while the operating button (24) is off, the fixing force by the weak magnetic permanent magnet (23b) is not large, so the cooling cap (100) can be separated without difficulty.
[0112] According to the embodiments of the present invention described so far, an ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment capable of cooling a treatment area during an ultrasonic procedure and a cooling cap for the same may be provided. In particular, since the cooling means is provided in a detachable manner to the ultrasonic cartridge, it is not necessary to allocate a separate space for cooling within the ultrasonic cartridge, and the cooling means can be applied directly to an existing ultrasonic cartridge without additional design changes or modifications.
[0113] In addition, it provides a cooling cap with a structure that allows for easy replacement during the procedure; if the temperature of the cap in use rises, it can be replaced with a new one, thereby providing continuous cooling throughout the entire procedure. Furthermore, since the operator can attach the cooling cap to the ultrasound cartridge by themselves, it eliminates the need for a separate cooling device or an assistant, which can contribute to lowering overall procedure costs and device maintenance expenses.
[0114] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the technical concept defined by the present invention.
[0115]
[0116] Explanation of symbols
[0117] 10: Main body 20: Handpiece
[0118] 21: Wand 22: Ultrasonic cartridge
[0119] 23: 1st Magnetic Module 23a: Electromagnet Circuit
[0120] 23b: Permanent magnet 24: Operation button
[0121] 100: Cooling cap 110: Housing, first housing
[0122] 120: Second Housing 130: Spacer
[0123] 141: Heat conduction part 142: Switching part
[0124] 150: Second magnetic module S: Space
[0125] S1: First space S2: Second space
[0126] W: Acoustic-transmitting window A: Stem
[0127] B: Skin contact area C: Undercut
[0128] P1: Part 1 P2: Part 2
Claims
1. A main body that generates electrical energy; and It includes a handpiece that converts the above electrical energy into ultrasound and irradiates it onto the skin, and The above handpiece is, A wand connected to the main body via a cable to receive electrical energy from the main body; and It includes an ultrasonic cartridge coupled to the above wand, which converts the electrical energy into the ultrasonic waves and irradiates the converted ultrasonic waves onto the skin through an acoustically transparent window. The above ultrasonic cartridge is coupled with a cooling cap, and The above cooling cap is, A housing having a hollow column shape with a space formed inside and a central part penetrating; and including a refrigerant accommodated in the above space, Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
2. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling cap is, The profile of the hollow boundary surface of the above housing has a shape that corresponds at least partially to the outer surface profile of the above ultrasonic cartridge, Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
3. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling cap is, A first housing that contacts the outer surface of the ultrasonic cartridge when the cooling cap is coupled to the ultrasonic cartridge and defines a first space inside that is separated from the outside of the cooling cap; and It includes a second housing that is formed within the first space and defines a second space within that is separated from the first space, and The first housing and the second housing are at least partially spaced apart from each other, The above refrigerant is accommodated within the above second space, Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
4. In Paragraph 3, The above cooling cap is, A heat conduction member further comprising partially connecting the first housing and the second housing and providing a heat conduction path between the first housing and the second housing. Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
5. In Paragraph 1, The above refrigerant is, A substance that is liquid at room temperature, does not undergo a phase change from room temperature to -20°C, and has a heat capacity of 50 J / K or more, Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
6. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, A first portion having an outer diameter that increases as it progresses in the first direction, which is the direction of irradiation of the above ultrasound, Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
7. In Paragraph 6, An undercut is formed in at least a portion of the first part above. Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
8. In Paragraph 1, The above ultrasonic cartridge includes a first magnetic module, and The above cooling cap further includes a second magnetic module, and The above cooling cap is, Fixed to the ultrasonic cartridge by the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic module and the second magnetic module, Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned second magnetic module is, A magnet in the form of a strip or block provided along the hollow boundary surface of the housing, Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
10. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned first magnetic module is, Includes an electromagnet circuit whose operation is controlled by the operation of an operating button, Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
11. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned first magnetic module is, A strip or block-shaped magnet provided along the outer surface of the above ultrasonic cartridge, Ultrasonic medical device for skin treatment.
12. In a cooling cap for a medical device, Housing with a space formed inside; and It includes a refrigerant accommodated in the above space, and The above housing is, A hollow column having a hollow column shape with a through hole in the center, coupled to a handpiece of a medical device that irradiates energy toward human skin, and cooling the skin through the contact surface of the housing that contacts the skin. Cooling cap for medical devices.
13. In Paragraph 12, The above medical device is an ultrasonic medical device that irradiates ultrasound onto the skin to cause thermal denaturation in human body tissues, and The above medical device is, A main body that generates electrical energy; and It includes a handpiece that converts the above electrical energy into ultrasound and irradiates it onto the skin, and The above handpiece is, A wand connected to the main body via a cable to receive electrical energy from the main body; and It includes an ultrasonic cartridge coupled to the above wand, which converts the electrical energy into ultrasound and irradiates the converted ultrasound onto the skin through an acoustically transparent window. The above housing is coupled to the above ultrasonic cartridge, Cooling cap for medical devices.