Non-Contact Capacitive Electrode Subcutaneous Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-invasive methods for subcutaneous fat reduction and skin tightening often require direct contact with the skin, leading to bio-compatibility issues, the need for active cooling, and risk of burns, while invasive methods are painful and traumatic with undesirable side effects.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact system using capacitive electrodes to transmit electromagnetic energy into subcutaneous tissue for selective deep heating, reducing the volume of lipid-rich cells and remodeling collagen, without physical contact or continuous applicator movement, allowing passive skin cooling and simultaneous treatment of large areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If direct contact with skin is used for subcutaneous treatment, then electromagnetic energy can be transmitted effectively, but bio-compatibility issues arise and active cooling is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic energy transmission efficiencyVSAvoidbio-compatibility issues and skin damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium between the capacitive electrodes and the skin surface. This air gap allows electromagnetic energy to penetrate the skin effectively while preventing direct contact between the electrodes and skin, thereby eliminating bio-compatibility issues and the need for active cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If invasive methods are used for fat reduction, then fat removal is effective, but pain and trauma occur with undesirable side effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefat removal effectivenessVSAvoidpain and trauma
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical invasive methods (such as surgical liposuction) with a non-invasive electromagnetic field-based system. The capacitive electrodes generate electromagnetic energy that penetrates the skin and selectively heats subcutaneous fat tissue, causing lipolysis without mechanical trauma, pain, or surgical side effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If non-invasive heating methods are used, then fat tissue can be heated, but skin cooling is required to prevent damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubcutaneous tissue heatingVSAvoidactive cooling requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air gap acts as a thermal insulator that prevents heat transfer from the electrodes to the skin surface. This allows the system to heat subcutaneous tissue effectively while the air medium naturally isolates the skin from excessive heat, eliminating the need for complex active cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If applicator moves continuously during treatment, then treatment area coverage is improved, but user attention and operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment area coverageVSAvoidcontinuous movement requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs capacitive electrodes with a large surface area that can be positioned statically on the skin. The electromagnetic field generated by these electrodes penetrates deeply into the subcutaneous tissue, allowing treatment of large areas without continuous movement. The system transitions from dynamic manual operation to static positioning with automated treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method effectively reduces subcutaneous fat and tightens skin without the need for direct contact or active cooling, enhancing patient comfort and reducing costs, while promoting collagen remodeling and skin rejuvenation.

Implementation Method 1

Electromagnetic energy is transmitted from the applicators into the subcutaneous tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The subcutaneous tissue is heated via the electromagnetic energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

capacitive electrodes to transmit electromagnetic energy into subcutaneous tissue for selective deep heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2780080B1Systems for subcutaneous treatments
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 BTL HLDG
  • EP2780080B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2780080B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Methods for focused remodeling and downsizing the volume of subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, body contouring, and tightening skin tissue, using controlled heating of the targeted areas on the body. The electromagnetic energy heats the subcutaneous tissues which provides the desired effect. The electromagnetic energy is applied via an applicator without touching the skin. A spacer of insulating or dielectric material may be provided between the applicator and the skin.