Conductive Rollers for RF Skin Tightening Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive skin treatment methods using suction and RF energy are painful due to friction, and lotions used to reduce friction can interfere with the device's operation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a vacuum chamber and parallel rollers that inhibit airflow, allowing for RF energy transmission through conductive rollers, with a system to control energy based on air pressure and movement, reducing friction and improving treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lotion is applied to reduce friction during skin treatment, then friction and pain are reduced, but the lotion is sucked into the device and interferes with its electrical and mechanical operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic element (lotion) from the system by using rollers that generate friction without requiring external lubrication. The rollers themselves provide the necessary friction control through their material properties and design, eliminating the need for lotion that would otherwise be sucked into the device and cause interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers serve as an intermediary between the suction chamber and the skin surface. They mediate the friction interaction by providing controlled contact with the skin through their specific material composition and surface properties, eliminating the need for lotion as a mediator while preventing pain and friction damage.
2Area of stationary object
If the device is moved around the skin to treat large areas, then treatment coverage is improved, but friction and pain are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rollers that can rotate and adapt to the skin surface during device movement. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to be moved across large treatment areas while the rollers continuously adjust to maintain optimal contact, reducing friction and pain compared to static contact methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers are designed with specific material properties and surface parameters that can be adjusted or selected based on treatment requirements. By changing the friction parameters of the roller surfaces, the device can treat large areas efficiently while maintaining comfortable friction levels that prevent pain.
3Reliability
If suction is applied to draw skin into the chamber for treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but friction and pain are aggravated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treatment interface into distinct components: the suction chamber for applying vacuum and the separate rollers for providing controlled friction contact. This segmentation allows the suction to draw skin into the chamber for effective treatment while the rollers independently manage friction levels to prevent pain, resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and patient comfort.
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
The solution effectively reduces friction and pain during skin treatment, allowing for efficient and cost-effective treatment of large areas with minimal interference, while preventing lotion from entering the device.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump configured to add and remove air to and from the vacuum chamber
Implementation Method 2
applies suction to the skin to draw it into a chamber
Implementation Method 3
an RF energy source operably coupled to at least one of the rollers and configured to transmit RF energy to the at least one roller
Implementation Method 4
the surface of at least one of the rollers is an electrical conductor
Implementation Method 5
the point of contact between each of the rollers and the skin inhibits air flow into and out of the vacuum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method used for medical and/or cosmetic treatment of a tissue, such as skin tightening, skin laxity and/or wrinkle reduction and or other skin flaws, including an energy source, a vacuum chamber and rollers which may facilitate easy sliding of the apparatus from one treated area to another. The rollers may also prevent excessive friction of the skin during the treatment. The energy source can be configured to emit energy based on the position of the apparatus on the skin (i.e., the position of the rollers), as well as the pressure within the vacuum chamber. The vacuum level and energy emission can be changed or pulsed based on the treatment regime.