Electrode Array for Targeted Dermis Heating and Epidermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic treatments for skin wrinkling and sagging, such as laser or chemical resurfacing, often cause prolonged redness, infection risk, scarring, and unwanted energy delivery to the epidermis, while radiofrequency energy systems may experience cross-current paths and require excessive force, leading to collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A system with an electrode array that applies electromagnetic energy to the dermis at an oblique angle, using a cooling surface and independent power supply for each electrode pair to minimize energy delivery to the epidermis, allowing for deep uniform heating and controlled collagen contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If radiofrequency energy is applied to treat dermis, then collagen shrinks and skin tightens, but excessive energy passes to epidermis causing unwanted collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array segments the energy delivery system into multiple independent electrode pairs, each controlled by separate power supplies. This segmentation allows precise control of energy delivery to different depth zones, concentrating heating in the dermis while protecting the epidermis through independent channel control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different energy levels and control strategies to different spatial locations. The electrode pairs are configured with varying spacing and orientation to create localized heating zones within the dermis, while the epidermis receives minimal or no energy through selective activation and cooling measures.
2Area of stationary object
If electrode array surface area is increased to treat larger area, then more collagen can be treated, but greater force is required to penetrate tissue causing bed-of-nails sensation and collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The large electrode array is segmented into multiple smaller electrode pairs arranged in a grid pattern. This segmentation distributes the insertion force across many small contact points rather than requiring concentrated force on fewer points, reducing the bed-of-nails sensation while maintaining large treatment coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode spacing and configuration parameters are optimized to balance treatment area coverage with insertion force requirements. By adjusting the spacing between electrode pairs and their individual dimensions, the system achieves effective large-area treatment without excessive force application.
3Productivity
If adjacent electrodes are placed close together to increase treatment density, then more collagen fibers are treated, but cross-current paths form between adjacent electrodes increasing energy application
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array uses independently controlled electrode pairs with sufficient spacing between adjacent pairs. This segmentation prevents cross-current paths by ensuring that current flows primarily through the intended tissue depth between paired electrodes rather than laterally between adjacent electrodes, maintaining treatment density while reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces passive electrode placement with active electronic control of each electrode pair through independent power supplies. This allows precise control of current flow paths, substituting electronic management for purely mechanical electrode configuration to prevent cross-current energy loss.
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 system effectively tightens skin by heating collagen in the dermis without damaging the epidermis, reducing the risk of collateral damage and improving cosmetic appearance through targeted energy delivery and controlled collagen remodeling.
Implementation Method 1
Lax et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,596 describes the use of radio frequency energy to shrink collagen tissue
Implementation Method 2
Thermage, Inc. of Hayward Calif. also holds patents and sells devices for systems for capacitive coupling of electrodes to deliver a controlled amount of radiofrequency energy. This controlled delivery of RF energy creates an electric field that generates 'resistive heating' in the skin
Implementation Method 3
This controlled delivery of RF energy creates an electric field that generates 'resistive heating' in the skin to produce cosmetic effects while cooling the epidermis to prevent external burning of the epidermis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.