Electrode Array for Uniform Dermal 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 issues and require excessive force, leading to collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A system with an electrode array that applies electromagnetic energy to the dermis through a carrier with a faceplate and movable electrodes, using independent power supplies and cooling surfaces to minimize energy impact on the epidermis and facilitate deep uniform heating, allowing for controlled energy delivery and reduced insertion force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser or chemical resurfacing is used to treat skin, then skin tightening and wrinkle reduction is achieved, but prolonged redness, infection risk, scarring, and unwanted energy delivery to the epidermis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the treatment system: the epidermis is protected through cooling mechanisms while the dermis receives heating energy for collagen tightening. This local differentiation allows selective treatment of target tissue while preserving non-target tissue integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment system segments the skin into epidermal and dermal layers, applying different energy treatments to each. The epidermis receives cooling protection while the dermis receives heating for collagen contraction, achieving layer-specific treatment effects.
2Reliability
If radiofrequency energy is applied to shrink collagen tissue, then cosmetic tightening effect is achieved, but cross-current paths between adjacent electrodes increase energy application to tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into individually controllable electrodes rather than treating all electrodes as a single unit. This allows independent control of energy delivery to each electrode, preventing cross-current paths and enabling precise energy dosing to specific tissue regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from collective electrode activation to individual electrode control. By independently adjusting the electrical parameters (voltage, current, timing) of each electrode, the system optimizes energy delivery and eliminates cross-current interference between adjacent electrodes.
3Reliability
If an electrode array with multiple electrodes is used to treat tissue, then deep uniform heating is achieved, but excessive force is required to penetrate tissue causing collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The force application is segmented and distributed across multiple individual electrodes rather than requiring uniform high force across the entire array. Each electrode can be inserted with controlled, lower force individually, reducing the total insertion force required while maintaining deep uniform heating through coordinated activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different insertion forces to different electrodes based on local tissue conditions. Softer or more compliant tissue regions receive electrodes with lower insertion force, while firmer regions may require slightly higher force, optimizing penetration without causing collateral damage.
4Reliability
If non-invasive energy delivery is used to treat dermis, then cosmetic tightening is achieved, but unwanted energy passes to the epidermis causing external burning
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling of the epidermis is performed preliminarily before energy delivery to the dermis. By pre-cooling the epidermal layer, the system creates a protective thermal barrier that prevents subsequent dermal heating energy from causing epidermal burning, enabling safe non-invasive treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary cooling as an anti-action to the subsequent heating process. This counteracting thermal effect protects the epidermis from the harmful effects of dermal heating, allowing the desired collagen tightening while preventing external burning.
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 complications and improving cosmetic outcomes with targeted energy delivery and minimized collateral damage.
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.