Pneumatic Skin Vibration Apparatus for Cellulite Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for cellulite, such as Endermologie, are invasive, cause temporary bruising, and are not suitable for pregnant women or those with sensitive skin, while existing creams and liposuction provide limited or temporary improvements, and mesotherapy is costly and invasive.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive apparatus using a suction device with a pressure differential to create oscillating pressure within a chamber, causing skin vibrations that target subcutaneous fat layers, adjustable in frequency and pressure, with interchangeable cups for different body areas and a foot pedal for control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aggressive massage technique (Endermologie) is used to treat cellulite, then fat cells can be broken down, but temporary bruising occurs and it is not suitable for pregnant women or those with sensitive skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecellulite treatment effectivenessVSAvoidskin bruising and discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the aggressive mechanical roller massage system with a pneumatic system using alternating positive and negative pressure applied through a suction cup. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact and friction that causes bruising, while still achieving fat cell breakdown through pressure-induced vibration and cavitation effects in the subcutaneous tissue.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a pneumatic mechanism where a handpiece delivers alternating positive and negative pressure through a cup to the treatment area. This pneumatic system creates oscillating pressure waves that penetrate the skin and subcutaneous fat, breaking down fat cells without the mechanical trauma associated with roller massage, making it safe for sensitive skin and pregnant women.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Quantity of substance

If liposuction is used to remove deep fat, then fat can be removed, but it is not effective for cellulite or adipose tissue close to the skin surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefat removalVSAvoidcellulite treatment effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies localized pressure treatment through a cup that concentrates positive and negative pressure waves directly on the subcutaneous adipose tissue and cellulite areas. This localized pneumatic action targets only the superficial fat and connective tissue structures responsible for cellulite, without the need for invasive surgical removal of deep fat, thereby treating cellulite effectively while preserving deep fat structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If mesotherapy is used to inject micro mixtures into the middle layer of skin, then fat cells can be broken down, but it is costly and invasive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefat cell breakdownVSAvoidtreatment invasiveness and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the invasive needle injection system of mesotherapy with a non-invasive pneumatic system. Instead of mechanically injecting substances through needles, the invention uses alternating positive and negative pressure waves to create vibration and cavitation effects that break down fat cells naturally, eliminating the need for needles, injections, and associated pharmaceutical costs.

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

4Reliability

If Endermologie uses strong massage pressure to treat cellulite, then treatment effectiveness is achieved, but operator strain and repetitive stress injury occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecellulite treatment effectivenessVSAvoidoperator physical strain
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical roller system requiring operator physical force with an automated pneumatic system. The handpiece generates alternating positive and negative pressure automatically, eliminating the need for operators to apply strong manual pressure, thereby preventing operator strain and repetitive stress injuries while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

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

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 apparatus effectively reduces cellulite by breaking apart fat cells and releasing water, minimizing discomfort and operator strain, suitable for various skin types and areas, with adjustable settings for personalized treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure differential device adapted to produce a pressure differential

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

whereby an oscillating pressure is produced within said chamber which causes said skin to vibrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillating pressure: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS8500661B2Apparatus and method of body contouring and skin conditioning
Publication Date: 2013.08.06 DIAMOND MEDICAL AESTHETICS PTY LTD
  • US8500661B2 patent drawing
  • US8500661B2 patent drawing
  • US8500661B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides an apparatus and method of body contouring and skin conditioning. The apparatus 10 treats cellulite and the like by producing vibrations in the subcutaneous layers of fat. A cup 18 of handpiece 16 is placed against the skin to create a chamber 60. A vacuum source 160 and compressor 162, which are in communication with chamber 60, are then controlled to produce an oscillating pressure within the chamber 60. This vibration of the skin surface is transferred through the dermal layers thereby influencing fluid retention and cellulite build up.