Multi-Protrusion RF Applicator for Controlled Skin Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical treatments using radio-frequency (RF) energy for skin tissue are limited in their ability to effectively create controlled patterns of sub-surface tissue ablation for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, particularly in creating precise and efficient treatments without extensive heat dissipation or damage to the skin surface.
Innovation Solution
A device with an applicator featuring an array of protrusions that generates channeling-type RF plasma discharges in a gap between the applicator and the skin surface, using a fluid medium to deliver RF energy to specific treatment regions, allowing for controlled ablation and tissue tightening through the creation of multiple perforations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional RF energy application methods are used for skin tissue treatment, then energy can be delivered to the tissue, but heat dissipation and damage to the skin surface occur
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator employs multiple discrete protrusions (e.g., 6-12 protrusions) arranged in an array, each capable of generating independent plasma discharge. This segmentation allows energy to be delivered through multiple localized points rather than a continuous surface, reducing heat dissipation and minimizing damage to the skin surface while maintaining effective treatment depth.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid medium (gas or liquid) is introduced between the protrusions and the skin surface to facilitate plasma discharge. This intermediary fluid enables RF energy transfer through controlled ionization, allowing energy delivery without direct contact between the applicator and skin, thereby reducing heat dissipation and surface damage.
2Area of stationary object
If multi-electrode configurations are used to apply electrical energy at multiple points, then treatment coverage increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protrusions are integrated into a single applicator body that connects to one RF power source. The protrusions share common electrical connections and control circuitry, allowing multi-point treatment coverage while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent electrode systems. The protrusions can be electrically connected in parallel or through a common ground, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The array of protrusions can be configured to treat different skin areas and conditions using the same basic device structure. By adjusting the arrangement, spacing, and activation patterns of the protrusions, the device can address various treatment zones without requiring separate specialized electrodes for each function.
3Use of energy by moving object
If RF plasma discharge is used to deliver energy to the skin, then energy delivery efficiency improves, but control precision of treatment patterns becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Each protrusion serves as an independent energy delivery point with localized plasma discharge control. The treatment pattern precision is achieved by selectively activating specific protrusions or adjusting their individual discharge parameters, allowing precise control over where energy is delivered while maintaining high overall energy efficiency through the plasma mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for medical treatment includes bringing an applicator, having an array of protrusions disposed thereon, into proximity with a skin surface of a patient so as to maintain a space between a plurality of the protrusions and the skin surface. Radio-frequency (RF) electrical power is applied to the applicator so as to cause electrical discharges to be generated, in response to the RF electrical power, between the plurality of the protrusions and respective points on the skin surface via a fluid medium in the space.